SAR imaging of moving targets

A method of forming synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of moving targets without using any specific knowledge of the target motion is presented. The new method uses a unique processing kernel that involves a one-dimensional interpolation of the deramped phase history which we call keystone formatting. This preprocessing simultaneously eliminates the effects of linear range migration for all moving targets regardless of their unknown velocity. Step two of the moving target imaging technique involves a two-dimensional focusing of the movers to remove residual quadratic range migration errors. The third and last step removes cubic and higher order defocusing terms. This imaging technique is demonstrated using SAR data collected as part of DARPA's Moving Target Exploitation (MTE) program     

Moving target imaging algorithm for SAR data

A digital processing algorithm for fine-resolution imaging of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) moving targets is described. The targets may have any translational and rotational motion components relative to the data collection platform. The algorithm requires the presence of up to three prominent points in the image of the target; the signals from these points provide estimates of the unknown target motion parameters. Phase compensation and data formatting based on these estimates eliminate motion-induced phase errors. This algorithm has been implemented on a VAX computer and used to process both simulated and real SAR data of moving targets. Results obtained using the simulated data are presented     

Theory and experiments on hard-limited SAR imaging

Known results in the area of hard-limited array theory are extended and generalized for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) applications in order to obtain a significant reduction of the required transmission channel bandwidth. The results provide a theoretical basis for subsequent numerical experiments related to the SIR-B mission. The SAR signal is hard-limited (at the offset frequency, after the heterodyne process) and filtered, and the restored signal is processed in the conventional way to obtain the image of the pertinent scene. Results of this experiment may be useful in assessing image degradation due to 1-b coding     

一种孔径和频率二维稀疏的步进频SAR成像方法

 步进频率信号(SFWs)在不增加雷达系统瞬时带宽的情况下能够获得高的距离向分辨率的同时,也存在着抗干扰能力较差及其等效重复频率较低的问题,并且在方位向积累时间内由于雷达载机工作状态的变化,会导致方位向的数据录取不完整。针对上述问题,提出一种孔径和频率二维稀疏的步进频合成孔径雷达(SAR)成像方法。首先,分析了稀疏步进频率信号(SSFWs)的SAR成像模型,然后基于压缩感知理论完成距离向成像处理。其次,针对稀疏孔径的回波数据,通过构造成像算子和压缩感知重建模型的方法实现其距离徙动校正和方位压缩处理,进而获得二维成像结果。相比于传统的步进频率信号SAR成像,利用所提方法能够在少量的频率资源和雷达回波数据情况下实现准确的SAR成像。最后,通过对仿真和实测的步进频率雷达数据进行成像处理,验证了所提方法的有效性和可行性。     

Super resolution SAR imaging via parametric spectral estimationmethods

Super resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation via sophisticated parametric spectral estimation algorithms is considered. Parametric spectral estimation methods are devised based on parametric data models and are used to estimate the model parameters. Since SAR images rather than model parameters are often used in SAR applications, we use the parameter estimates obtained with the parametric methods to simulate data matrices of large dimensions and then use the fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods on them to generate SAR images with super resolution. Experimental examples using the MSTAR and Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) data illustrate that robust spectral estimation algorithms can generate SAR images of higher resolution than the conventional FFT methods and enhance the dominant target features     

结合视线方向运动补偿的滑动聚束SAR子孔径成像算法

滑动聚束合成孔径雷达(SAR)是一种新兴的成像模式,既可以提高方位向分辨率又能够扩展成像范围。其数据处理时需要考虑两个关键问题:一是系统脉冲重复频率(PRF)不足,方位向信号发生混叠;二是合成孔径长度的增加使运动误差的影响更为突出,运动补偿(MOCO)精度要求提高。基于子孔径技术,提出了一种改进的高分辨率成像算法。划分子孔径克服了PRF不足的问题;子孔径数据处理采用结合视线(LOS)方向运动补偿的Omega-K算法,实现更高精度的运动补偿,提高了聚焦质量。最终的方位向分辨率达到0.1 m,具有实际工程应用价值。点目标仿真和实测数据处理验证了算法的有效性。     

低信噪比下稳健压缩感知成像

 由于基于l₁范数的压缩感知理论模型无法充分挖掘信号的稀疏性,因此在重建过程中无法实现对待重构系数的等权值约束,进而导致在信噪比较低时,噪声分布的不稀疏性会严重影响目标信息的重建,造成成像结果中会出现大量虚假目标,成像性能急剧下降。本文在深入分析了加权l₁范数模型的基础上,提出了一种更加稳健的适用于含噪模式下的高分辨率压缩感知微波成像模型。该模型在借鉴常规加权l₁范数模型的基础上,针对权重选择及加权方式进行了修正,使得权值的变化程度和权值大小分离,可以做到相同的惩罚约束,从而实现成像过程中噪声分量的有效抑制,实验结果说明了低信噪比下所提模型的有效性。     

FOPEN SAR imaging using UWB step-frequency and random noisewaveforms

The detection and identification of targets obscured by foliage have been topics of great interest. Several synthetic aperture radar (SAR) experiments have demonstrated promising images of terrain and man-made objects obscured by dense foliage, by using either linear frequency modulation (LFM) or step-frequency waveforms. We present here the methodology and results of a comparative study on foliage penetration (FOPEN) SAR imaging using ultrawideband (UWB) step-frequency and random noise waveforms. A statistical-physical foliage transmission model is developed for simulation applications. The foliage obscuring pattern is analyzed by means of the technique of paired echoes. The results of the comparative study demonstrates the ability of a UHF band UWB random noise radar to be used as a FOPEN SAR. Advantages of the random noise radar system include covert detection and immunity to radio frequency interference (RFI)     

An improved imaging algorithm for spaceborne MAPs sliding spotlight SAR with high-resolution wide-swath capability

Conventional synthetic aperture radar(SAR) systems cannot achieve both highresolution and wide-swath imaging simultaneously.This problem can be mitigated by employing multiple-azimuth-phases(MAPs) technology for spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR systems.However, traditional imaging algorithms have met challenges to process the data accurately, due to range model error, MAPs data reconstruction problem, high-order cross-coupling phase error and variation of Doppler parameters along the azimuth direction.Therefore, an improved imaging algorithm is proposed for solving the above problems.Firstly, a modified hyperbolic range equation(MHRE) is proposed by introducing a cubic term into the traditional hyperbolic range equation(THRE).And two curved orbit correction methods are derived based on the proposed range model.Then, a MAPs sliding spotlight data reconstruction method is introduced, which solves the spectral aliasing problem by a de-rotation operation.Finally, high-order cross-coupling phases and variation of Doppler parameters are analyzed and the corresponding compensation methods are proposed.Simulation results for point-target scene are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.     

Feature enhancement and ATR performance using nonquadratic optimization-based SAR imaging

We present an evaluation of the impact of a recently proposed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging technique on feature enhancement and automatic target recognition (ATR) performance. This image formation technique is based on nonquadratic optimization, and the images it produces appear to exhibit enhanced features. We quantify such feature enhancement through a number of criteria. The findings of our analysis indicate that the new feature-enhanced SAR image formation method provides images with higher resolution of scatterers, and better separability of different regions as compared with conventional SAR images. We also provide an ATR-based evaluation. We run recognition experiments using conventional and feature-enhanced SAR images of military targets, with three different classifiers. The first classifier is template based. The second classifier makes a decision through a likelihood test, based on Gaussian models for reflectivities. The third classifier is based on extracted locations of the dominant target scatterers. The experimental results demonstrate that the new feature-enhanced SAR imaging method can improve the recognition performance, especially in scenarios involving reduced data quality or quantity.     

基于马尔科夫链的单站SAR海面场景宽幅高分成像算法

针对单站合成孔径雷达(SAR)实现海面场景高分辨率宽测绘带(HRWS)成像问题,结合海面目标相对整个场景的稀疏特性,提出了一种基于马尔科夫链的单站SAR宽幅高分成像算法。算法将宽幅的海面场景分为不同子测绘带,首先发射少量脉冲对各子测绘带进行距离向成像,利用距离向成像结果获取场景内感兴趣目标的数量信息。然后计算雷达波束指向的马尔科夫状态转移概率,并按此概率控制雷达对不同测绘带进行扫描。获得不同测绘带的稀疏子孔径后进行压缩感知成像。提出的算法可以在相同合成孔径时间内实现多个测绘带的宽幅高分成像,最后的仿真实验验证了所提算法的有效性。     

一种基于改进WLBF频谱的异构双基地前视SAR成像算法

异构平台组成的双基地前视合成孔径雷达（SAR）配置灵活,可实现多种构型下的前视成像,具有潜在的应用价值。然而特殊的几何构型使得其回波信号具有新的特性,给频谱模型的推导及成像算法的设计带来不便。针对这一问题,提出了一种基于改进WLBF （Weighted Loffeld's Bistatic Formula）频谱的双基地前视SAR成像算法。首先,引入时域去走动和切比雪夫降阶法,减小了传统频谱模型中相位历程的加权分割误差和二阶展开误差,在此基础上推导了回波信号的改进WLBF频谱表达式。然后,使用切比雪夫多项式将改进WLBF频谱展开并设计了双基地前视SAR成像算法。最后,对频谱模型和成像算法进行了仿真分析。结果表明所提改进WLBF频谱模型与传统频谱模型相比具有较高的精确度,设计的成像算法可满足异构双基地大前视系统的成像要求。     

自旋式飞行器三维SAR成像及测高新模型

 自旋式飞行器由于运动轨迹复杂,不仅不能精确测量飞行高度,而且从未被用做SAR成像平台。通过研究自旋式飞行器的三维SAR成像新模型,将测高与三维SAR成像相结合,提出了一种基于三维SAR成像的测高新模型。首先分析了自旋式飞行器天线相位中心运动轨迹的特点,将具有三维空间分布的半螺旋线天线运动轨迹等效为面阵天线;然后基于等效面阵,利用模糊函数理论,推导了相应的三维成像模型,从理论上证明了模型的成像可行性并分析其成像性能;最后在成像模型基础上,提出基于三维SAR成像的自旋式飞行器测高新模型,并从成像角度分析影响测高精度的因素。针对等效面阵非均匀分布的特点,采用后向投影(BP)算法仿真验证自旋式飞行器模型下三维成像的可行性和测高模型的有效性。     

Biased PNG law for impact with angular constraint

A new homing guidance law is proposed to impact a target with a desired attitude angle. It is a variation of the conventional proportional navigation guidance (PNG) law which includes a supplementary time-varying bias. The proposed guidance law does not require a time-to-go estimation and has a simpler form. Analytic conditions for fulfilling the guidance goal are also provided. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed guidance law has wider launch envelopes than the previous one and shows a good performance even against a maneuvering target     

关于刚体转动的角速度和角加速度的讨论

在理论力学教学中，平面运动刚体的转动与基点无关的证明过于简单，本利用矢量代数的知识，证明平面运动刚体的角度与角加速度与基点的选择无关。     

3-D E-CSAR imaging of a T-72 tank and synthesis of its SAR reconstructions

The results of three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of a T-72 tank using its angular azimuthal (turntable) and linear elevation synthetic aperture data at X band are presented. This is achieved using an accurate and computationally efficient wavefront (Fourier-based) reconstruction algorithm for elevation and circular (E-CSAR) data. The E-CSAR 3-D images are then used to synthesize 2-D spotlight and stripmap slant plane synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the target at a desired range and squint angle. For this purpose, a procedure is introduced that incorporates the spatially varying azimuthal and elevation Doppler signatures of individual reflectors on the target as well as the mean range, azimuth, and elevation of the flight path. Results using the E-CSAR images of the T-72 tank are provided.     

Improving slant-range resolution with multiple SAR surveys

Across-track resolution of a spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system is limited by power and data rate constraints. The authors derive and discuss a new technique for increasing the across-track resolution of objects that do not change with time, using multiple surveys of the same area from different off-nadir angles. Precise information on the spaceborne trajectories are not requested since they can be derived from SAR interferometry. Simulated data show that theoretical derivations are in good agreement with practice     

基于SVR及阴影信息的SAR目标方位角估计

目标成像方位估计是合成孔径雷达（synthetic aperture radar,SAR）自动目标识别中一个重要的预处理过程。提出一种基于支持向量回归机（support vector machine for regression,SVR）并结合SAR目标阴影信息的方位角估计方法。首先通过长直边拟合法与脊波变换法对目标图像进行方位的粗估计．再由SVR完成精确估计。利用“运动与静止目标的获取与识别”（moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition, MSTAR）项目组提供的实测数据所做实验表明,此方法可以有效估计SAR目标方位角,精度高、泛化能力强．特别是在水平成像方位附近利用了目标的阴影信息,明显提高了相应区间的方位角估计精度。     

Depth of Field for SAR with Aircraft Acceleration

Processing synthetic array radar (SAR) data is difficult if the depth of field is small. Aircraft acceleration can severely reduce the depth of field and thereby increase the processing. The effects of aircraft acceleration on the depth of field for three types of SAR processing are analyzed: (1) conventional processing (range-Dopper processing), (2) variable pulse-repetition frequency (PRF) (PRF changes to compensate for aircraft acceleration), and (3) polar format. Polar format is a technique for processing high resolution SAR which has a much larger depth of field in the ground plane than conventional processing. On the other hand, aircraft acceleration will limit the vertical depth of field for polar format to about the same value as for conventional processing. In addition, for polar format, the only component of aircraft acceleration that limits the vertical depth of field is the component normal to the slant plane containing the velocity and range vectors. Vector notation is used to graphically show the effects of aircraft acceleration. In addition to better insight, the vector notation gives equations for SAR compensation that do not depend on a specific coordinate system.     

Integrated precision SAR targeting: a SAR targeting simulation

Operational deficiencies exist in the current ability to perform high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) targeting for precision strike missions in difficult electronic countermeasure (ECM) and anti-aircraft environments. Increasingly sophisticated enemy defenses require that fire control information be derived from highly maneuverable aircraft trajectories rather than traditional straight-and-level flight. In addition, target area aspect information is needed to determine optimal attack approaches. These imaging and targeting conditions impose severe performance requirements on the sensor aircraft motion compensation system (MCS), and dictate the need for sophisticated algorithms to counteract ECM threats. This paper describes the development of a user friendly “Design Tool” for modeling and analysis of airborne radar system performance for SAR imaging and Precision SAR Targeting