Range Walk Research Articles

Approach for single channel SAR ground moving target imaging and motion parameter estimation

In recent years, ground moving target imaging in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has attracted the attention of many researchers all over the world. A novel approach is proposed for the ground moving target imaging and motion parameter estimation using single channel SAR. First, a second-order generalised keystone formatting method is used to compensate for the range curvature. Secondly, the estimated slope of the target echo's envelope is used for the range walk compensation. Thirdly, Doppler parameters of moving targets obtained via spectral analysis are used for the imaging and positioning of ground moving targets. Finally, motion parameters of moving targets can be estimated on the basis of the relationship between Doppler and motion parameters. Both numerical and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.

Crossover analysis of Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data

In its first 15 months of continuous operation, the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) instrument aboard Mars Global Surveyor ranged to Mars over 330 million times, generating more than 5000 orbital profiles, with a ranging precision of 0.4 m over smooth terrain. The accuracy of the profiles depends on knowledge of the spacecraft position, orientation, and observation time, which are subject to errors. We model these errors via the analysis of over 24 million altimetric crossovers. A quasiperiodic, once per revolution adjustment of the ground tracks as a function of time in three locally orthogonal directions minimizes the altimetric residuals via least‐squares. Using a sparse matrix technique, computational effort scales linearly with the number of crossovers and only marginally with the number of parameters. Orbital errors mainly result from poor modeling of spacecraft thrusting events in the absence of tracking. Seasonal effects, likely due to changing thermal environment, as well as residual miscalibrations, are evident in the pointing solutions. Incorporating multiple parameters per revolution significantly improves crossover residuals, and resolves pointing aberrations during orbital transitions from night to day. Altimetry from the adjusted tracks generates a topographic model whose accuracy is typically better than 1 m vertically with respect to the center of mass of Mars. The centroid position of each MOLA shot is typically accurate to ∼100 m horizontally. Terrain models from accurately located lidar data can be gradient‐shaded to illuminate geological structures with 1 in 1000 slopes that are invisible to cameras. Temporal changes in elevation (e.g., frost deposition/ablation) at decimeter levels may also be assessed using crossovers, but results must be interpreted with caution due to uncertainties in range walk correction.

A new subaperture approach to high squint SAR processing

A high squint subaperture (HSS) algorithm was developed from the perspective of a strip map synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system and has the ability to focus SAR data at extremely high squint angle of 55/spl deg/ with less than 1.27% mainlobe expansion or even higher squint angles if larger mainlobe expansion can be tolerated. The unique characteristic of this algorithm is that the subapertures are formed by multiplying the received signal with a set of overlapped complex conjugated reference signals where the chirp rate varies in the azimuth direction. This is done to solve the range focus problem that arises after the azimuth input signal undergoes the range walk removal procedure. As the IISS algorithm only involves short fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and avoids interpolation, it is computationally efficient and allows for small data buffers and facilitates hardware real-time implementation. The distinct feature of this algorithm is its simplicity of implementation, which is vital in real time processing and motion compensation when the squint angle may be changing continuously.

A new method of doppler centroid estimation for spaceborne SAR—Amplitude correlation method

The linear relationship between Doppler centroid and range walking in spaceborne SAR data is analyzed, and a new method to estimate Doppler centroid is proposed, which is so called amplitude correlation method. Compared with clutter-lock method which is widely used now, the new method has much less computation burden and is able to give higher estimation accuracy for a quasi-homogeneous scene or a non-homogeneous scene. This is clearly verifled by the experimental results of estimating Doppler centroid for SEaSAT-A raw data.

Search radar detection and track with the Hough transform. I. system concept

A method of viewing search radar signals and data is described and analyzed in which the image processing technique of the Hough transform is used to extract detections and simultaneous tracks from multi-dimensional data maps. System design concepts are considered and simulation examples are given that illustrate the concept. The technique offers many advantages when compared with more traditional techniques. These advantages include improved detection, a solution to the range walk problem, flexibility of implementation, elimination of slow scan-rate latency and automatic track acquisition without revisit. The concept is similar to track-before-detect algorithms that use preliminary information from previous scans to aid in target declarations.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sporadic visits to the local doctor followed sometimes by changes in oral and inhaled bronchodilators and occasionally by the addition of steroids frequently does little to significantly improve symptoms and function in the disabled patient with COPD. As in other chronic diseases, the management of these patients is facilitated by a team approach in conjunction with general rehabilitation principles. The rationale and practical implementation of such a programme has recently been outlined by the American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. These are multifaceted programmes but a key component, as outlined above, is exercise training. In this brief review the various approaches available have been described. Controversy still reigns regarding the optimal modes of training and there are important differences among the several approaches. Two main groups can be delineated. One emphasises the detailed definition of the impaired physiology with therapeutic measures targeted to specific defects. There is good documentation that, conversely, unstructured programmes that use treadmill and free range walking and cycling also improve endurance for walking. Upper extremity training is of additional benefit. Programmes with as little as three sessions per week of 1-2 hours of low intensity activity have achieved success so we know that simple programmes can be helpful. Moreover, without the necessity for complex testing and training methods these programmes can be implemented with relatively low costs. Future investigations to examine the relationship between improved exercise capacity for walking and arm exercise on the one hand, and the ease of performance of activities of daily living on the other, will help to reinforce the effectiveness of exercise programmes.

Reticulum-celled medullary reticulosis in a young adult.

Sporadic visits to the local doctor followed sometimes by changes in oral and inhaled bronchodilators and occasionally by the addition of steroids frequently does little to significantly improve symptoms and function in the disabled patient with COPD. As in other chronic diseases, the management of these patients is facilitated by a team approach in conjunction with general rehabilitation principles. The rationale and practical implementation of such a programme has recently been outlined by the American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. These are multifaceted programmes but a key component, as outlined above, is exercise training. In this brief review the various approaches available have been described. Controversy still reigns regarding the optimal modes of training and there are important differences among the several approaches. Two main groups can be delineated. One emphasises the detailed definition of the impaired physiology with therapeutic measures targeted to specific defects. There is good documentation that, conversely, unstructured programmes that use treadmill and free range walking and cycling also improve endurance for walking. Upper extremity training is of additional benefit. Programmes with as little as three sessions per week of 1-2 hours of low intensity activity have achieved success so we know that simple programmes can be helpful. Moreover, without the necessity for complex testing and training methods these programmes can be implemented with relatively low costs. Future investigations to examine the relationship between improved exercise capacity for walking and arm exercise on the one hand, and the ease of performance of activities of daily living on the other, will help to reinforce the effectiveness of exercise programmes.