System and method for processing radar data

#The present invention pertains to the field of speed detection radar systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for processing and displaying radar data that allows radar data from more than one antenna to be simultaneously processed and displayed.

#Systems for detecting and displaying radar data are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,724, “A Police Traffic Radar Using FFT Processing to find Fastest Target,” issued to Aker et al (“Aker”) discloses a speed detecting radar system that is used to determine the speed of vehicles. Aker describes the use of digital signal processing that includes fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing of the reflected radar signal to determine the speed of one or more target vehicles.

#One of the characteristics of many prior art radar speed detection systems is that they present data in non-flexible formats. The level of training and familiarity with radar speed detection equipment varies among police officers and other authorized users. Because police departments typically purchase standardized equipment, they purchase equipment that has essentially the same format. Furthermore, limitations on processor speed and the limited operating environment in which available displays can operate limit both the amount of data that can be processed by a speed detecting radar and the ability to display that data in a flexible manner, such as by using a video display terminal.

#FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for displaying multi-lane radar data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system for displaying radar speed data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for processing and displaying radar data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

#FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system 100 for displaying radar data in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 100 allows speed and signal strength data for vehicles traveling in different lanes or in different directions relative to the direction of travel of the patrol vehicle to be displayed on a single display.

#System 100 includes display system 102, opposite lane display 104, same lane display 106, and patrol display 108, each of which are visual displays generated for viewing by an operator in an automobile or other suitable vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, system 100 can be implemented using an Optrex F-51136 graphic liquid crystal display (LCD), available from Optrex America Inc. of Plymouth, Mich. Likewise, system 100 can be implemented using a suitable combination of light emitting diodes (LEDs), or other displays that can operate over a temperature range of −30° C.-85° C. and in vehicular environments.