US 5,673,050 AGranted

Three-dimensional underground imaging radar system

OwnerGeorge Moussally, Robert Ziernicki +2inventors

InventorsGeorge Moussally, Robert Ziernicki, Philip A. Fialer, Fred Judson Heinzman

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An ultra-wide band ground penetrating radar (GPR) system providing non-invasive detection and three-dimensional mapping of underground objects and voids. The performance of this radar provides improved underground object detection, location and identification over existing radars through the use of a novel interrupted, frequency modulated, continuous wave (FMCW) signal waveform. A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technique known as spotlight mode focused (SAR) operation is used to collect data for the underground area of interest, by circumscribing this area with a radar beam provided on an airborne or ground based vehicle. Near-Brewster angle illumination of the ground is used to reduce losses.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for investigating a subsurface area of interest, comprising:

a radar platform circumscribing the subsurface area of interest;
a radar antenna including a transmitter and a receiver provided on said radar platform for transmitting an interrupted frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) directed to the subsurface area of interest and receiving a reflected wave from the subsurface are of interest, said FMCW being transmitted as said vehicle circumscribes the subsurface area of interest, and said reflected wave being received by said radar antenna when said vehicle circumscribes the subsurface area of interest;
processing device in communication with said radar antenna for processing said reflected wave;
memory device in communication with said processing device including a library of known characteristics of underground objects and ground characteristics, said processing device providing an output based upon a comparison of said reflected wave and said library of known characteristics of underground objects and ground characteristics;
and
a first display device for displaying said output produced by said processing device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/664,176Filed 14 Jun 1996
Granted: 30 Sep 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

G01S 13/0209
Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems: systems with very large relative bandwidth, i.e. larger…
G01S 13/74
Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose…:…
G01S 7/4004
Means for monitoring or calibrating: of parts of a radar system
G01S 13/34
Using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated: using transmission of continuous,…