IMAGING OF OBJECTS FROM RF RADAR RETURNS

The overall objective of the research is to develop algorithms and visualization methodologies that interpret raw high resolution radar returns of people detected behind walls into virtual renderings of these objects based on parametric information contained in raw image data. A long term goal is the virtual rendering of human postures and orientations inside building interiors. SET Corporation has partnered with The Ohio State University to design an advanced RF exploitation capability for detecting, tracking, and characterizing human signatures using building-penetrating (through-wall) radar. The specific objective is to develop tracking algorithms that cancel stationary background clutter to locate people in 3D through exterior-grade walls while accounting for wall-propagation delay and multi-path. Phase I analysis of measured data have led us to the conclusion that no single exploitation paradigm by itself should be expected solve this difficult problem. Consequently, our Phase II approach will take a spiral development path where capabilities will be added over time to exploit multiple radar phenomenologies in combination, including both micro-Doppler and real-time imaging.