Multi-location wideband synthetic aperture imaging for urban sensing applications

The presence of significant multipath propagation and heavy clutter in indoor environments imposes severe limitations on imaging through walls, rendering through-the-wall radar imaging a difficult and complex proposition. It is highly desirable to properly interpret the radar images and determine the contents of the indoor scene with a high level of confidence. Data collected from multiple vantage points around a structure can be used to improve imaging visibility into the indoor scene, which, in turn, enhances indoor target detection and localization. In this paper, we consider multi-location radar imaging. Image fusion techniques for combining synthetic aperture radar images acquired from multiple locations along two sides of an enclosed structure are presented. Supporting results, based on real-data collected in a semi-controlled laboratory environment, are provided which demonstrate the improved performance of the multiple location scheme compared to operation from a single vantage point. (C) 2008 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.