Patent ID: 7592945
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: G01C,G01S

Abstract:
1. A system for estimating the elevation of at least one target utilizing single-dimensional scanning radar and data fusion, said system comprising: a first single-dimensional radar sensor having a first operable range and first beam angle of inclination, and configured to generate a first return signal based on the relative distance between the first sensor and each of said at least one target, the operable range, and the angle of inclination; a second single-dimensional radar sensor having a second operable range and a second beam angle of inclination, and configured to generate a second return signal based on the relative distance between the second sensor and each of said at least one target, the operable range, and the angle of inclination; at least one inclinometer configured to measure first and second vertical angles of operation for the first and second sensors; at least one digital fusion processor communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors, and said at least one inclinometer, and configured to determine a relative signal value based on the first and second return signals and the angles of operation; and a memory storage device further communicatively coupled to the processor, and operable to store data, said inclinometer, sensors and processor being cooperatively configured to sequentially determine a plurality of correlative angles of operation and relative return signal values for each target over a period, said processor being configured to deliver to and retrieve from the device the plurality of correlative angles of operation and relative return signal values, said processor being further configured to estimate the elevation of said each of said at least one target based on the correlative angles of operation and relative signal values.