Iceberg Detection Performance Analysis

The Sigma S6 radar processor is a specialized computer-based system capable of enhancing the detection performance of marine radars. The processor is particularly suited to the challenging role of iceberg detection in sea and rain clutter. The processor was called the Modular Radar Interface (MRI) during its development and is currently marketed under the Sigma S6 name. In the summer of 2002, a quantitative detection evaluation study was undertaken to assess the iceberg detection capability of the Sigma S6 radar processor system when used with a high-speed radar antenna. This work included a field trial at Twillingate, Newfoundland, and subsequent data analysis phases. The data collection program was quite successful in recording data on very small bergy bit and growler size iceberg targets in high sea states. A two-phase Iceberg Analysis project was undertaken in 2003 to review the radar data collected in 2002 and to characterize the system performance in terms of iceberg detection capability. This work included the analysis of specific iceberg targets that were representative of the most challenging situations encountered. In addition to this effort, an investigation of the effect of antenna speed on detection performance was conducted. The analysis included an assessment of the scan-to-scan processing and algorithms currently in use, and a comparison with the measured performance of new digital signal processing (DSP) filtering techniques. The DSP techniques included the implementation and analysis of performance of FIR (Finite Impulse Response) and IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) digital filters. The results show that the FIR filter is not practical in this application, as it requires a very large filter and very long associated processing time. However, significant success was achieved using the IIR filter, and it was demonstrated that detection performance could be improved using this type of filter coupled with a high-speed antenna.

• Record URL:
  • http://data.tc.gc.ca/archive/eng/innovation/tdc-summary-14300-14391e-1371.htm
• Corporate Authors:

  Transport Canada

  Transportation Development Centre, 800 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West, Suite 600
  Montreal, Quebec  Canada  H3B 2X1

  Rutter Technologies

  22 Pearl Place
  PO Box 427
  St John's, Newfoundland A1C 5K4,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • Ryan, J
  • Kirby, C
• Publication Date: 2005-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 122p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aids to navigation; Computer programs; Detection and identification systems; Ice navigation; Icebergs; Marine safety; Navigation; Radar; Radar clutter; Remote sensing
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01026006
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TP 14391E
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 28 2006 8:47AM