Echoic flow for autonomous navigation
Graeme Edward Smith, Chris Baker · 2012
In this paper we introduce the concept of echoic flow for cognitive radar sensors. Echoic flow is the counterpart to its better-known cousin, optical flow. Echoic flow can be computed in a number of forms, the simplest being the ratio of range, to range rate. This provides a direct measure of the time for a radar system and a detected object to collide with each other. Its derivative is a measure of the intensity of the collision. Thus these two quantities provide a powerful foundation for autonomous navigation, tracking and guidance. In this paper we explain echoic flow and show through simulation how it can be used as a basis for radar based autonomous navigation. (6 pages)