Radar techniques for persistant urban surveillance

Radar sensors are a strong asset for security and safety tasks; they can quickly scan a large area for moving objects and they can ‘see’ through dust and smoke. However, in a crowded urban environment radar observation is obstructed by buildings, fences and other obstacles. Due to these obstacles a large part of the area under observation may be shielded from the radar sensor and false detections may occur due to multipath reflections.

In short, the urban environment is a challenging environment for radar sensors. Innovative signal processing methods are required to improve radar observations in such environments. One line of investigation is the exploitation of multipath reflections. Multipath reflections do contain information that can be used to better locate moving objects or map the surroundings. Depending on the environment, multipath reflections may even enable detection of objects around a corner where there is no direct radar line-of-sight! Another line of investigation is the deployment of a network of radar sensors observing the area from different sides. A data fusion engine should be developed to detect and track moving objects using the measurements from all network nodes. Also through-the-wall sensing using a network of radar sensors may be a line of investigation.

Some data sets to work with are readily available, but your work may also include conducting new measurements to test your results.

The duration of this internship is at least 3 months.

• You are in the final stages of your degree in artificial intelligence, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering or a similar degree and you have a track record in the field of signal processing;
• You have experience in programming in Matlab and/or Python;
• You are pragmatic and focused on making things work;
• Next to technical expertise we value communication skills and a results-driven attitude.

You will perform this assignment in the department of Radar Technology. WE are a passionate and creative group of professionals (60 people) dedicated to the specification, development and evaluation of innovative, high-performance MMICs, miniaturised and integrated RF subsystems, antennas and front-ends. The department is at the heart of novel, game-changing radar system and signal processing concepts for the military, space and civil domains. 

 

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.