Simulation and analysis of polarimetric radar signatures of human gaits

Abstract

Radar observations of human activities have a variety of applications in security, defense, and rescue operations. Range-Doppler signatures of human motions are a useful tool for retrieving information on observed activities but require an understanding of the scattering processes involved to enable interpretation. This paper presents a study of human Doppler signatures using simulations, in particular focusing on the impact of the polarization to enable an understanding of any advantages in the use of polarimetric radar. The simulation model utilized is based on an approximate scattering approach combined with a 12-cylinder description of the human body. A comparison with single polarization co-pol measurements is used to show that the model provides reasonable first-order predictions of human signatures. Further simulations for polarimetric signatures illustrate the differing contributions of individual body parts to micro-Doppler returns and suggest that multi-polarization measurements can be useful in future micro-Doppler radar systems for human observation.