Simple 3D localization of tag-free moving targets by UWB radar

In this paper we are focused on localization and tracking of uncooperative human beings moving in a height-diverse environment. The aim is not to visualize the target shape or its contours as it is in the case of target imaging, but to estimate person positions in 3-dimesional (3D) space. For that purpose we will introduce a simple 3D localization approach developed for ultra wideband (UWB) radar equipped with 1 transmitting and 4 receiving antennas. The proposed method is based on the approximation of 3D localization problem by two 2D localization problems. The decreasing of a computational complexity as well as opportunity to use existing procedures and methodologies developed for 2D target localization belong to its main benefits. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by signal processing results obtained by the experimental measurement intent on localization and tracking a person walking along a staircase in the shape of “L” bordered by a metal rail.