Adjustable Impedance Antenna for Receiver Detection in Reverberant Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting, locating, and identifying receivers in complex media, such as buildings, are inefficient due to multiple wave paths and sensitivity to environmental changes, particularly in environments with reverberations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an antenna and adjustable impedance elements that emit and receive waves, controlling the impedance elements with varying parameters to modify wave propagation and reception, allowing for multiple observations of the receiver and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar techniques with antenna arrays are used to detect and locate objects in complex media, then detection capability is provided, but effectiveness deteriorates due to multiple wave paths and reverberations in environments like buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the impedance of adjustable elements time-varying during probing periods. The controller modifies impedance values across multiple probing periods, creating dynamic conditions that allow the system to distinguish direct wave paths from reflected paths through temporal variations in signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by modifying the impedance of adjustable elements during different probing periods. This parameter variation allows the system to observe how signals change under different electromagnetic conditions, enabling differentiation between direct and reflected wave paths based on signal variations.
2Measurement precision
If signature detection techniques with databases are used to identify objects, then identification capability is provided, but complexity increases due to requiring long temporal signals and large frequency ranges for reliable comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by implementing detection with a limited number of frequency points rather than requiring broad frequency sweeps. The impedance modulation technique allows accurate identification using only a few strategically selected frequency measurements, reducing the complexity of signal storage and processing while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Reliability
If signature detection techniques are used in complex media, then object identification is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to medium variations and imprecision of saved signatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-varying impedance modulation across multiple probing periods. This dynamic approach allows the system to capture temporal variations in signal characteristics caused by different wave paths, enabling reliable identification even in environments with reverberations and medium variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by comparing signals received under different impedance conditions across multiple probing periods. The controller analyzes how signal characteristics change in response to impedance variations, using this feedback to distinguish direct paths from reflected paths and to identify objects reliably despite environmental variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a more efficient and accurate detection, location, and identification of receivers by enhancing signal wealth and robustness against environmental variations, compared to traditional antenna array and signature detection techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna capable of emitting a primary wave in the medium, and of receiving a secondary wave resulting from the primary wave and from the presence of the receiver in the medium
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of adjustable elements having an impedance which can be modified to change the manner in which the primary wave is emitted and/or reflected and/or transmitted
Implementation Method 3
the receiver is capable of actively emitting the secondary wave in response to receiving the primary wave
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining a characteristic of detection and/or identity information and/or location information of a receiver, wherein: a) a primary wave is emitted by an antenna, b) adjustable elements are controlled with a plurality of sets of parameters, to modify the propagation of a primary wave and/or of a secondary wave coming from the receiver, and c) signals received by the antenna are saved, and d) the characteristic of the receiver in the medium is determined based on the signals received for each set of parameters.