Antenna Array Localization Using Cross-Correlation Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal source detection and localization methods, such as triangulation, are prone to failure if a sensor cannot determine the direction to the source, leading to incomplete or inaccurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an antenna array with a control unit and an evaluation unit, where the control unit determines a cross-correlation or covariance matrix of received signals and transmits it to the spatially separated evaluation unit, allowing for precise localization based on statistical properties of the signal without requiring individual sensor-based direction determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If triangulation method is used for signal source detection, then the system is simple in structure, but the reliability and accuracy of detection deteriorates when dealing with low-intensity signals or when one sensor cannot determine the direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional triangulation method (which relies on geometric direction determination) with a signal processing approach using cross-correlation and covariance matrices. This substitution allows the system to detect signal sources based on signal characteristics rather than geometric intersection, thereby improving reliability for low-intensity signals while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from directional information (required for triangulation) to cross-correlation and covariance matrix parameters. This parameter transformation enables the system to determine signal source position without requiring successful direction determination by individual sensors, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Device complexity
If triangulation method is used for signal source detection, then the system is simple in structure, but the measurement precision deteriorates for low-power signal sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the geometric triangulation approach with a signal processing-based localization method using cross-correlation and covariance matrices. This substitution enables precise measurement of signal source positions even for low-power signals by analyzing signal characteristics rather than relying on geometric intersections that fail with weak signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-correlation and covariance matrices as intermediary data structures that bridge the gap between raw sensor data and final position determination. These matrices serve as mediators that preserve signal information and enable precise localization without requiring direct geometric direction determination, thus improving measurement precision for low-power signals.
3Measurement precision
If direction vectors from multiple sensors are used to determine intersection point, then the location can be defined, but the method fails when a sensor cannot determine the direction to the signal source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detection approach by changing from direction-based parameters to cross-correlation and covariance matrix parameters. This transformation allows the system to determine signal source position without requiring successful direction determination by individual sensors, as the matrices capture signal characteristics that enable localization even when traditional directional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of determining direction vectors first and then finding their intersection (traditional triangulation), the patent inverts the approach by directly computing cross-correlation and covariance matrices from the signal data. This inversion allows position determination to proceed even when individual direction determinations fail, as the matrix-based method processes all sensor data simultaneously to extract positional information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (10) and methods for detecting and locating a signal source (60) are described. The system comprises an antenna array (30) with a plurality of antennas (32); a control unit (40) connected to the antenna array (30); and an evaluation unit (50) configured to receive data from the control unit (40). The antennas (32) are configured to detect a signal emitted by the signal source (60). The control unit (40) is configured to determine a cross-correlation or covariance matrix of a signal received by the antenna array (30) and to transmit the cross-correlation or covariance matrix to the evaluation unit (50). The evaluation unit (50) is designed to determine the position of the signal source (60) based on the cross-correlation or covariance matrix received from the control unit (40).