Bistatic Radar Transmitter Position Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bistatic radar systems face increased complexity and cost due to the need for communication between transmitter and receiver, and operational issues arise when they are controlled by separate entities or when communication is impractical, such as during military operations or when entities are uncooperative.

Innovation Solution

A bistatic radar system and method that determines the position of the transmitter by detecting radar signals transmitted by the transmitter, eliminating the need for direct communication between the transmitter and receiver, using a transmitter position determination unit to analyze reflected and direct radar signals to calculate the transmitter's position based on known receiver and target positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a communication system is implemented between transmitter and receiver in a bistatic radar system, then position information can be exchanged and the system can function, but the cost and complexity of the radar system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function from the bistatic radar system by enabling the receiver to independently determine transmitter position through passive signal analysis. The receiver no longer needs to communicate with the transmitter, as it can calculate position using time difference of arrival measurements and known transmitter emission patterns, thereby eliminating the communication subsystem while maintaining operational functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver performs self-service by autonomously determining the transmitter's position without external communication. It uses its own received signals, combined with stored information about transmitter emission characteristics and timing, to calculate position independently, eliminating dependence on communication systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a communication system is implemented between transmitter and receiver, then position information can be exchanged, but the cost of the radar system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication subsystem is extracted and removed from the system architecture. The receiver achieves position determination through passive signal processing using time difference of arrival measurements and known transmitter characteristics, eliminating the need for costly communication equipment between transmitter and receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive communication infrastructure with inexpensive signal processing algorithms. The receiver uses basic timing measurements and computational geometry to determine position, substituting costly communication hardware with affordable processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitter and receiver are controlled by separate entities without communication capability, then operational independence is maintained, but the radar system cannot function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidsystem operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver performs self-service by independently determining transmitter position without requiring communication from or to the transmitter. It uses its own received signals combined with stored transmitter emission patterns to calculate position autonomously, enabling operation by separate entities while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces signal timing and geometric calculation as intermediaries between the transmitter and receiver. Instead of direct communication, the receiver uses time difference of arrival measurements and known transmitter characteristics as mediators to infer position, enabling operation without direct communication links

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If direct communication between transmitter and receiver is required, then position information can be accurately exchanged, but the system fails when communication is impractical or uncooperative

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/communication system with an electromagnetic signal analysis system. Instead of exchanging position information through communication channels, the receiver extracts position data from the electromagnetic radar signals themselves by measuring time difference of arrival and using geometric calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses signal timing and geometric relationships as intermediaries to transfer position information without direct communication. The time difference of arrival measurement serves as an intermediary that carries position information embedded in the radar signal structure, allowing accurate position determination without communication protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the bistatic radar system to operate without a communication link between the transmitter and receiver, reducing costs and ensuring functionality even in scenarios where communication is impractical or uncooperative, allowing for accurate determination of the transmitter's position and subsequent target positions within the radar system's range.

Implementation Method 1

Radio detection and ranging (radar) systems generally use radio waves to determine a range, altitude, direction and/or speed of objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

A portion of the energy of the reflected wave is received by an antenna of a radar receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

measuring the time difference of arrival at the platform of signals having travelled the direct path and the transponded or reflected paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3540461B1Systems and methods for determining a position of a transmitter of a bistatic radar system
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3540461B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3540461B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3540461B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A bistatic radar system may include a transmitter(102), a target (106) at a first known position (110), a receiver (104) at a second known position (108), and a transmitter position determination unit (130). The receiver is configured to receive one or more reflected radar signals (113) transmitted from the transmitter and reflected off the target. The receiver is configured to receive one or more direct radar signals transmitted from the transmitter. The transmitter position determination unit is configured to determine a position of the transmitter based on a determination of a distance between the first and second known positions and a determination of a first angular difference between the reflected radar signal(s) and the direct radar signal(s) that are received by the receiver.