Blind Signal Detector Using Trace and Determinant Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting RF channel occupancy are inefficient, especially at low or negative signal-to-noise ratios, and are processing intensive, making them unsuitable for quick detection in dynamic spectral allocation systems, particularly in military environments where little is known about primary users.

Innovation Solution

A simplified blind signal detection method using a computer processor to calculate the trace and determinant of a sample correlation matrix, with a threshold value to determine the presence or absence of a signal, allowing for efficient detection in cognitive radio systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection methods (Pseudo Spectrum, Cyclostationary, Eigenvalue) are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but processing intensity increases making them unsuitable for quick detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential mathematical properties (trace and determinant) from the full correlation matrix that are sufficient for detection decisions. By taking out only these two key metrics rather than processing the entire matrix or using complex spectral analysis, the method achieves quick detection while maintaining adequate sensitivity for occupancy determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only trace and determinant calculations instead of complete spectral analysis or full eigenvalue decomposition. This partial processing approach provides sufficient detection capability for occupancy sensing without the excessive processing burden of traditional methods, enabling faster operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Productivity

If processing intensity is reduced for quick detection, then detection speed is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates especially at low signal-to-noise ratios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trace and determinant of the correlation matrix serve as intermediary statistics that capture essential signal characteristics without requiring full spectral analysis. These intermediary metrics provide a balanced approach by summarizing the correlation structure in a computationally efficient manner while retaining sufficient information for accurate occupancy detection even in challenging signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a priori knowledge about primary users is available, then detection accuracy is improved, but adaptability to unknown signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsignal type flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection method based on trace and determinant calculations that works across different signal types and environments without requiring signal-specific configurations. This multi-functional approach enables the same simple algorithm to effectively detect various occupancy scenarios including unknown primary users, achieving both accuracy and adaptability through its model-agnostic nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2642708B1Simplified blind signal detector
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 L3HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • EP2642708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2642708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for detecting a presence of an RF signal begins by forming with at least one computer processor a sample correlation matrix A from a sample of a radio frequency channel. Thereafter, the at least one computer processor determines a trace tr(A) of the sample correlation matrix and a determinant det(A) of the sample correlation matrix. The at least one processor then selectively determines a presence or absence of a signal on the radio frequency channel based exclusively on the trace, the determinant and a threshold value T. The invention also includes a cognitive radio which includes a radio receiver configured to detect an RF signal and at least one computer processing device for performing the above-described method