Cooperative Target Positioning Using Rotating Beacon Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction finding and target positioning systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of multiple targets in a cluttered environment, particularly when targets are at the same bearing angle, leading to signal interference and position calculation delays.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative target positioning system using rotating directional antennas and transponders that transmit a report message upon detecting maximum signal strength, allowing for triangulation and position calculation, with multiple beacons operating on different frequencies to distinguish between targets and manage interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple targets are positioned using traditional direction finding systems, then target position determination is achieved, but signal interference occurs when targets are at the same bearing angle leading to inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process by having each target transmit a unique identification signal. The receiver station identifies individual targets based on these unique signals before performing triangulation, allowing multiple targets at the same bearing angle to be distinguished and positioned accurately without signal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification signal transmission step between the traditional direction finding process. Before triangulation can occur, the system uses the unique identification signals as an intermediary mechanism to separate and identify targets, enabling accurate positioning even when targets share the same bearing angle
2Productivity
If traditional triangulation methods are used for multiple targets, then position calculation is performed, but position calculation delays occur due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of targets using unique identification signals before initiating the triangulation process. This preliminary action separates the target identification step from the position calculation step, allowing the receiver to prepare and distinguish multiple targets in advance, thereby reducing position calculation delays caused by signal interference
3Measurement precision
If rotating directional antennas are used for direction finding, then azimuth angles are determined, but the system cannot distinguish between multiple targets at the same bearing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning information by combining precise azimuth angle measurements with unique identification signals from each target. This segmentation allows the receiver to maintain accurate azimuth measurements while simultaneously capturing target identification information, preventing information loss when multiple targets share the same bearing angle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the traditional direction finding by incorporating target identification signals as a separate information layer. Instead of relying solely on spatial azimuth measurements, the system uses the identification signal dimension to distinguish between targets, thereby preserving both measurement precision and target identification information
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 accurate and efficient determination of target positions with high resolution and speed, even in environments with multiple moving targets, by using rotating directional antennas and transponders to manage signal interference and calculate positions through triangulation.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon transmitting station determines an azimuth angle of a target relative to a position of the beacon transmitting station using a rotating directional antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides a way to determine angle of bearing to a target receiver/transmitter relative to plural beacon stations with rotating directional radiation patterns. The target is “cooperative” in that it transmits a “report” message when the target receives maximum signal strength from a beacon station. Triangulation from multiple beacon transmitter sites can be used to determine the target's position.