Difference Frequency Detection for Range Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) face challenges in accurately measuring the distance to targets, as existing methods rely on signal strength or triangulation, which can be inaccurate or require additional transmitters, and are limited by peak power constraints in pulsing radar technology, leading to poor signal-to-noise performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a transmitter system and receiver system that transmit collimated beams of different frequencies, generating a delayed difference frequency signal from objects with non-linear electrical characteristics, allowing a processor unit to compare this signal with an undelayed difference frequency signal to calculate a range measurement, enabling accurate distance determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal strength or triangulation methods are used to measure distance to IEDs, then the detection system can identify target location, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates and additional transmitters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional radar pulse transmission with optical laser beams to detect IEDs. This substitution enables more precise distance measurement through optical methods while reducing the need for complex multi-transmitter arrangements. The laser-based difference frequency detection provides accurate range information with a single transmitter configuration.
2Reliability
If pulsing radar technology is used to transmit electromagnetic signals, then the system can detect objects, but peak power constraints lead to poor signal-to-noise performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radar electromagnetic pulse transmission with optical laser beams for detecting IEDs. This substitution eliminates the peak power constraints inherent in radar technology, allowing continuous or high-power optical transmission that achieves superior signal-to-noise performance. The optical detection method provides more reliable signal detection without the power limitations that plague pulsing radar systems.
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 approach provides a reliable and accurate method for measuring the distance to IEDs or other objects, even when obscured, by using the difference frequency radar system to generate a range measurement that can inform safe actions, such as avoiding the blast radius.
Implementation Method 1
The delayed difference frequency signal is generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to the object receiving the first collimated beam and the second collimated beam
Implementation Method 2
The receiver system is configured to detect a delayed difference frequency signal substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting objects. A first plurality of electromagnetic signals having a first frequency and a second plurality of electromagnetic signals having a second frequency are transmitted. At least one of the first frequency and the second frequency is changed through a range of frequencies. A delayed difference frequency signal substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is monitored for. The delayed difference frequency signal is generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to the object receiving the first plurality of electromagnetic signals and the second plurality of electromagnetic signals. A range measurement is generated for the object by comparing the delayed difference frequency signal and an undelayed difference frequency signal. The undelayed difference frequency signal is substantially equal to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.