Direction Finding System Using Power Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio direction finding systems require manual intervention to locate targets within the last meters, as existing techniques lack automation and are costly, especially for broadband I/Q data alignment and high-accuracy time stamping.
Innovation Solution
A direction finding system employing the power of arrival technique with a central processing unit and low-cost receivers to determine interpolated constant power contours, allowing for automated location of targets within 100 meters using a circular receiver array and reduced data connection requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TDoA sensors with time stamping are used for direction finding, then the location resolution can be improved to about 200m-500m, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple synchronized receivers with high bandwidth I/Q data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex TDoA sensors with multiple low-cost receivers that only need to measure signal strength. These simple receivers can be deployed in large numbers without requiring precise synchronization or high-bandwidth data connections, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining acceptable location accuracy through statistical processing of multiple measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/synchronization-based TDoA system with a statistical field-strength analysis system. Instead of relying on precise time synchronization and high-speed data transmission, the system uses multiple low-cost receivers to collect signal strength measurements and determines location through statistical evaluation of the spatial distribution of these measurements
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for last meter detection, then the location accuracy can be improved to exact position, but the productivity and time consumption worsen due to requiring human operators to physically locate the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform the final location determination without human intervention. The multiple receivers continuously measure field strengths and the system automatically processes this data to pinpoint the exact location of the signal source, eliminating the need for operators to physically search the area while maintaining high location accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where receivers constantly monitor signal strength and the system automatically adjusts its location estimates based on the spatial distribution of measurements. This automated feedback mechanism allows the system to self-correct and converge on the precise target location without human input, significantly improving detection speed and productivity
3Measurement precision
If high bandwidth I/Q data is transmitted for TDoA processing, then the measurement precision improves, but the data transmission requirements and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for location determination - the signal strength measurement - from the received radio signals. Instead of transmitting and processing complete high-bandwidth I/Q data, the system extracts and transmits only the derived field strength values, dramatically reducing data transmission requirements and associated energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for location accuracy
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 automated and cost-efficient location of targets within the last meters without manual intervention, using power of arrival technique for precise positioning and reducing the need for high-bandwidth data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least one antenna assigned to the at least one receiver unit having the several receivers
Implementation Method 2
Each receiver is configured to measure the absolute receiving power of the signal emitted by the target
Data Source
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AI summary
A direction finding system (10) for radio direction finding of a target (22) emitting at least one signal (24) is described. The direction finding system (10) comprises at least one receiver unit (12), at least one antenna (18) assigned to the at least one receiver unit (12) and a central processing unit (20) connected to the at least one receiver unit. The at least one receiver unit (12) is configured to measure an absolute receiving power or a relative receiving power of the at least one signal (24) emitted by the target (22). The central processing unit (20) is configured to determine the power level of the respective power received by the at least one receiver unit (12). The central processing unit (20) is further configured to determine interpolated constant power contours (30) in order to locate the target (22). In addition, a method for radio direction finding of a target emitting electromagnetic at least one signal is described.