Single-Receiver Doppler Underwater Target Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater navigation and tracking solutions for autonomous vehicles are expensive, require high-power sensors, and are limited by the need for continuous GPS or geo-located acoustic beacons, making them impractical for extensive oceanographic sensing.
Innovation Solution
A Doppler-based method using a single acoustic source and beamforming processing to determine the relative angle to the source, allowing for precise tracking without the need for expensive sensors or continuous GPS, by emitting signals with a known frequency and using a receiver to calculate velocity and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive high-power sensors such as inertial navigation sensors are used for underwater navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical inertial navigation sensors with an acoustic-based system that uses a single acoustic source and Doppler effect measurements. The system substitutes complex mechanical sensing with acoustic signal processing, achieving navigation functionality through frequency shift measurements and beamforming algorithms rather than costly inertial measurement units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single acoustic source that can be简单地 deployed and replaced if needed, rather than requiring expensive, complex, and difficult-to-replace inertial navigation systems. The acoustic source represents a simpler, more economical component that achieves the navigation function through signal processing rather than costly hardware
2Measurement precision
If continuous GPS or geo-located acoustic beacons are used for tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but system cost and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential tracking function from complex continuous GPS or multi-beacon systems and achieves it through a single acoustic source with Doppler measurements. By taking out only the necessary elements (single source, frequency measurement capability) and eliminating unnecessary complexity (continuous GPS, multiple geo-located beacons), the system achieves tracking accuracy with reduced system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Doppler frequency shift as an intermediary measurement mechanism that enables tracking without direct line-of-sight to multiple beacons or continuous GPS. The frequency shift serves as a mediator that translates relative motion into measurable signal changes, allowing accurate tracking through a single acoustic source rather than multiple coordinated beacons
3Device complexity
If a single acoustic source with Doppler-based processing is used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibrations and their Doppler frequency shifts as the core measurement mechanism. By measuring the frequency changes caused by relative motion between the single acoustic source and the receiver, the system extracts precise location and velocity information from the vibrational characteristics of the acoustic signal, maintaining measurement precision despite using simpler hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct position measurement (requiring multiple sensors) to frequency shift measurement (achievable with a single source). By measuring the Doppler frequency parameter rather than directly measuring position, the system achieves precise location estimation through parameter transformation and signal processing from a single acoustic source
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 simpler, less expensive, and more efficient method for underwater navigation and tracking, enabling precise location estimation of submerged objects without the constraints of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A Doppler-based method using a single acoustic source and beamforming processing to determine the relative angle to the source
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer readable medium having a tracked package with a source emitting signals through an underwater environment that are detected by a receiver on a tracker and thereby producing a received signal, the tracker also having a controller and a position mechanism. The controller is configured to produce a sample from the received signal, receive velocity data from the position mechanism, and determine an angle relative to the source by comparing the received signal's frequency from a known source frequency and the velocity data.