Locating EM Pulse Sources Using Single Detector Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating electromagnetic pulse sources in an environment require multiple detectors, making it impractical to use a single detector, especially when sources are moving or when precision is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single detector that receives direct and reflected pulses, measures arrival direction, time, power, and invariant characteristics, and calculates differences in arrival times to determine source distances, allowing for precise location of sources without the need for multiple detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to locate electromagnetic pulse sources, then location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic signal reception by separating direct pulses from reflected pulses in the time domain. By measuring the time difference between direct and reflected pulse arrivals at a single detector, the system creates virtual baseline segments that enable precise source location without requiring multiple physical detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces environmental reflectors as intermediary objects to create reflected pulse paths. These reflectors act as mediators that enable the single detector to effectively create multiple measurement paths, allowing precision location while avoiding the need for multiple detectors.
2Device complexity
If a single detector is used to reduce complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of pulse emissions from sources and the periodic reflection patterns off environmental objects. By analyzing sequences of direct and reflected pulses over time, the system accumulates measurement data that enhances location precision while using only a single detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (multiple detectors in space) to temporal dimension (time-separated direct and reflected pulses). By measuring the time difference between direct and reflected pulse arrivals, the system extracts location information in the time domain, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If circular sweeping is used for DPTAB measurements, then source location is achieved, but acquisition speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of direct versus reflected pulses before conducting location calculations. By pre-processing the pulse sequences to identify which pulses are direct and which are reflected, the system eliminates the need for slow circular sweeping and enables direct computation of source locations from time difference measurements.
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 precise location of sources using a single quasi-static detector, improving accuracy and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex detector networks, while being applicable to both stationary and moving sources.
Implementation Method 1
received on the one hand directly from said source and received on the other hand by reflection on one of the reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for locating electromagnetic pulse emission sources in an environment including reflectors is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes receiving, by a detector, for each source to be located, at least one same emitted pulse, received directly from said source and received by reflection on one of the reflectors. The method also includes identifying direct subsets and reflected subsets, regrouping by pairs of direct subsets with reflected subsets, calculating, for each pair, differences in dates of arrival between the pulses of the reflected subset and the pulses of the direct subset of the pair, and determining the distance of each source from the detector from calculated differences in dates of arrival of the pulses of each pair.