EM Source Location via Locus Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating electromagnetic sources, such as radars, are resource-intensive and rely on iterative calculations, which are computationally expensive and not suitable for real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses direct and non-iterative calculations to determine the location of an electromagnetic source by calculating the intersection of iso-ADOA cylinders and iso-TDOA hyperboloids based on angle and time difference measurements from an array of ESM receivers, allowing for precise positioning without iterative gradient-based methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative gradient-based maximum-likelihood-estimation methods are used for location, then measurement precision is improved, but computational power requirements increase and execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces iterative numerical optimization methods (mechanical/computational system) with a direct closed-form mathematical solution. Instead of using gradient-based iterative algorithms that require multiple computational cycles, the invention derives an explicit analytical formula that directly calculates the emitter position from measured angles and time differences, eliminating the need for iterative computation while maintaining location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the location problem from an iterative optimization parameter adjustment process into a direct parameter calculation. By changing the computational approach from iterative refinement to direct algebraic solution, the method achieves the same measurement precision with significantly reduced computational complexity and execution time.
2Measurement precision
If iterative gradient-based maximum-likelihood-estimation methods are used for location, then measurement precision is improved, but computational power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes energy-intensive iterative computational processes with a low-power direct mathematical calculation. The closed-form solution requires only basic arithmetic operations on measured parameters, dramatically reducing the computational power and energy consumption needed to achieve the same location precision compared to iterative gradient-based methods.
3Measurement precision
If search space is digitized for location methods, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digitized search space methods with a direct analytical calculation approach. Instead of discretizing the search space and performing iterative searches, the invention uses a closed-form mathematical formula that directly computes the emitter position from angular and temporal measurements, reducing algorithmic complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method using an array of ESM receivers comprises; a step of determining a first locus on the basis of a first measurement giving information on the angle difference of arrival of the emission beam on two receivers, the first locus including the points in space giving the same first measurement on the two receivers; a step of determining a second locus on the basis of a second measurement giving information on the direction of arrival on at least one receiver, the second locus including the points in space giving the same second measurement on the receiver; and a step of determining a third locus on which the position of the source is found, the third locus being the intersection of the first locus and of the second locus.