Geolocation Signal Quality Determination via Sensor Threshold Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time difference of arrival geolocation systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of an emitter due to noise, interference, and time-varying signal bandwidth, which increases the variance of the time difference estimate and results in less accurate geolocation solutions, and existing systems transfer unnecessary signal data, overloading the communications infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The system monitors the amplitude and bandwidth of received signals at each sensor and only requests data from sensors that meet predetermined amplitude and bandwidth thresholds, performing fast Fourier transform processing to filter out noise and reduce data transfer, thereby improving signal quality and reducing communication load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all received signal data is transferred to the central processor for processing, then complete signal analysis is achieved, but the communications infrastructure becomes overloaded with unnecessary data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential signal characteristics (amplitude and bandwidth) at the sensor level before data transfer. Sensors perform local FFT processing to determine if signal thresholds are met, and only transfer data when conditions are satisfied, thereby removing unnecessary data from the communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal analysis (FFT processing and threshold evaluation) at the sensor before data transfer to the central processor. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary data early in the process, reducing communication load while maintaining analysis completeness for relevant signals.
2Loss of energy
If signal data is filtered and only meaningful data is transferred, then communication load is reduced, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function between sensors and the central processor. Sensors perform simple FFT and threshold testing (low complexity), while the central processor handles comprehensive analysis (high complexity). This segmentation distributes complexity appropriately and reduces overall system burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering mechanism at the sensor level that acts as a gatekeeper. This intermediary (the FFT-based threshold test) simplifies the data transfer decision process and reduces communication load without requiring the central processor to handle all processing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If time difference of arrival is calculated from all received signals, then location determination is achieved, but noise and interference increase the variance of the estimate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor signal amplitude and bandwidth thresholds. When thresholds are not met (indicating poor signal quality), the sensor provides feedback to not transfer data, thereby preventing noisy measurements from degrading location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for signal evaluation from raw signal data to processed characteristics (amplitude and bandwidth). By transforming signals through FFT and evaluating these parameters against thresholds, the system selectively uses only high-quality measurements for location determination, reducing estimate variance.
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 enhances the accuracy of geolocation solutions by ensuring only meaningful data is processed, reducing the variance of the time difference estimate and minimizing the load on the communications infrastructure, resulting in more precise and efficient location determinations.
Implementation Method 1
performing fast Fourier transform processing to filter out noise and reduce data transfer
Data Source
AI summary
In a geolocation system for determining a geolocation of a target emitter, a method for determining the geolocation. The method comprises receiving a signal transmitted from the target emitter at each one of a plurality of sensors; determining whether signals received at n sensors, from among the plurality of sensors, satisfy one or more threshold values related to a condition of the received signals; if signals received at n sensors satisfy the threshold value, commanding m of the n sensors to transmit the signal received thereat or information related to the signal received thereat to a processor; at the processor, determining time difference estimates for the m received signals and determining the geolocation of the target emitter from the time difference estimates.