Jamming Signal Localization Using Airborne Detector Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating ground-based jamming signals disrupting satellite-based navigation systems are either costly, impractical, or lack precision, such as the need for multiple airborne vehicles or manual operation with limited directionality.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single antenna on an airborne vehicle to make successive measurements at different locations, processing these to determine the precise location of the jamming source through relative signal strength differences, and constructing a probability grid to refine the location over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three airborne vehicles are used to retransmit GPS signals at high power, then jamming is defeated, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple airborne vehicles into a single ground-based detector that performs signal analysis and jamming source localization. Instead of using three separate airborne vehicles to counter jamming, the invention uses one ground-based device with multiple antennas to detect and locate the jamming source, thereby defeating the jamming effect through identification and avoidance rather than through high-power retransmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ground-based detector that analyzes GPS signals and jamming characteristics to determine the location of jamming sources. This intermediary device acts as a mediator between the satellite signals and the receiver, providing information about jamming sources without requiring airborne vehicles to physically counter the jamming signals.
2Measurement precision
If a hand-held jammer locator with two spatially separated antennae is used, then direction information is obtained, but manual operation is required and exact location identification is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ground-based detector to automatically process signals from multiple antennas, calculate jamming source locations, and provide precise location information without requiring manual operation. The system performs autonomous signal analysis, triangulation calculations, and location determination, eliminating the need for manual direction-finding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical direction-finding process with an automated electronic signal processing system. Instead of manually operating a hand-held device to determine direction, the invention uses electronic signal analysis from multiple antennas combined with computational algorithms to automatically calculate and identify the exact location of jamming sources.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are made at different locations by a moving detector, then precise location determination is achieved, but time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using multiple fixed antennas distributed at different locations to simultaneously capture signal information. Instead of moving a single detector sequentially through multiple locations, the system pre-deploys multiple antennas that collectively provide the spatial information needed for precise location determination, eliminating the time required for sequential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a time-based measurement approach (moving detector through space over time) to a spatial parallel approach (multiple fixed antennas capturing signals simultaneously). By adding the spatial dimension through multiple fixed antenna positions, the system achieves precise location determination without the time penalty of sequential 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 accurate and efficient localization of jamming sources with reduced costs and complexity, allowing for targeted action against the jammer.
Implementation Method 1
a detector, having at least one antenna for measuring the strength of a jamming signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A ground-based source (12) of a jamming signal capable of disrupting a GNSS satellite-based navigation system, for example a GPS jammer, is located with a detector (20, 22, 24) carried by a suitable platform (10), for example an airborne UAV or missile. The detector, when the platform (10) is at a first location (16a),measures a characteristic of the jamming signal. The platform (10) and its detector are then moved to a chosen second location (16b),from which a further measurement of the jamming signal is made. The measurements made by the detectorare then used to determine the location of the source (12) of the jamming signal.