Multilateration Geolocation Using Synchronized Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems for target location and tracking are expensive, require multiple interconnected stations, and face challenges in achieving precise geolocation and tracking at high frequencies due to limitations in signal attenuation and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing highly time-synchronized receivers and transmitters, operating at lower frequencies, employs multilateration and interferometry to triangulate targets, allowing for precise geolocation and tracking with improved spatial resolution and reduced costs by distributing nodes over large distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and sophisticated radar systems are used to determine distances to targets, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple distributed receivers positioned at different locations. Each receiver independently measures the time of arrival of signals from the target, and the processor combines these measurements through multilateration to determine the target's position. This segmentation allows each receiver to be a simple, low-cost device rather than requiring one complex centralized radar system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central processor as an intermediary that receives time-of-arrival measurements from multiple distributed receivers and performs the multilateration calculations to determine target position. This intermediary approach allows simple receivers to achieve sophisticated positioning capabilities through coordinated processing, avoiding the need for each receiver to be a complex radar system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple interconnected stations are used for target location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location system into multiple independent receivers distributed over a large area, each performing simple time-of-arrival measurements. The complexity of connecting and coordinating these stations is managed by the central processor that receives measurements from all receivers and performs the multilateration algorithm to determine precise geolocation, reducing the complexity burden on individual stations.
3Productivity
If high-frequency operations are used, then productivity is improved, but loss of energy increases due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency operations. By using lower frequencies, the system exploits the property that low-frequency signals experience less attenuation and can travel longer distances with less energy loss. This parameter change allows the system to maintain productivity through the distributed multilateration approach while reducing the energy loss problem associated with high-frequency operations.
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
Achieves precise target geolocation and tracking with improved spatial resolution and reduced costs by using synchronized receivers and transmitters, overcoming limitations of high-frequency systems through multilateration and interferometry.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiver configured for receiving a first signal from the target and a second receiver configured for receiving a second signal from the target
Implementation Method 2
the second receiver time-synchronized with the first receiver. A programmable processor can determine a range to the target based on arrival times of the first signal at the first receiver and the second signal at the second receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer programs for determining a range to a target. A system can include a first receiver configured for receiving a first signal from the target and a second receiver configured for receiving a second signal from the target, the second receiver time-synchronized with the first receiver. A programmable processor can determine a range to the target based on arrival times of the first signal at the first receiver and the second signal at the second receiver.