Multistatic PCL Target Association Using Segmented Line Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multistatic passive coherent location (PCL) systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple targets due to increased computational load as the number of illuminators and targets grows, leading to interference with real-time operation and difficulties in associating new bistatic range/velocity measurement values with existing target tracks.

Innovation Solution

A multistatic PCL system apparatus that includes an antenna array, signal measurement units, signal processors, a line track information combiner, a multiple target association unit, and a position/velocity predictor, which efficiently generates and manages target tracks by classifying line track information, predicting target positions and velocities, and associating unique numbers to targets, using reliability values to validate and update target information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of illuminators and targets increases to improve detection capability, then the system can track more targets with better coverage, but the computational load increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcomputational load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex target association problem into smaller sub-problems by segmenting the association process into initialization phase and update phase. Line track information is segmented and classified based on illuminator indices, allowing independent processing of different illuminator combinations. This segmentation reduces the overall computational complexity from exponential to manageable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of line track information based on illuminator indices before the actual target association. By pre-organizing the data structure and identifying potential target combinations in advance, the system avoids redundant computations during real-time operation, significantly reducing the computational burden when multiple illuminators and targets are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If real-time processing is implemented to maintain operational efficiency, then the system can respond quickly to target movements, but the accuracy of target association decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time operationVSAvoidtarget association accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification and organization of line track information before real-time target association. By pre-processing and structuring the data according to illuminator indices, the system enables rapid access and comparison during real-time operation without sacrificing association accuracy, thus maintaining both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously updates target tracks by comparing new line track information with existing target associations. The association results feed back into the tracking process, allowing the system to refine and verify associations in real-time, ensuring both rapid response and high accuracy through iterative improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive target tracking is performed to improve tracking accuracy, then the system can maintain precise target positions, but the difficulty of managing multiple targets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidtarget management difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments target management by classifying line track information according to illuminator indices and organizing it into structured data formats. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple targets independently through their associated illuminators, reducing the overall management complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking of all targets with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If traditional target association methods are used to ensure accurate target identification, then the system can correctly associate bistatic range and velocity with targets, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget identification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of line track information based on illuminator indices before conducting target association. By pre-organizing the data structure and identifying potential target combinations in advance, the system avoids redundant computations during actual association, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate target identification through the structured approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11604268B2Apparatus of multiple targets management for multistatic PCL based target localization
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEV
  • US11604268B2 patent drawing
  • US11604268B2 patent drawing
  • US11604268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application relates to a passive coherent location (PCL) system. In one aspect, the PCL system includes a signal measurement device configured to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of illuminators and generate an In-phase signal and a Quadrature signal corresponding to each illuminator using the received signals. The PCL system also includes a signal processing device configured to detect a first target using the In-phase and Quadrature signals and measure a bistatic range of the first target and a bistatic velocity of the first target to generate a plurality of pieces of line track information corresponding to the first target. The PCL system further includes a locating device configured to generate target track information of the first target using the line track information and predict a position vector and a velocity vector of the first target using the target track information.