Phased Array Radiovision Device for Passive RF Source Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to generate a real-time, portable, and self-supported image that combines radio frequency and visible fields, including near and far infrared, and near and far ultraviolet, while passively locating radiation sources without emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Innovation Solution

A compact, portable system using phased array technology to synthesize a directional radiation beam for detecting and locating electromagnetic emissions, employing Gaussian curve detection algorithms and overlaying markers on a visual image captured by a video camera, without mechanical parts and electromagnetic emission during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If phased array technology is used to detect and locate electromagnetic emissions in real-time, then detection speed and location accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection task into multiple antenna elements arranged in a phased array configuration. Each antenna element independently receives electromagnetic signals, and the system processes signals from multiple elements simultaneously to achieve precise location through spatial sampling and signal processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electronically controlled phased array system. Instead of physically moving antennas or detectors to scan for emissions, the system uses electronic phase shifting and signal processing to achieve rapid, real-time detection and localization without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a portable and autonomous device is designed for real-time detection, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functional components into a single portable unit: the phased array antenna elements, signal processing electronics, video camera for visual overlay, power supply, and control algorithms are all combined in one self-contained device, enabling autonomous operation without external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions within a single system: it detects electromagnetic emissions across different frequencies, locates their sources, captures visual images through the video camera, overlays the detected positions on the visual field, and provides real-time display - all without requiring separate external equipment for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If passive detection without electromagnetic emission is implemented, then harmful factors are reduced, but detection capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation emissionVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of actively emitting electromagnetic waves to detect targets (active radar approach), the system inverts the approach by passively detecting and listening for electromagnetic emissions naturally produced by target devices such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi equipment, thereby avoiding harmful radiation while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 real-time detection and location of electromagnetic emissions from mobile devices within a 80×80-degree field of view, providing a visual representation of radiation sources without emitting radiation, ensuring portable and autonomous operation.

Implementation Method 1

The principle of detection and location is based on phased array technology, which enables the synthesis of a directional radiation beam that can be electrically controlled in terms of both its shape and direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased array:

Implementation Method 2

The use of Gaussian curve detection algorithms to locate the direction of the radiation sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGaussian curve detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10996309B2Radiovision device

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 UNIVERSITY OF CHILE

AI summary

This patent concerns a compact and portable system for real-time detection and location of electromagnetic emissions in the spectrum used by mobile devices (cell phones and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth devices). The principle of detection and location is based on phased array technology, which enables the synthesis of a directional radiation beam that can be electrically controlled in terms of both its shape and direction. This technology is used primarily in military and astronomical applications. The device also includes localization and control algorithms. This device will allow for detecting and locating electromagnetic emissions by means of an antenna beam scan within a field of view of 80×80 degrees. Once the detection and location have been established, the results are overlaid to a visual image captured by a video camera.