Polarized RF Angular Orientation Sensor With Integrated Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current angular orientation measurement systems for objects like UAVs and munitions face challenges such as drift and noise errors in inertial sensors, vulnerability to jamming and spoofing in GPS systems, and limitations in precision and reliability of polarized RF sensors due to signal magnitude dependence and environmental interference.

Innovation Solution

The integration of scanning polarized RF reference sources with cavity sensors that use modulated scanning patterns to provide independent angular orientation measurements, resistant to environmental noise and interference, and enable secure communication links for guidance and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If polarized RF sensors are used for angular orientation measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but precision deteriorates due to signal magnitude dependence and environmental interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular orientation measurement precisionVSAvoidenvironmental interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal magnitude to polarization state (scanning pattern). By detecting how the polarization state of received RF signals varies as the transmitter scans, the system determines angular orientation without relying on signal magnitude, thereby eliminating sensitivity to environmental interference and path loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates communication and sensing functions into a single system. The same polarized RF scanning signals used for communication also carry angular orientation information, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve secure communication and precise sensing without separate dedicated sensing channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If communication link is established between guiding station and object/platform, then guidance and control information can be transferred, but vulnerability to jamming and spoofing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidjamming and spoofing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polarization state as the communication carrier instead of traditional signal magnitude or frequency modulation. By encoding information in the polarization scanning pattern, the system creates a communication link that is inherently resistant to jamming and spoofing, as adversaries cannot easily replicate or disrupt the specific polarization characteristics without being detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of environmental interference and signal attenuation into a benefit by using polarization state rather than magnitude. Since polarization is unaffected by path loss and many environmental factors, what would normally degrade signal quality instead becomes a robust feature for secure communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of information

If data transmission between nodes is increased for guidance and control, then communication capability is improved, but risk of detection and interception increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoiddetection and interception

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges communication data and angular orientation sensing into a single integrated signal exchange. By embedding orientation information within the polarization scanning pattern used for communication, the system minimizes total data transmission while achieving multiple objectives, thereby reducing the window for potential interception and jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables accurate, secure, and reliable angular orientation measurements and communication, even in non-line-of-sight conditions and low signal-to-noise ratios, reducing the risk of detection, jamming, and spoofing, while minimizing power consumption and maintaining precision.

Implementation Method 1

angular orientation measurement systems for objects like UAVs and munitions face challenges such as drift and noise errors in inertial sensors, vulnerability to jamming and spoofing in GPS systems, and limitations in precision and reliability of polarized RF sensors due to signal magnitude dependence and environmental interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11841227B2Polarized radio frequency (RF) angular orientation sensor with integrated communication link

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A system including a polarized radio frequency (RF) scanning reference source and one or more cavity sensor receivers. The system uses a sensor processor to apply Fourier integration to extract a fundamental frequency and, at least, a fundamental frequency and two predetermined harmonics from the received output of the one or more cavity sensor receivers in determining a reference time of the reference clock.