Portable Sensor Network for Radio Direction Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio direction finding (RDF) systems are inflexible and heavy, making them difficult to carry and use conveniently for accurate localization of emitters.
Innovation Solution
A portable and lightweight radio direction finding system comprising a network of sensors that use software-defined radio to exchange position information and signal data, allowing each sensor to calculate a line of bearing and emitter location through correlation matrices and array manifolds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RDF systems are used, then accurate emitter localization is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the RDF functionality into multiple independent portable sensors instead of using a single large system. Each sensor can independently perform localization, and multiple sensors work together through triangulation to achieve accurate emitter positioning while maintaining portability and light weight for each individual unit.
2Measurement precision
If conventional RDF systems are used, then accurate emitter localization is achieved, but the system becomes fixed and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed stationary RDF setup to a dynamic network of portable sensors that can be freely positioned and moved. The sensors communicate wirelessly and adaptively form measurement networks, allowing the system to flexibly deploy in various environments and configurations while maintaining localization accuracy through real-time coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portable sensors are used, then system portability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into integrated portable units that each perform signal reception, processing, and communication. By merging these functions and enabling automatic coordination between sensors through wireless communication, the system achieves flexible deployment without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the sensors work together through standardized protocols.
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
The system enables accurate and flexible localization of emitters by allowing multiple sensors to triangulate the emitter's position, providing a precise and portable solution that replaces the need for bulky, stationary RDF systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor may be configured to determine its own position using Global Positioning System (GPS) and may broadcast the position information (along with metadata such as sensor identifier number) to other sensors in the network
Implementation Method 2
Each sensor may be configured to determine its own position using Global Positioning System (GPS)
Data Source
AI summary
A method to perform localization is disclosed. The method may be performed by a first device of a plurality of devices distributed non-uniformly in a network. Each device, from the plurality of devices, may be configured to detect or obtain signals from an emitter. The method may include obtaining signals from the emitter and converting the signals into a first complex amplitude. The method may further include broadcasting the first complex amplitude to one or more second devices of the plurality of devices. The method may further include obtaining, by the first device, a second complex amplitude from the second devices, and constructing a correlation matrix based on the first complex amplitude and the second complex amplitude. The method may additionally include determining a line of bearing to the emitter based on the correlation matrix, and determining an emitter location based on the line of bearing.