Locating Electromagnetic Pulse Sources Using Single Detector Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating electromagnetic pulse sources require multiple detectors or high-speed carriers, making them unsuitable for using a single quasi-static receiver, especially when dealing with moving sources or requiring precise, fast acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method that groups pulses with invariant characteristics and different directions of arrival, calculates differences in arrival times, and determines source direction and distance using these differences, allowing location from a single detector with minimal movement relative to the sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used for triangulation to locate sources, then location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the location problem into two independent measurement components: direction of arrival (DOA) measurement and time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement. A single detector performs both measurements on received pulses, eliminating the need for multiple detectors while maintaining location precision through the combined use of these two measurement types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pulse reflections from carrier platforms as intermediary signals. By analyzing the time difference between direct pulses and reflected pulses, the system creates virtual measurement points without physically deploying additional detectors, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single detector is used with high-speed carrier movement to achieve location, then device complexity is reduced, but the method becomes unsuitable for moving sources
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the measurement system dynamic by using time-dependent pulse arrival differences. Instead of relying on physical carrier movement, the system dynamically measures TDOA between direct and reflected pulses, allowing it to track and locate moving sources accurately without requiring the detector to be mounted on a high-speed carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical solution of high-speed carrier movement with an electromagnetic signal processing approach. By measuring the time difference of arrival of reflected versus direct pulses, the system achieves location without mechanical motion, thereby adapting to moving sources while keeping the detector stationary or slowly moving.
3Measurement precision
If DPTAB measurements with circular sweeping are used, then location information is obtained, but acquisition speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-processing and grouping pulses based on their invariant characteristics before TDOA calculation. Pulses are organized into groups corresponding to different sources and reflection paths, allowing rapid TDOA extraction without time-consuming circular sweeping, thus significantly improving acquisition speed while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from angular sweeping (DPTAB) to time difference measurement. By measuring TDOA between direct and reflected pulses in the time domain rather than sweeping through angles in the spatial domain, the system achieves fast acquisition without sacrificing location precision.
4Device complexity
If TDOA measurements from a single detector are used, then device complexity is reduced, but multiple detectors are still required for accurate location
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the measurement by utilizing time difference of arrival between direct and reflected pulses. This temporal measurement dimension compensates for using a single detector, as the TDOA information provides additional geometric constraints that enable accurate location determination without multiple spatially separated detectors.
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 precise location of sources using a single detector, reducing costs and complexity, and facilitating quick acquisition without the need for high-speed carriers or multiple detectors, while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by a detector, for each source to be located, for an operating duration of the detector, at least one same emitted pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for locating sources emitting electromagnetic pulses, each source belonging to a carrier platform, the method comprising the following steps:receiving, by a detector, for each source to be located, at least one same emitted pulse, received directly and received by reflection on the carrier platform of another source,measuring the arrival direction, the arrival date and at least one invariant characteristic of each received pulse.The method further comprises the following steps:grouping together a first pair of pulses and a second pair of pulses,calculating the difference of dates of arrival between the pulses of each pair,determining the direction and the distance of each source from the detector from calculated differences of dates of arrival of the pulses of each pair.