Pulsed Transmitter Characterization via Doppler Frequency Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for characterizing pulse signal transmitters, such as radars and sonars, are limited in accurately determining relative radial speed, especially for short pulses and modulated pulses with unknown modulation characteristics, as they rely on precise detection of carrier frequency variations which can be challenging.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving and analyzing at least two periodic quantities of the pulse signal to calculate frequency variations due to the Doppler effect, allowing for the determination of relative radial speed, and using the pulse repetition frequency as a reliable periodic quantity independent of pulse duration and modulation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If carrier frequency detection is used to determine radial velocity, then measurement precision is improved for continuous signals, but measurement reliability deteriorates for short pulses and modulated signals with unknown modulation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial velocity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability for short and modulated pulses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pulse signal into multiple periodic components (carrier frequency, pulse repetition frequency, and other periodic quantities). By analyzing frequency variations of these segmented components separately and combining their results, the method achieves reliable radial velocity measurement for short and modulated pulses where traditional carrier frequency detection fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If only carrier frequency variation is analyzed, then the method is simple to implement, but applicability deteriorates for short pulses and modulated pulses with unknown modulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethod implementation complexityVSAvoidapplicability to different pulse types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal method that can handle multiple pulse types (continuous waves, short pulses, modulated pulses with known or unknown modulation) by analyzing multiple periodic quantities. The method uses pulse repetition frequency and other periodic components as alternative or complementary indicators to carrier frequency, making it universally applicable across different signal types without requiring complex signal-specific processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If carrier frequency detection is used, then radial velocity can be determined for continuous signals, but measurement precision deteriorates for short pulses where carrier frequency cannot be detected with sufficient precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier frequency detection precisionVSAvoidpulse duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pulse repetition frequency and other periodic signal quantities as intermediary measurements. Instead of directly measuring carrier frequency in short pulses (which is imprecise), the method uses these intermediary periodic components whose frequency variations can be measured with sufficient precision even in short pulses, and uses them to determine radial velocity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables precise characterization of pulse transmitters emitting short or modulated pulses, providing accurate relative radial speed measurements and extending the applicability to a broader variety of pulse signals, with the option to use a Kalman filter for noisy measurements and calculate position based on radial speed.

Implementation Method 1

calculation of a frequency variation due to the Doppler effect for at least two periodic quantities of said received pulse signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4468021A1Method, computer program and device for characterizing a pulsed transmitter
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 BULL SA
  • EP4468021A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4468021A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4468021A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (200) for characterizing a pulsed signal transmitter, said method (200) comprising the following steps: - reception (202), by a receiver, of the pulsed signal emitted by said transmitter, - calculation (206) of a frequency variation due to the Doppler effect for at least two periodic quantities in said received pulsed signal, and - determination (208-210) of the relative velocity of said transmitter with respect to said receiver, from said frequency variations. It also relates to a computer program, a device, and a receiver implementing such a method.