RF Source Location via Directional Vector Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locating radio frequency (RF) signal sources are inefficient and unreliable, particularly in obstructed environments or when signals are weak, making it difficult to accurately identify and mark RF sources, such as rogue or interfering cellular phone signals.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic radiation source locating system comprising a directional antenna, a controller, position detector, orientation detector, and range sensor, which work together to determine a directional vector to the RF source, allowing for precise location calculation and marking of the source using a spatial processor and potentially an aerial vehicle for marker deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional radio frequency detectors are used to passively detect signal sources, then the system is simple to operate, but the location accuracy and reliability deteriorate in obstructed environments or when signals are weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical detection with active electromagnetic radiation transmission. The system transmits electromagnetic signals (e.g., laser beams) from multiple known positions and detects their interaction with the RF source or reflective surfaces to determine location, substituting passive signal reception with active signal transmission and reflection principles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation (such as laser beams) as an intermediary to locate RF sources. Instead of directly detecting the RF signal characteristics, the system uses electromagnetic radiation that interacts with the environment and the RF source to infer position information through the transmission and detection of this intermediary radiation
2Device complexity
If traditional RF signal hunters are used to detect signal strength, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of identifying and marking RF sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into multiple independent components: multiple transmission positions with known coordinates, electromagnetic radiation transmission paths, detection of radiation interaction, and computational location determination. This segmentation allows each component to function independently and reliably, improving overall system reliability without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional signal strength detection to multi-dimensional location determination. By using electromagnetic radiation transmission from multiple known positions in three-dimensional space and detecting the radiation's interaction with the RF source or reflective surfaces, the system achieves reliable location identification in multiple dimensions
3Measurement precision
If a system transmits electromagnetic radiation from multiple data acquisition points to locate RF sources, then the location precision improves through triangulation, but the device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic radiation transmission system multi-functional by using the same transmission and detection infrastructure for multiple purposes: locating RF sources, determining position of transmission points, and calculating directional vectors. This universal use of electromagnetic radiation transmission for multiple location determination tasks improves precision without proportionally increasing complexity
4Measurement precision
If the system uses directional vectors from multiple points to calculate RF source location, then the accuracy of tracking and identification improves, but the time required for location calculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing known positions and coordinates of transmission points, pre-calculating directional vectors based on known geometry, and pre-configuring the electromagnetic radiation transmission system. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid location calculation when needed, reducing real-time computation time while maintaining high tracking accuracy
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 effectively locates and marks RF sources by triangulating directional vectors from multiple data acquisition points, overcoming obstructions and signal strength challenges, enabling accurate tracking and identification of RF sources.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to detect a radiant energy transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic radiation source locating system including an electromagnetic radiation sensor including an antenna configured to detect a radiant energy transmission. A position detector is in communication with the controller and is configured to detect the position of the antenna relative to a reference coordinate system, while an orientation sensor is in communication with the controller and is configured to detect the orientation of the antenna and provide an orientation signal to the controller. A range sensor is configured to detect the distance to an aligned object in the path of a directional vector and provide a distance signal indicative thereof to the controller. An aerial vehicle may be in communication with the controller and configured to drop a marker for guiding navigators to the source of the radiant energy transmission.