Common Sensor-Communication Modeling for SWaP-Constrained Missions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platforms face size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints that hinder their ability to provide increased capability for multi-function active transmitters and receivers, and there is a lack of a sufficient modeling framework to integrate sensors and communications for longer range targeting and high bandwidth secure communications across multi-domain platforms.

Innovation Solution

A hierarchical modeling framework that integrates sensor and communications models across three layers - operational, functional, and physical - using an adaptive approach to bridge gaps and ensure data integrity, enabling concurrent visualization and multi-mission modeling across diverse platforms and domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy platforms are used with existing sensor and communication systems, then SWaP constraints are maintained, but the capability for longer range targeting and high bandwidth secure communications is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability for longer range targeting and high bandwidth secure communicationsVSAvoidSWaP constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a common framework that integrates both sensor models and communication models into a single unified platform. This multi-functional framework allows the system to perform both sensing and communication operations simultaneously, enabling longer range targeting and high bandwidth secure communications without requiring separate dedicated systems that would increase SWaP constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate sensor modeling and communication modeling into a single integrated framework. By combining these functions into one unified system with common data structures and processing pipelines, the patent reduces overall system complexity and resource requirements, thereby addressing SWaP constraints while enhancing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate modeling frameworks are used for sensors and communications, then existing models can be maintained, but integrated modeling capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated modeling capabilityVSAvoidmodeling framework structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal modeling framework that handles both sensor operations and communication operations through common data structures, processing pipelines, and configuration interfaces. This unified approach enables integrated modeling capability while reducing the complexity that would arise from maintaining separate frameworks, as the common structure serves multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the modeling framework into distinct but integrated components: sensor models, communication models, and a common integration layer. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently while still achieving integrated modeling capability through the common framework structure, thereby managing complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional RF capabilities are used, then existing communication infrastructure is maintained, but high bandwidth communications capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional RF communication parameters to optical communication parameters, including changes in wavelength, modulation schemes, and detection methods. This parameter transformation enables high bandwidth communications by utilizing the broader spectral availability and higher frequency characteristics of optical waves, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency while managing power requirements through more efficient modulation and detection techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12537615B2Common framework for sensor and communication models

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media for concurrent visualization of sensor and communications operations. A method can include receiving mission data indicating a target, a sensor, a communications system, and an operation to be performed regarding the target, identifying one or more operational layer, functional layer, and physical layer models for the sensor and communications system, and a physical layer model for weather, identifying, based on a comparison of the physical models of the sensor and communications system to a propagation equation, any gaps or inconsistencies between the physical models of the sensor and communications system and the propagation equation, and executing a simulation model resulting in a visual display of execution of the mission using the sensor and the communications system, the simulation model generated based on a filler model that fills any identified gaps or fixes any identified inconsistencies.