Single Acoustic Array Localization of Airborne Launch Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic localization methods require multiple arrays to determine both direction and range of airborne objects, which is costly, complex, and inefficient, especially in noisy environments, and fails to accurately localize launch sites in challenging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single acoustic array with integrated processing circuitry to analyze unique acoustic signatures of airborne objects during launch, flight, and impact phases, enabling range and direction calculation for precise localization of launch sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple spatially separated acoustic arrays are used for full acoustic localization, then measurement precision of 3D location is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters being measured from simple acoustic arrival times to object-specific acoustic signature parameters (frequency content, temporal patterns, spectral characteristics). By analyzing these distinctive parameters, a single array can infer range information that would traditionally require multiple arrays, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces object-specific acoustic profiles as an intermediary between the acoustic signals and the localization process. These profiles serve as reference templates that enable the single acoustic array to compare incoming signals against known patterns, extracting both directional and range information without needing multiple physically separated arrays
2Measurement precision
If multiple acoustic arrays are deployed for accurate localization, then localization accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and deployment simplicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single acoustic array universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions simultaneously: determining direction of arrival, estimating range, identifying object type, and localizing launch sites. This multi-functionality is achieved through sophisticated signal processing that extracts multiple parameters from the acoustic signals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized arrays and simplifying deployment
3Measurement precision
If multiple acoustic arrays are used for full localization, then range determination accuracy is improved, but cost and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from measuring only temporal parameters (arrival times) to analyzing spectral and temporal pattern parameters unique to each object type. By examining frequency content, signal duration, and acoustic signature characteristics, the system can determine range from a single array's data, achieving accurate range measurement without requiring multiple arrays
4Measurement precision
If traditional acoustic triangulation with multiple arrays is used, then direction and range estimation are improved, but adaptability to noisy environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of noise into a beneficial feature by using object-specific acoustic signatures as reference patterns. The signal processing compares incoming acoustic signals against these known patterns, allowing the system to distinguish target signals from random noise. This pattern-matching approach enhances adaptability to noisy environments while maintaining accurate direction and range estimation
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 accurate and efficient localization of airborne object launch sites in noisy environments, reducing infrastructure and personnel risk, and enhancing defense capabilities with rapid countermeasures.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic localization of an object involves capturing its sound emissions with acoustic sensors (e.g., microphones) to determine its position
Implementation Method 2
The direction to the object can be estimated using an acoustic array by analyzing the differences in arrival times or in phases of the sound waves at the different microphones within the array
Implementation Method 3
The direction to the object can be estimated using an acoustic array by analyzing the differences in arrival times or in phases of the sound waves at the different microphones within the array
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter includes a system and method for acoustic-based localization of airborne object launch sites using a single acoustic array. The technique leverages object-specific acoustic signatures generated during launch, flight, and impact phases to extract signal parameters for range and direction estimation. By processing these parameters, the system identifies acoustic events and associates signals with a corresponding object type. For detected events, the system calculates a range between the acoustic array and the launch site based on an acoustic profile of the identified object type, determines a direction from the array to the launch site, and derives the launch site location from one or more calculated ranges and directions. This enables cost-effective, portable, and reliable localization of launch sites, providing actionable intelligence and enhancing defense capabilities in diverse operational settings.