Single-Satellite Geolocation Using Signal Arrival Time and Orbit Position
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direction finding techniques for determining a target vehicle's location introduce errors when the vehicle moves between measurement points, and require multiple vehicles, which increases costs and limits operational duration due to fuel constraints.
Innovation Solution
A single non-geostationary satellite, such as a CubeSat, is used to detect signals from an earth-based vehicle and determine its three-dimensional location using signal processing units that analyze arrival times and satellite positions to minimize error and eliminate the need for multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement vehicles are used to take LoPs simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple measurement vehicles into a single satellite platform. The satellite performs both positioning (determining its own location) and measuring (taking LoPs of the target vehicle) functions that previously required multiple separate vehicles, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through sophisticated signal processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based measurement vehicles to three-dimensional orbital satellite measurements. By operating from space, a single satellite can achieve geometric diversity equivalent to multiple ground vehicles, improving location determination accuracy while reducing the number of platforms needed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement vehicles are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance (fuel) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple fuel-consuming measurement vehicles into a single satellite platform. By performing all necessary measurements from one orbital platform, the system eliminates the fuel consumption associated with deploying and operating multiple ground vehicles, while maintaining measurement precision through advanced signal processing.
3Device complexity
If a single satellite is used to determine location, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the satellite, including its orbital characteristics and measurement timing, to optimize location determination precision. By carefully selecting the satellite's orbit and measurement opportunities, the system achieves accurate location fixes using a single platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of deploying multiple physical vehicles with a sophisticated signal processing system on a single satellite. Advanced algorithms process the satellite's position and signal timing data to achieve precision equivalent to multiple vehicles, substituting computational complexity for mechanical complexity.
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 allows for accurate three-dimensional geolocation of earth-based vehicles with reduced operational costs and extended duration by utilizing a single satellite that moves faster than the vehicle, minimizing location determination errors.
Implementation Method 1
A non-geostationary satellite, including a data collection apparatus with a processor, receives a number of signals from an emitter on an earth-based vehicle and determines arrival times of the number of signals
Data Source
AI summary
The described geolocation techniques determine a location of an earth-based vehicle using a non-geostationary satellite. For instance, the non-geostationary satellite receives signals transmitted by the earth-based vehicle, determines the arrival times of the signals, and the position information of the satellite corresponding to the arrival times of the signals. The arrival times and position information of the satellite are sent to a signal processing unit to determine a location of the vehicle.