Signal Source Position Estimation via TDOA Hyperbolic Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately estimate the positions of multiple signal sources when signals from these sources are generated at the same time, due to difficulties in separating signals and calculating time differences of arrival (TDOA) between sensors.
Innovation Solution
A signal source position estimation apparatus that calculates all candidate values of TDOA for all sensor combinations, derives hyperbolic information based on sensor coordinates and TDOA, and extracts peak coordinates from a solution candidate distribution to estimate signal source positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signals are generated from multiple signal sources at substantially the same time, then signal separation becomes difficult, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex signal separation problem into discrete TDOA candidate values for each sensor pair. By calculating TDOA candidates independently for each sensor combination and then integrating results through hyperbolic intersection, the method divides the difficult signal separation task into manageable discrete steps that can be processed systematically without requiring complex real-time signal separation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the continuous signal separation problem into a discrete parameter evaluation problem. Instead of continuously separating mixed signals, the method evaluates discrete TDOA candidate values (parameters) for each sensor pair, converts them to hyperbolic equations, and determines signal source positions through mathematical intersection. This parameter transformation converts an intractable signal processing problem into a solvable mathematical optimization problem.
2Measurement precision
If all candidate values of TDOA are calculated for all sensor combinations, then position estimation accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of all TDOA candidate values for every sensor pair before进行 position estimation. By pre-calculating and storing these candidate values, the method avoids repeated computations during the actual position estimation process. This preliminary action ensures that when hyperbolic intersections are calculated, the TDOA values are already prepared, reducing the overall computational burden despite the initially large number of candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional TDOA value problem into a two-dimensional hyperbolic geometry problem. Each TDOA candidate value becomes a hyperbolic equation in a spatial coordinate system. By converting temporal differences into spatial geometric relationships, the method adds a dimensional transformation that allows multiple TDOA candidates from different sensor pairs to be integrated visually and mathematically through hyperbolic intersections, making the computational process more structured and efficient.
3Measurement precision
If hyperbolic information is calculated based on sensor coordinates and TDOA candidate values, then solution accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex signal processing operations with mathematical hyperbolic geometry calculations. Instead of using traditional signal separation techniques that require iterative processing and signal analysis, the method substitutes these with direct mathematical computations of hyperbolic equations based on sensor coordinates and TDOA values. This substitution of mechanical signal processing with mathematical computation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining high solution accuracy through deterministic geometric intersection.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a signal source position estimation apparatus, a system, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that are capable of accurately estimating positions of a plurality of different signal sources even when signals are generated from the plurality of signal sources at substantially the same time. The signal source position estimation apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a time difference of arrival (TDOA) candidate value evaluation means for calculating, for all combinations of two sensors selected from among a plurality of sensors, all candidate values of a time difference of arrival being a difference in time of arrival (TOA) of signals generated from each of a plurality of signal sources between the two sensors; and a solution candidate distribution derivation means for deriving a solution candidate distribution formed by distributing whether predetermined coordinates are coordinates of the plurality of signal sources.