Towed Array Superposition Tracker Signal Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional towed array systems face challenges in maintaining accurate signal processing due to shape changes during turns, leading to unreliable data estimation and loss of useful data when not in a straight-line tow.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the transmission of pairs of tracking signals and their subsequent removal from sensor data sets to produce a filtered data set, which is then provided to a beamformer along with an indication of the relative delay, allowing for improved data processing even in non-straight-line tows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tracking signals are transmitted continuously for sensor array calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to interference from tracking signals in the data set

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor array calibration accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes tracking signals from the sensor data set through spectral analysis and identification of signals matching known tracking signal characteristics. This separation allows calibration data to be preserved while eliminating interfering tracking signals from the processed output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification and marking of tracking signals in the data set before final signal processing. By detecting and flagging tracking signals early in the processing chain, the system can apply appropriate filtering or weighting to minimize their interference with target signal detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If data is discarded when the towed array is not in a straight-line tow, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of information increases due to rejection of useful data collected during turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing reliabilityVSAvoiduseful data loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from binary data acceptance/rejection based on tow geometry to a continuous parameter-based filtering approach. By using spectral analysis and signal characteristics rather than simple geometric conditions, the system can process data from all towing conditions while maintaining reliability through intelligent discrimination of valid versus invalid signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11821973B2Towed array superposition tracker

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A method is disclosed comprising: transmitting a pair of tracking signals, the pair of tracking signals including a first tracking signal and a second tracking signal; receiving a data set that is collected by using a sensor in a sensor array, the data set including: (i) a received first tracking signal that is generated by the sensor in response to receiving the first tracking signal, (ii) a received second tracking signal that is generated by the sensor in response to receiving the second tracking signal, and (iii) a received target signal; detecting a relative delay at which the first tracking signal and the second tracking signal are received by the sensor; removing the received first tracking signal and the received second tracking signal from the data set to produce a filtered data set; and providing the filtered data set and an indication of the relative delay to a beamformer.