Methods and Systems for Source Tracking
Technology Summary
Methods and Systems for Source Tracking is an advanced signal-processing technology designed to accurately track moving signal sources by analyzing the arrival timing and order of emitted sub-signals. The system reconstructs the source's complete path, trajectory, and velocity without requiring continuous signal reception or line-of-sight visibility. By utilizing sophisticated propagation algorithms, it significantly boosts tracking precision while minimizing computational data processing demands across diverse environments.
Background & Opportunity
Tracking moving signal sources presents significant technical challenges, particularly when the source moves slower than the signals it emits or operates in obstructed environments. Traditional tracking methods often struggle with accuracy when analyzing complex movement patterns or when continuous line-of-sight is interrupted. There is a strong need for an efficient system that can reconstruct a moving source's exact trajectory using discrete signal arrivals rather than requiring uninterrupted streaming data.
How It Works
The system detects incoming sub-signals using sensor arrays (such as a planar array of sensors) and evaluates the precise sequence and time intervals of their arrival. Advanced algorithms process these timing relationships to calculate the source's exact movement path and velocity over time. Because the algorithm relies on the physical spatial propagation of discrete sub-signals, it eliminates the dependency on line-of-sight visibility and lowers overall data processing overhead.
Potential Applications
- Navigation & Defense: Assisting in guiding autonomous vehicles, vessels, or aerial assets in GPS-denied or obstructed environments.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tracking acoustic or seismic signals associated with wildlife movements, ice fractures, or volcanic/seismic activity.
- Acoustic & Signal Detection: Trajectory tracking for infrasound, hydroacoustic, or RF signal emitters.