Acoustic Antenna Calibration for Transducer Phase and Gain Mismatch

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing individual gain and phase parameters for each transducer element. Through calibration measurements, the system determines specific gain values and phase shifts for each transducer, then uses these parameters to compute steering vectors and beamforming weights. This allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations in low-cost transducers by adjusting their individual operational parameters rather than requiring uniform high-precision components.

The patent implements self-service by enabling the antenna system to perform its own calibration using its existing transducers as both sources and receivers. Each transducer element emits test signals that are received by all other elements, allowing the system to automatically determine relative gain and phase characteristics without requiring external calibration equipment or precise positioning systems. The system uses itself as the calibration source, eliminating the need for separate precision positioning apparatus.

The patent applies preliminary action by first performing a coarse calibration to obtain initial estimates of transducer characteristics, then using these preliminary results to guide subsequent finer measurements. The system initially measures at multiple positions to establish baseline phase relationships, then uses this preliminary information to reduce the number of subsequent measurement positions needed, thereby reducing total calibration time while maintaining accuracy.

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and measurement procedures with automated electronic signal processing. Instead of requiring manual placement of calibration sources and physical measurement instruments, the system uses electronic test signals generated by the transducers themselves and processes the received signals through computational algorithms. This substitution of electronic and computational methods for manual mechanical operations maintains ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision and reliability.