Angle Measurement Quality Index for Multi-Path Rejection

The patent introduces a quality index as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the limited antenna configuration and the angle estimation reliability. This quality index evaluates the plausibility of angle estimates by analyzing signal characteristics (such as signal strength, phase consistency, and temporal patterns) to distinguish direct paths from multi-path reflections. The quality index acts as a mediator that compensates for the insufficient spatial selectivity of few antennas by adding an additional evaluation dimension.

The patent changes the evaluation parameters from relying solely on geometric antenna arrangement to incorporating signal quality parameters. By introducing quality metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio, phase coherence, and temporal stability as additional decision parameters, the system compensates for the limited angular resolution provided by few antennas. This parameter expansion allows reliable angle estimation even with minimal antenna elements.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the quality index is calculated from the received signal characteristics and fed back into the angle estimation process. This quality feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust its confidence in the angle estimate and to reject unreliable measurements. The feedback loop continuously monitors signal quality metrics and uses this information to validate or discard angle estimation results, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.

The patent performs preliminary quality assessment of the received signal before final angle determination. By evaluating signal characteristics such as consistency across multiple measurements, phase coherence, and strength ratios in advance, the system pre-filters unreliable angle estimates. This preliminary quality check prevents bad measurements from affecting the final angle determination, improving reliability at minimal additional complexity.