Array Antenna Orientation Adjustment Using Actual Target Counts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in accurately adjusting the orientation direction of array antennas due to fluctuations in detected directions caused by electrical noise, making precise alignment with the vehicle's motion direction difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for the accurate adjustment of array antenna orientation by using one or more target objects at predetermined directions, calculating incident wave directions based on actual numbers rather than estimates, and employing an external adjustment tool for data communication and display to assist users in aligning the antenna with the vehicle's coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the array antenna orientation is adjusted based on estimated number of target objects, then the direction detection can be performed with standard processing, but the detected direction fluctuates due to electrical noise making precise alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the number of target objects before direction detection. Instead of estimating the number of target objects during detection (which causes fluctuations), the system预先 determines and fixes this parameter, thereby stabilizing the detection process and eliminating noise-induced variations in detected direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of target objects is estimated during detection, then the system can handle unknown numbers of objects, but the detected direction varies with time due to electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the determination of the number of target objects from the real-time detection process. By separating this parameter determination step from the direction detection step, and fixing it beforehand, the system eliminates the source of instability (electrical noise affecting estimation) while maintaining the ability to handle multiple target objects.
3Measurement precision
If external adjustment tools and data communication are added, then the adjustment process becomes more complex, but the alignment accuracy with vehicle coordinate system improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external adjustment tool as an intermediary between the array antenna and the user/vehicle coordinate system. This mediator provides data communication and visualization capabilities that facilitate precise alignment, while isolating the core detection system from the complexity of the adjustment interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach stabilizes the calculation of incident wave directions, eliminating time-axis variations and allowing for precise adjustment of the antenna orientation, thereby improving the accuracy of direction detection and vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a direction detection apparatus which transmits radar waves, receives reflected incident waves
Implementation Method 2
receives reflected incident waves from one or more target objects as signals
Implementation Method 3
the transmission signal Ss and the received signal Sr are combined in a mixer circuit to obtain a beat signal Bt
Implementation Method 4
calculates the respective directions of the target objects, based on respective received signals obtained from the antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A direction detection apparatus transmits radar waves, with resultant reflected waves being received as incident waves by elements of an array antenna. Normally the direction of a target object is calculated based on analyzing respective received signals from the antenna elements, in calculations utilizing an estimated total number of incident wave directions. In an antenna direction adjustment mode, an actual number of target objects, and hence actual number of incident wave directions, is utilized in place of the estimated value, thereby enabling direction detection information to be obtained which does not fluctuate with time, thus facilitating the adjustment.