Azimuth Detection Using Multi-Interval Antenna Sub-Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar apparatuses installed in vehicles have a narrow angular range for azimuth detection, making it difficult to detect vehicles cutting in from the side at a distance, and enlarging the antenna to increase this range is undesirable due to space and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
An azimuth detecting apparatus with a transmitter and receiver using multiple antenna elements arranged at different intervals, allowing for dual detection areas with a wider angular range without increasing the antenna size, utilizing signal producers to generate signals equivalent to arrays with different spacings, enabling early detection of side-cutting vehicles and distant targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the antenna elements are arranged at narrow intervals to sharpen the main lobe and detect distant targets, then the detection range is improved, but the angular range of the azimuth detection area becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving antenna is divided into multiple sub-arrays (first sub-array, second sub-array, third sub-array) with different antenna element configurations. Each sub-array produces signals equivalent to antenna elements arranged at different intervals, allowing simultaneous wide angular range detection and precise distant target detection without requiring a single large antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection capability from a single angular range to multiple angular ranges by introducing multiple sub-arrays with different configurations. This dimensional expansion in the signal processing domain allows the system to detect targets both within the wide angular range of the first sub-array and the narrow angular range of the second and third sub-arrays, effectively resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and precise detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second array antenna with narrower intervals is added to widen the angular range, then the detection coverage is improved, but the receiving antenna is enlarged and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sub-array serves multiple functions: it detects targets within its wide angular range directly, and simultaneously generates signals that are processed to detect targets within the narrow angular range of the second and third sub-arrays. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve wide and narrow angular range detection capabilities without physically adding separate antenna structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of antenna element arrangements with different intervals through signal processing. The first sub-array generates first signals equivalent to antenna elements at first intervals, while also enabling generation of second signals equivalent to antenna elements at second intervals. This copying approach avoids the need to physically construct multiple antenna arrays with different geometries.
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
Enables early detection of vehicles cutting in from the side and accurate detection of distant targets within expanded detection areas without enlarging the antenna, maintaining the existing antenna configuration and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the antenna elements is configured to generate a signal upon receipt of a reflected continuous wave that is produced by the reflection of the continuous wave by a target
Data Source
AI summary
In an azimuth detecting apparatus, a receiver includes antenna elements arranged at predetermined intervals d. A first signal producer produces, based on reception signals generated by the antenna elements, first signals which are equivalent to signals generated by antenna elements arranged at first intervals d1, d1 being an integral multiple of d. A second signal producer produces, based on the reception signals, second signals which are equivalent to signals generated by antenna elements arranged at second intervals d2, d2 being an integral multiple of d and greater than d1. A first azimuth detector detects, within a first azimuth detection area whose angular range is defined by d1, the azimuth of the target based on the first signals. A second azimuth detector detects, within a second azimuth detection area whose angular range is defined by d2, the azimuth of the target based on the second signals.