Direction Finder Using Reduced Covariance Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direction finding methods are complex and costly due to their high computational requirements, and they often provide unreliable quality values due to the inability to distinguish between coherent and incoherent co-channel interferences, while high-resolution methods are overly complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multiple-wave detector unit to generate a reduced covariance matrix from incoming signals, allowing for the determination of eigenvalues and quality metrics to estimate the number of signals, thereby reducing computational complexity and enabling simultaneous detection of multiple signals without requiring high-resolution methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution direction finding method is used to detect multiple signals, then the number of signal emitters can be accurately determined, but the computational complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the direction finding process into two stages: first using conventional direction finding to obtain a bearing value and quality indicator, then conditionally applying high-resolution methods only when the quality indicator suggests multiple signals are present. This segmentation reduces overall computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of computational resources allocated to direction finding based on the quality indicator. When the indicator suggests a single clear signal, minimal computation is used. When the indicator suggests potential multiple signals or poor quality, the system increases computational resources by applying eigenvalue analysis or other high-resolution techniques.
2Device complexity
If conventional direction finding method is used, then the computational requirements are lower, but the quality value determined may be false due to inability to separate co-channel interferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quality indicator as an intermediary that bridges conventional direction finding and high-resolution methods. This indicator is calculated from the received signals and bearing value, and it mediates the decision of whether to apply more complex analysis methods, thereby improving reliability without always requiring high computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the quality indicator to adjust the direction finding process. When the quality indicator suggests poor signal conditions or potential multiple signals, the system feeds back to apply eigenvalue analysis or other high-resolution techniques to improve the reliability of the bearing value determination.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution direction finding is applied continuously, then accurate signal separation is achieved, but the measuring time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the direction finding method dynamic by adjusting the level of analysis based on real-time quality indicators. The system transitions between conventional and high-resolution methods dynamically, applying computationally intensive eigenvalue analysis only when the quality indicator suggests it is necessary, thereby reducing overall measuring time while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for direction finding is described wherein incoming signals are scanned and analyzed. The bearing value and its quality of the incoming signals are determined by using a direction finding method. A covariance matrix is generated from the incoming signals by using a multiple-wave detector unit. The dimension of the covariance matrix is reduced in order to obtain a reduced covariance matrix. The eigenvalues of the reduced covariance matrix are determined. Then, it is determined whether more than one signal, a single signal or no signal is detected by using the eigenvalues and the quality determined by using the direction finding method. Further, a direction finder is described.