3D Direction Finder Using Single Linear Array and Cone Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direction finding systems using single one-dimensional sensor arrays face challenges in determining the direction of arrival (DOA) in 3D space due to ambiguity in cone angles, requiring additional hardware like a second array, which is not feasible in space-restricted environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer system employing a cone intersection algorithm and an angular motion model to determine the target's location and angle using a single linear array by analyzing cone angles and angular motion, allowing for the resolution of ambiguities without additional arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single one-dimensional sensor array is used for direction finding, then hardware cost and space requirements are reduced, but the ability to determine 3D direction of arrival (azimuth and elevation) is compromised due to cone angle ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from spatial dimension to temporal dimension by collecting multiple cone angle measurements over time as the array rotates. Instead of using multiple spatial arrays simultaneously, a single array takes measurements at different time points, effectively adding a time dimension to resolve the cone angle ambiguity and determine both azimuth and elevation angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the dynamic rotation of the linear array to generate multiple measurements from different orientations. The array's rotational motion allows a single static sensor array to effectively become a dynamic multi-orientation system, enabling 3D direction finding without requiring multiple fixed arrays.
2Measurement precision
If a second array is added to resolve angle ambiguities, then measurement precision for 3D direction finding is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single linear array performs multiple functions: it measures cone angles at different rotational positions, tracks target motion over time, and provides sufficient data for both azimuth and elevation determination. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate arrays that would otherwise be required for 3D direction finding.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically duplicating the array in different orientations, the system creates virtual copies through temporal sampling. Multiple measurements taken at different times during rotation are equivalent to having multiple arrays in different positions, resolving ambiguities without physical duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking computer system may track a target using a single linear array. The system may receive first sensor measurements and one or more additional sensor measurements from the linear array. The system may determine whether a location of the target can be identified based on a cone intersection algorithm. When the target location can be identified based on the cone intersection algorithm, the first and the one or more additional sensor measurements may be applied to the cone intersection algorithm to identify the target location. When target location cannot be identified based on the cone intersection algorithm, the first and the one or more additional sensor measurements may be applied to an angular motion model to determine a best fit arc path corresponding to the target. A true target angle estimate and a target angular velocity may be determined based on the determined best fit arc path.