Null Beam Angle Width Estimation From a Single Array Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle measurement devices cannot accurately estimate the angle width of a reflected wave from a target without acquiring multiple reception array signals, limiting their ability to measure target angles with precision.
Innovation Solution
An angle width estimation device that forms multiple null beams from a single reception array signal, utilizing beam forming circuitry to create nulls with varying widths, and estimates the angle width by comparing the powers of these null beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the Capon method is used to estimate angle width, then measurement precision is improved, but multiple reception array signals are required which limits productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the angle width estimation process into two independent stages: (1) null beam formation with different null widths from a single reception array signal, and (2) angle width estimation by comparing powers of the formed null beams. This segmentation eliminates the requirement for multiple reception array signals while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by forming multiple null beams with different null widths from the single reception array signal before estimation. The null beams are prepared in advance with varying null characteristics, enabling subsequent power comparison to directly yield angle width information without requiring additional signal acquisitions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reception array signals are acquired for angle width estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam forming circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it forms null beams with different null widths from a single reception array signal, and the resulting null beams are used for power comparison to estimate angle width. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate signal acquisition channels, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If null beams with different null widths are formed from one reception array signal, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam forming circuitry changes parameters by forming null beams with different null widths from the same reception array signal. By varying the null width parameter in the beam forming process, the system generates multiple null beams with distinct characteristics that enable accurate angle width estimation through power comparison, achieving fast estimation without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An angle width estimation device is configured in such a way as to include: a beam forming unit to acquire one reception array signal of a reflected wave from a target to be observed, and form, from the one reception array signal, a plurality of null beams having nulls in an arrival direction of the reflected wave, and having null widths which are widths of the nulls and different from each other; and an angle width estimating unit to compare powers of the plurality of null beams formed by the beam forming unit with each other, and estimate a null width indicating an angle width of the reflected wave on the basis of a comparison result of the powers.