Phase-Difference Direction Detection for 3D Arrival Ambiguity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional direction detection devices face ambiguity in determining received-wave arrival direction due to spatial restrictions that prevent antennas from being arrayed in a two-dimensional manner, leading to incomplete detection in one direction.

Innovation Solution

A direction detection device that arrays antennas in a one-dimensional direction, uses a phase difference imparting unit to differentiate phase differences based on arrival direction, and employs a phase difference table to extract and compare arrival directions, eliminating ambiguity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If antennas are arrayed in a two-dimensional manner to detect three-dimensional arrival direction, then detection completeness is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidantenna array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phase difference imparting unit that adds a virtual dimensional differentiation to the one-dimensional antenna array. By imparting different phase differences to signals from different arrival directions, the system effectively transforms a one-dimensional spatial arrangement into a system that can distinguish three-dimensional arrival directions, resolving the contradiction between simplified antenna layout and complete direction detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase difference imparting unit acts as an intermediary between the one-dimensional antenna array and the direction detection system. It processes the received signals by adding direction-specific phase differences, enabling the simple one-dimensional array to achieve three-dimensional direction detection capability without requiring complex two-dimensional antenna spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If antennas are arrayed in a one-dimensional direction due to spatial restrictions, then device complexity is reduced, but detection completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna array complexityVSAvoiddetection completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the phase difference parameter of received signals based on arrival direction. The phase difference imparting unit modifies the phase parameter of signals differently depending on their arrival direction, enabling the one-dimensional antenna array to distinguish between signals from different three-dimensional directions, thus maintaining detection completeness while using simple antenna layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If equal distance antennas are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ambiguity in arrival direction detection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna spacing complexityVSAvoidarrival direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The phase difference imparting unit serves as an intermediary that compensates for the ambiguity caused by equal-distance antenna spacing. It introduces direction-dependent phase differences that differentiate between multiple candidate arrival directions, allowing the system to resolve ambiguity and accurately determine the true arrival direction even with simple equal-distance antenna spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate detection of received-wave arrival direction in three dimensions despite spatial restrictions, resolving ambiguity and ensuring comprehensive detection.

Implementation Method 1

a phase difference imparting unit that imparts phase differences different depending on arrival directions of received waves to the antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference imparting:

Implementation Method 2

a detector that detects a phase difference between two antennas based on the received wave received at the antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12553977B2Direction detection device, acquisition method of phase difference table, direction detection method, and direction detection program

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A direction detection device that detects an arrival direction of a received wave includes: antennas arrayed in at least a one-dimensional direction; a phase difference imparting unit that imparts phase differences different depending on arrival directions of received waves; a storage unit that stores therein a phase difference table in which for each of combinations of two antennas, a phase difference between the two antennas is associated with an arrival direction of a received wave; a detector that detects a phase difference between two antennas based on the received wave; an extractor that extracts, for the combinations of two antennas, arrival directions of the received wave corresponding to the phase difference detected by the detector; and a comparator that compares the arrival directions of the received wave corresponding to the phase differences to acquire a matched arrival direction of the received wave as a detection result.