2D Angle of Arrival Determination in Non-Orthogonal Radar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar systems face limitations in precision and accuracy due to non-orthogonal antenna arrays, leading to inaccurate beamforming and increased processing power and time, especially when attempting to achieve high angle resolution for 3D object detection and point cloud generation.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine two-dimensional angle of arrival (AoA) by first determining one-dimensional AoA on a linear MIMO antenna array, selecting valid angles, and then using these to iteratively calculate 2D AoA on a potentially non-orthogonal 2D MIMO array, reducing processing power and time through successive angle estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional beamforming techniques are used with non-orthogonal antenna arrays, then 2D angle of arrival can be determined, but the resolution and accuracy deteriorate due to geometric imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 2D angle of arrival determination into two separate 1D determination steps - first determining azimuth angle using antennas along the first axis, then determining elevation angle using antennas along the second axis. This segmentation allows each 1D determination to be performed with simpler linear array processing rather than complex 2D planar array processing, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while reducing the requirement for strict geometric precision in the overall antenna array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the 2D angle of arrival determination problem into two separate 1D determination problems by exploiting the orthogonal relationships between different antenna axes. By determining angles sequentially in different dimensions (first azimuth, then elevation) rather than simultaneously in 2D, the system achieves high precision without requiring the entire 2D antenna array to maintain strict geometric orthogonality.
2Measurement precision
If high angle resolution is achieved through conventional methods, then 3D object detection precision improves, but processing power and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computationally intensive 2D angle of arrival determination into two separate 1D determination processes. Each 1D determination involves processing signals from linear antenna arrays, which requires significantly less computational power and time compared to processing the full 2D array simultaneously. This segmentation maintains high angle resolution while dramatically reducing the processing burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs 1D angle determinations sequentially on subsets of the antenna array data (first on the first axis, then on the second axis) rather than processing the complete 2D dataset at once. This partial processing approach achieves the necessary angular resolution for high-quality 3D point cloud generation while avoiding the excessive computational requirements of full 2D beamforming.
3Reliability
If 2D MIMO antenna arrays with orthogonal configuration are used, then beamforming accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the beamforming operations into two independent 1D beamforming processes corresponding to two orthogonal axes. This segmentation allows each axis to be processed independently with simpler linear array techniques, making the system more tolerant of manufacturing variations and easier to implement with practical antenna configurations that may not achieve perfect geometric orthogonality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from requiring strict 2D geometric orthogonality to accepting configurations where only approximate orthogonality between axes is needed. By processing signals sequentially along each axis rather than simultaneously in 2D, the system maintains beamforming accuracy while significantly increasing manufacturing flexibility and ease of deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a method of determining two dimensional (2D) angle of arrival (AoA) in a radar system comprising determining one dimensional (1D) AoA to generate a first set of (AoA), selecting a set of valid 1D AoA angles from the first set AoA, and determining the 2D AoA from the set of valid 1D AoA. Wherein the 1D AoA is determined on a first set of data received over a first uniform linear antenna array arranged in the first axis and the 2D AoA is determined on a second set data received over the first and the second MIMO antenna array arranged in the second axis and the set of valid 1D AoA in the first axis. Wherein the second antenna array need not be orthogonal to the first linear antenna array.