Radar Antenna Array Azimuth Elevation Angle Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In radar systems, calculating the azimuth angle and elevation angle simultaneously for multiple objects is challenging due to the inability to associate angles of elevation with corresponding azimuth angles, especially when using a two-dimensional antenna array.
Innovation Solution
The antenna array is configured with first elements in a horizontal plane and second elements positioned laterally offset above and below, allowing a processing device to calculate both angles for each object using received radio signals, enabling unambiguous assignment of angles and achieving high antenna gain in the elevation direction without vertical restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous calculation of azimuth angle and elevation angle is performed for multiple objects using a two-dimensional antenna array, then detection capability for multiple objects is improved, but the ability to unambiguously associate angles of elevation with corresponding azimuth angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into two distinct functional groups: first antenna elements arranged horizontally for azimuth angle detection, and second antenna elements arranged vertically for elevation angle detection. This segmentation allows separate calculation of azimuth and elevation angles, preventing the loss of association information that occurs in simultaneous two-dimensional calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional simultaneous calculation approach to a separated approach by utilizing different spatial dimensions for different measurement functions. Horizontal arrangement of first elements handles azimuth (horizontal dimension), while vertical arrangement of second elements handles elevation (vertical dimension), effectively using dimensional separation to resolve the information loss problem.
2Device complexity
If separate calculation of azimuth angle and elevation angle is performed, then calculation complexity is reduced, but unambiguous assignment of angles to objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angle calculation process into two independent sequential steps: first calculating azimuth angles from signals received by horizontally arranged first antenna elements, then calculating elevation angles from signals received by vertically arranged second antenna elements. This segmentation reduces calculation complexity while maintaining unambiguous assignment through the specific geometric arrangement of antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the horizontal arrangement of first antenna elements as an intermediary for azimuth detection, and the vertical arrangement of second antenna elements as an intermediary for elevation detection. These intermediary measurement systems enable separate calculation while preserving the ability to unambiguously associate angles with objects through their distinct spatial configurations.
3Measurement precision
If vertical arrangement of antenna elements is used for elevation detection, then elevation detection capability is improved, but antenna array compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into horizontally arranged first elements and vertically arranged second elements, with the vertical elements positioned laterally offset from directly above/below the horizontal elements. This segmentation enables elevation detection capability through vertical arrangement while maintaining compactness by using lateral offset positioning rather than requiring large vertical spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the compactness issue by utilizing the lateral (horizontal) dimension for positioning the vertical antenna elements. Instead of requiring large vertical distances for elevation detection, the second antenna elements are positioned at lateral offsets, effectively using the lateral dimension to achieve compact vertical arrangement while maintaining elevation detection capability.
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
This configuration allows for simultaneous calculation and assignment of azimuth and elevation angles for multiple objects, enhancing detection accuracy and focusing in the elevation direction, while maintaining a compact antenna array design.
Implementation Method 1
Method for detecting at least two objects, particularly using a radar system
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for detecting at least two objects, particularly using a radar system having the steps of sending out a first radio signal using a first sending device, the first sending device being situated in a horizontal plane having at least two first antenna elements, receiving the radio signal using the at least two first antenna elements, receiving the radio signal using at least two second antenna elements, which are situated in different horizontal positions each above or below corresponding first antenna elements of the horizontally situated antenna elements, calculating respectively one azimuth angle and one angle of elevation from at least two objects located in front of the first antenna elements and the second antenna elements from the first radio signal received by the first antenna elements and from the first radio signal received by the second antenna elements. Furthermore, an antenna array, a radar system, and a vehicle are provided.