Radar Array Spacing for Consistent Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Angle estimation using two array antennas suffers from reduced accuracy at certain angles due to varying estimation accuracy characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A radar device with multiple array antennas arranged in distinct sets, each with different estimation accuracy characteristics, utilizes a combination of first and second estimation results to enhance angle estimation accuracy by selectively using results with higher detection rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If angle estimation is performed using two array antennas, then the estimation process can be simplified, but the estimation accuracy decreases at certain angles
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple pairs of array antennas, where each pair forms an independent estimation unit with its own estimation accuracy characteristic. The angle estimating unit divides the estimation task across these segmented antenna pairs, selecting results based on their respective accuracy characteristics for different angle ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of antenna spacing distance to create different estimation accuracy characteristics. By configuring antenna pairs with different distances between them, each pair exhibits different accuracy characteristics across various angles, allowing the system to optimize accuracy by selecting appropriate pairs based on the target angle.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antenna sets with different estimation accuracy characteristics are used, then angle estimation accuracy is improved across various angles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna pairs are configured to serve universal angle estimation functionality, but each pair is optimized for different angle ranges through different spacing distances. The angle estimating unit universally applies the same estimation algorithm across all pairs but selects the most appropriate result based on the target angle, achieving multi-functionality in a single system.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna configuration is used for angle estimation, then the device structure is simplified, but the detection rate varies significantly across different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the antenna configuration by using antenna pairs with different spacing distances rather than uniform spacing. This asymmetric configuration creates complementary estimation accuracy characteristics among the pairs, where each pair excels at different angles, thereby improving overall detection rate consistency across the entire angle range.
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
Suppresses the decrease in angle estimation accuracy by leveraging distinct estimation accuracy characteristics of different antenna sets, ensuring accurate direction-of-arrival estimation across various angles.
Implementation Method 1
A transmission antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave as a transmitted wave
Implementation Method 2
Each of the array antennas receives, as a received signal, a reflected wave that is the electromagnetic wave reflected by a target
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device includes a transmission antenna, array antennas, and an angle estimating unit. The transmission antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave. Each of the array antennas includes antenna elements arranged linearly at equal intervals and receives the electromagnetic wave reflected by a target. The angle estimating unit estimates an angle indicating a direction of arrival of the reflected wave using the signal received by the array antennas. Two of the array antennas form a first antenna set arranged with a first distance and two of the array antennas form a second antenna set arranged with a second distance. The first antenna set has a first estimation accuracy characteristic. The second antenna set has a second estimation accuracy characteristic. The angle estimating unit estimates the angle using a first estimation result based on the first antenna set and a second estimation result based on the second antenna set.