Radar Azimuth Estimation via Virtual Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar devices using multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) technology face high processing loads and accuracy issues in two-dimensional azimuth estimation due to the difference between transmission and reception azimuths, especially in complex ambient environments.
Innovation Solution
A radar device with a configuration that includes multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, utilizing a virtual array for high-resolution first azimuth estimation and a separate antenna array for second azimuth estimation, with a selection unit to choose between the two based on ambient environment and target situation, reducing processing load and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional azimuth estimation is conducted using MIMO technology, then the radar can identify signals with different transmission and reception azimuths, but the processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the azimuth estimation process into two separate one-dimensional estimations (transmission azimuth estimation and reception azimuth estimation) instead of performing a single two-dimensional estimation. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity from O(N²) to O(N) while maintaining the ability to identify signals with different transmission and reception azimuths through separate correlation operations.
2Measurement precision
If a virtual array with more antennas is used for first azimuth estimation, then the resolution increases, but the processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual array processing into two separate physical array estimations. Instead of processing all M×N virtual antenna elements together for two-dimensional estimation, it performs separate one-dimensional estimations using M transmitting antennas for transmission azimuth and N receiving antennas for reception azimuth, achieving comparable resolution with reduced computational burden.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional azimuth estimation is performed, then both transmission and reception azimuths can be estimated, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs segmentation of the estimation process into parallel one-dimensional estimations for transmission and reception azimuths. This allows independent processing of each dimension, reducing the overall processing time from O(N²) to O(N) while still providing complete azimuth information through separate correlation matrices for transmission and reception directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of transmitting antennas, a plurality of receiving antennas, a first azimuth estimation unit, a second azimuth estimation unit, and a selection unit. The first azimuth estimation unit estimates a first azimuth by coherently processing first received signals received by a virtual array. The second azimuth estimation unit estimates a second azimuth by, between transmissions or receptions, coherently processing second received signals received by an antenna array. The selection unit adopts the first azimuth or the second azimuth depending on the ambient environment and/or the detected situation of the target.