Azimuth Elevation Radar Imaging with 1D Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems with two-dimensional antenna arrays require a large number of elements to achieve the same resolution in azimuth and elevation, making them inefficient in terms of antenna element usage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a combination of one-dimensional horizontal and vertical antenna arrays, along with a trained neural network, to process reflected signals and obtain four-dimensional images indicating range, range rate, azimuth, and elevation, thereby achieving equivalent or improved resolution with fewer total antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional matrix of antenna elements is used to achieve four-dimensional radar imaging, then azimuth and elevation resolution are improved, but the number of antenna elements required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the two-dimensional antenna array into two separate one-dimensional arrays: a first array arranged in a first direction (e.g., horizontal) and a second array arranged in a second direction (e.g., vertical). This segmentation allows the system to achieve four-dimensional imaging by processing signals from both one-dimensional arrays separately, reducing the total number of antenna elements required while maintaining azimuth and elevation resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-dimensional matrix of antenna elements is used, then four-dimensional radar imaging capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex two-dimensional array structure into two simpler one-dimensional arrays. Each one-dimensional array can be independently processed, and the patent combines their outputs through signal processing to achieve four-dimensional imaging. This segmentation reduces structural complexity while maintaining the desired imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional spatial arrangement of antenna elements to a combination of two one-dimensional arrangements. By processing signals from both one-dimensional arrays and combining their angular information, the system achieves four-dimensional imaging capability without requiring a full two-dimensional matrix, thus reducing structural complexity.
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 approach allows for efficient azimuth and elevation radar imaging with reduced antenna element requirements, improving resolution and aperture while maintaining or exceeding the performance of two-dimensional arrays, and enabling vehicle operation control based on obtained object information.
Implementation Method 1
The reflected signals result from reflection of transmitted signals from the radar system by one or more objects
Implementation Method 2
range rate, which is determined from Doppler shift
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system involve obtaining reflected signals in a radar system using a first one-dimensional array of antenna elements and a second one-dimensional array of antenna elements. The reflected signals result from reflection of transmitted signals from the radar system by one or more objects. The method includes processing the reflected signals obtained using the first one-dimensional array of antenna elements to obtain a first array of angle of arrival likelihood values in a first plane, and processing the reflected signals obtained using the second one-dimensional array of antenna elements to obtain a second array of angle of arrival likelihood values. A four-dimensional image indicating a range, relative range rate, the first angle of arrival, and the second angle of arrival for each of the one or more objects is obtained.