Shifted Detector Array Layout for High-Resolution Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar and LIDAR systems on vehicles face challenges in achieving accurate angle resolution due to the limitations of detector element spacing and aperture size, which can introduce grating lobes and restrict the ability to effectively detect objects in multiple dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based method that compensates for detector offset by determining an interpolation coefficient to effectively collapse a multiple-dimensional array of detectors into a uniform, linear array, allowing for precise azimuth and elevation angle detection without increasing aperture size, thereby avoiding grating lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If detector elements are spaced at one-half wavelength to avoid grating lobes, then grating lobes are eliminated, but aperture size is reduced and angular discrimination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional array configuration with detectors offset in both x and y directions. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve fine angular discrimination in the azimuth direction while maintaining coarse discrimination in the elevation direction, thereby achieving good overall angular resolution without requiring small element spacing that would cause grating lobes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameters of the detector elements by introducing offset distances Dx and Dy between detectors in different dimensions. By optimizing these offset parameters, the system achieves improved angular resolution without increasing element density, thus avoiding grating lobe formation while maintaining large aperture benefits
2Measurement precision
If aperture size is increased to improve angular discrimination, then angular resolution is enhanced, but device complexity and grating lobe risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional array configuration where detectors are arranged with offsets in both x and y directions. This allows the system to achieve fine angular discrimination in one dimension (azimuth) while maintaining a manageable number of elements in the other dimension (elevation), thereby improving angular resolution without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If detector elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array with offset, then multi-dimensional detection capability is improved, but angle detection accuracy deteriorates due to geometric offset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a signal processing method that calculates phase differences between detectors and uses these to determine angles of arrival in both azimuth and elevation. The system processes the phase information from the two-dimensional offset array to compensate for the geometric offset effects, thereby maintaining angle detection accuracy while preserving multi-dimensional detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the detector array by introducing controlled offsets Dx and Dy between detectors. By carefully selecting these offset parameters, the system achieves improved multi-dimensional detection capability while the signal processing algorithm compensates for the resulting phase differences to maintain detection accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of a detector device (22), which may be useful on an automated vehicle, includes a multiple-dimensional array (30) of detectors including a plurality of first detectors (32) aligned with each other in a first direction and a plurality of second detectors (34) aligned with each other in the first direction. The second detectors (34) are offset relative to the first detectors (32) in a second direction that is different than the first direction. A processor (40) determines an interpolation coefficient related to the offset between the first detectors (32) and second detectors (34) and determines an angle of detection of the device (22) based on the interpolation coefficient.