Single-Antenna Wave-Source Direction Estimation Using Power Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave source location direction estimation systems require multiple antenna-mounted UAVs to enhance direction estimation precision, which is inefficient and may be affected by multipath waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave source location direction estimation apparatus that utilizes a single antenna to acquire reception signals, calculate angle profiles, and estimate the wave source direction based on a distribution function representing reception power levels, identifying the maximum value as the source location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antenna-mounted UAVs are used to estimate wave source direction, then direction estimation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiving devices into a virtual array system, where signals from multiple antennas are processed together to create a unified direction estimation result. This merging approach achieves the precision benefits of multiple sensors while managing system complexity through coordinated signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single receiving device to perform multiple functions by processing signals from multiple antennas and generating both individual and combined direction estimates. The system can adaptively switch between using single-antenna data and multi-antenna virtual array data, providing multi-functionality without requiring physically separate systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple antenna-mounted UAVs are deployed, then direction estimation accuracy is improved, but the number of required components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the antenna array by processing signals through multiple receiving paths and combining them mathematically. Instead of requiring physically separate UAVs, the system generates virtual array data through signal processing, reducing the need for multiple physical platforms while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the problem from requiring multiple physical UAVs in three-dimensional space to achieving equivalent performance through signal processing in the data domain. By moving from physical deployment to virtual array construction, the system reduces hardware requirements while maintaining measurement precision
3Reliability
If multiple receiving devices are used, then direction estimation reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through adaptive signal processing that automatically determines whether to use single-antenna or multi-antenna data based on signal conditions. The system self-adjusts its operation mode without requiring manual intervention, maintaining reliability while preserving operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between different operational modes (single-antenna vs. virtual array processing) based on real-time signal conditions. This dynamic behavior maintains high reliability across varying environments while keeping operation simple through automated mode selection
Data Source
AI summary
A wave source location direction estimation apparatus includes: a signal acquisition unit to acquire a reception signal of one or more radio waves from an antenna to receive the one or more radio waves from among a direct wave which is a radio wave from a wave source and one or more multipath waves which are radio waves from the wave source; and a profile calculation unit to calculate an angle profile including directions of incidence of the respective radio waves on the antenna, and reception power levels of the respective radio waves on the basis of the reception signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit. In addition, the wave source location direction estimation apparatus includes a direction estimation unit to estimate a direction in which the wave source is located on the basis of the angle profile calculated by the profile calculation unit.