Curved sensor array apparatus and methods
US7619754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S3/784
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Curved sensor array configurations and methods of processing the data gathered by the sensors. A 2 dimensional embodiment comprises singular ring of sensors that can monitor sources in a 2 dimensional plane. A sensor directly facing a target produces a maximum response. As the angle of a sensor relative to the target increases, the response decreases. Fitting the sensor response amplitudes to a 2D Gaussian curve and calculating the peak of the curve allows a very accurate calculation of the angular direction of the target. A 3D embodiment comprises sensors distributed over the surface of a sphere in order to monitor multiple targets in any spatial orientation. Again, the sensor amplitude data is fitted to a 3D curve or surface such as a Gaussian surface. The present invention can resolve more than one target using deconvoluting techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.