Patent ID: 7567201
Filing Date: 2009-07-28
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A direction detection apparatus installed on a vehicle, comprising a transmitting antenna for transmitting electromagnetic waves and an array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements, for receiving resultant reflected electromagnetic waves from each of one or more target bodies, said apparatus being configured to detect respective directions of said target bodies based on actual received signals obtained from said antenna elements, wherein said apparatus comprises: first direction detection means responsive to said actual received signals for calculating an observed matrix expressing a correlation relationship between said actual received signals, and configured to perform said target body direction detection by applying a null scan form of direction detection algorithm to said observed matrix; second direction detection means configured to detect said target body directions to a lower degree of resolution than for said first direction detection means, by utilizing a main lobe of a received signal pattern of said array antenna; and selector means configured to acquire a value of velocity of said vehicle and to select said first direction detection means to perform said target body direction detection when said velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and to select said second direction detection means to perform said target body direction detection when said velocity does not exceed said threshold value.