Improving beampatterns of two-dimensional random arrays using convex optimization

Sensors are becoming ubiquitous and can be combined in arrays for source localization purposes. If classical conventional beamforming is used, then random arrays have poor beampatterns. By pre-computing sensor weights, these beampatterns can be improved significantly. The problem is formulated in the frequency domain as a desired look direction, a frequency-independent transition region, and the power minimized in a rejection-region. Using this formulation, the frequency-dependent sensor weights can be obtained using convex optimization. Since the weights are data independent they can be pre-computed, the beamforming has similar computational complexity as conventional beamforming. The approach is demonstrated for real 2D arrays.