A method for improving the performance of MVDR beamforming

Minimum Variance Distortionless signal Response (MVDR) beamforming has optimum capabilities of signal protection, interference removal and noise reduction (that is, it has a largest signal-to-noise plus interference ratio gain). Its power outputs can be used as a wa-venumber spectrum (bearing) estimation, whose precision or resolution is determined primarily by signal-to-noise ratio. This paper presents a method for improving the MVDR beamforming bearing resolution through using an enhancement factor in its weight vector design for emulating a high signal-to-noise ratio condition which is known to be a principal factor in resolution improvement. This method can provide improved resolution not at the expense of the signal-to-noise plus interference ratio gain.