Acoustic Phased Array Antenna with Isotropic and Non-Isotropic Radiating Elements

An acoustic phased array antenna system comprising:

• a first plurality of acoustic receiving elements having a first receiving field of view in the horizontal plane and a second receiving field of view in the vertical plane;
• and
• a second plurality of acoustic receiving elements having a third receiving field of view in the horizontal plane and a fourth receiving field of view in the vertical plane;
• wherein:
• at least one of a) the third receiving field of view is less than half of the first receiving field of view;
• and b) the fourth receiving field of view is less than half of the second receiving field of view;
• and
• the first plurality of acoustic receiving elements address non-remote field regions and the second plurality of acoustic receiving elements address remote field regions.

An algorithm for use with an acoustic phased array antenna system, said algorithm comprising:

• analysis software that identifies whether a remote or non-remote field of view is to be addressed in performing an operation of the phased array antenna system;
• and
• wherein at least one of:
• a) the algorithm directs the system to utilize at least a portion of the plurality of generally isotropic radiating elements and/or at least a portion of the plurality of generally omnidirectional receiving elements for addressing non-remote regions in the field of view of the antenna system;
• and b) the algorithm directs the system to utilize at least a portion of the plurality of non-isotropic radiating elements and/or at least a portion of the plurality of non-omnidirectional receiving elements for addressing remote regions in the field of view of the antenna system.