Frame Multiplication Theory and a Vector - Valued Dft and Ambiguity Function

Vector-valued discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs) and ambiguity functions are defined. The motivation for the definitions is to provide realistic modeling of multi-sensor environments in which a useful time-frequency analysis is essential. The definition of the DFT requires associated uncertainty principle inequalities. The definition of the ambiguity function requires a component that leads to formulating a mathematical theory in which two essential algebraic operations can be made compatible in a natural way. The theory is referred to as frame multiplication theory. These definitions, inequalities, and theory are interdependent, and they are the content of the paper with the centerpiece being frame multiplication theory. The technology underlying frame multiplication theory is the theory of frames, short time Fourier transforms (STFTs), and the representation theory of finite groups. The main results have the following form: frame multiplication exists if and only if the finite frames that arise in the theory are of a certain type, e.g., harmonic frames, or, more generally, group frames. In light of the complexities and the importance of the modeling of time-varying and dynamical systems in the context of effectively analyzing vector-valued multi-sensor environments, the theory of vector-valued DFTs and ambiguity functions must not only be mathematically meaningful, but it must have constructive implementable algorithms, and be computationally viable. This paper presents our vision for resolving these issues, in terms of a significant mathematical theory, and based on the goal of formulating and developing a useful vector-valued theory.