Systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments

Abstract

Systems and methods for using radio frequency signals and sensors to monitor environments (e.g., indoor environments) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for providing a wireless asymmetric network comprises a hub having one or more processing units and at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) communications in the wireless asymmetric network and a plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional RF communications with the hub in the wireless asymmetric network. The one or more processing units of the hub are configured to execute instructions to determine at least one of motion and occupancy within the wireless asymmetric network based on a power level of the RF communications.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to 14 / 988,617, filed January 5, 2016, entitled Systems and Methods for Using Radio Frequency Signals and Sensors to Monitor an Environment, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for monitoring environments (eg, indoor environments, outdoor environments) using radio frequency signals and sensors. Background technique [0004] In many indoor environments it is desirable to detect occupancy or motion. Examples of such systems include motion and / or occupancy sensors for triggering on / off of lights and motion sensors for implementing security systems. Current implementations of monitoring the movement or presence of people and pets primarily rely on passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, sometimes in combination with ultrasonic sensors, to detect heat radiated by living things. Due to t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Due to the shortcomings of these sensors (susceptibility to temperature changes, lack of ability to distinguish between pets or people, and blind spots at long distances), this often presents a problem of false positive readings

Additionally, these systems are limited to line-of-sight measurements in a relatively small area around the sensor

In this way, it is not possible to obtain information about the situation in other rooms or locations that are not within sight (e.g. areas blocked by walls, furniture, plants, etc.)

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