Wireless communication with enhanced Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) compliance based on vital sign detection

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to radar-based signaling for detecting, measuring, and / or characterizing a target object. An electronic device may transmit multiple detection signals and receive multiple reflection signals reflected from the target object. The electronic device then processes the multiple reflection signals to extract one or more parameters of the target object. Based on these reflection signals, the device may measure and / or characterize the target object, for example, to obtain heart rate and / or breathing rate. In other examples, the device may determine whether the reflection signals indicate human vital signs (such as heart rate or breathing). The electronic device may then adjust at least one transmission parameter based on whether human vital signs are detected at the target object and use the transmission parameter to transmit the adjusted signal. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a PCT application, which claims the benefit of priority from non-provisional patent application no. 17 / 000,228 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on August 21, 2020, which non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application no. 62 / 890,514 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on August 22, 2019 and is also a continuation-in-part application of non-provisional patent application no. 16 / 548,722 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on August 22, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The techniques discussed below relate generally to wireless communications and / or vital sign detection systems, and more particularly to vital sign detection, characterization, and / or measurement using radar-based signaling. Embodiments may provide and implement techniques for detecting and / or measuring vital signs of nearby subjects and / or target objects (e.g., those detected by wireless proximity sensors or other communication-enabled components) and, in some examples, controlling maximum permissible exposure.

[0004] introduction

[0005] Next generation wireless telecommunication systems, such as, for example, fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) technologies, are being deployed using millimeter wave (mmW) signals. These signals can operate, for example, at 28 GHz and 39 GHz spectrum. Although higher frequency signals provide greater bandwidth to efficiently transmit large amounts of information / data, mmW signals may suffer from high path loss (e.g., path attenuation). To compensate for path loss, transmit power levels may be increased, or beamforming may focus energy in a specific direction.

[0006] As with all types of electronic signal transmission, there are often regulatory rules governing the intensity of the transmission. For example, for mmW signals, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other regulatory agencies set strict RF exposure requirements. These rules ensure that the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) on human skin does not exceed 1mW / cm 2 To meet targeted guidelines, electronics are responsible for balancing performance with delivered power and other constraints. This balancing act can be challenging to achieve, especially for devices with cost, size, and other considerations.

[0007] A brief overview of some examples

[0008] A brief summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure is given below to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all conceived features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to attempt to define the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that will be given later.

[0009] According to some aspects, wireless communication devices, methods, and systems are provided for achieving MPE compliance and / or vital sign sensing and detection. For example, a device embodiment (e.g., a mobile device) may include a component (e.g., a mmW signal interface) that enables wireless communication. The wireless communication enabling component (e.g., a transceiver) may not only facilitate wireless communication via receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals (e.g., mmW signals), but the transceiver may also utilize mmW signaling to detect an object (e.g., an object or subject placed near or otherwise away from the device embodiment). Device embodiments may utilize object detection features to determine whether an object exhibits human vital signs (such as heart rate or breathing). If it is determined that the object is human, non-human, animate, inanimate, etc., the device is able to adjust the operating parameters of the communication interface (e.g., mmW transceiver) to achieve MPE compliance (e.g., increase or decrease the power of the signal transmission). According to some aspects, the signal transmission power adjustment may occur in real time or according to various desired timing arrangements.

[0010] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium storing computer executable code for detecting vital signs of a target object. For example, a device may transmit multiple detection signals and receive multiple reflection signals reflected from the target object. The device may then process the multiple reflection signals to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the multiple reflection signals indicate human vital signs. Based on whether human vital signs are detected at the target object, the device may adjust at least one transmission parameter and use the transmission parameter to transmit the adjusted signal.

[0011] In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium storing computer executable code for detecting or measuring the vital signs of a target object. For example, a device may obtain a beat signal corresponding to a reflected signal based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar reflected from the target object, the beat signal corresponding to a sampling rate. Based on the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal, the device may determine the distance to the target object. The device may further determine phase data corresponding to the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal, and determine the frequency domain representation of the phase data based on the sampling rate. Based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data, the device may then determine the vital signs of the target object.

[0012] These and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood after reading the following detailed description. After reading the following description of specific exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the following description may discuss various advantages and features with respect to certain embodiments and the accompanying drawings, all embodiments may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although this specification may discuss that one or more embodiments have certain advantageous features, one or more such features may also be used according to the various embodiments discussed herein. In a similar manner, although this specification may discuss exemplary embodiments with device, system or method embodiments, it should be appreciated that such exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless electronic device according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an operating environment for an electronic device utilizing a radar-based proximity detector in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of a portion of an electronic device in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of human vital sign detection based on radio frequency wave (eg, continuous wave, modulated wave, or frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW)) radar according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is a series of graphs illustrating data processing for extracting or observing human vital signs from a series of radar returns in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for utilizing a vital signs detector to control one or more transmission parameters in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a further exemplary process for utilizing a vital sign detector to determine one or more vital signs corresponding to human vital signs, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a further exemplary process for determining one or more vital signs utilizing a vital sign detector in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, this specification provides well-known structures and components in block diagram form in order to avoid diluting such concepts.

[0024] Although this specification describes various aspects and embodiments by explaining some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that additional implementations and use cases can be generated in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovation described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, each embodiment and / or use can be generated via an integrated chip embodiment and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / shopping equipment, medical equipment, AI-enabled devices, etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically for each use case or application, the wide applicability of the described innovation may occur. The scope of each implementation can range from chip-level or module components to non-module, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovation. In some practical environments, the equipment incorporating the various aspects and features described may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described embodiments. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components, including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0025] Electronic wireless communication devices utilizing millimeter wave (mmW) signals may use high transmit power to compensate for path losses associated with these signals. Users may physically operate many of these electronic devices, such as mobile user equipment (UE). Physical proximity to such electronic devices presents an opportunity for radiation to exceed given guidelines, such as maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other regulatory agencies. Due to these issues, devices are enabled to moderate one or more transmission parameters, including but not limited to transmit power, based on the proximity of the user.

[0026] Some proximity detection technologies may use dedicated sensors (such as cameras, infrared (IR) sensors, radar sensors, etc.) to detect users. However, these sensors may be bulky and expensive. In addition, a single electronic device may include multiple antennas located on different surfaces (e.g., on the top, bottom, or opposite sides). In order to account for each of these antennas, according to some aspects, multiple cameras or sensors may need to be installed near each of these antennas, which further increases the cost and size of the electronic device.

[0027] In further aspects and / or examples, the same wireless transceiver used for wireless communication can also perform proximity detection. For example, a local oscillator (LO) circuit system within the wireless transceiver can generate one or more reference signals that can achieve both proximity detection and wireless communication. The LO circuit system can enable the transceiver to transmit a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal or a multi-tone signal for radar-based proximity detection. By analyzing reflections from any of these signals, the UE can determine the range (e.g., distance or slant range) to the object, and in some examples, the material composition of the object.

[0028] To ensure compliance with MPE requirements, according to some aspects, a proximity detector (including but not limited to integrated FMCW-based radar functionality) may detect the presence of objects and / or nearby targets. Objects may be located around the device, and some objects may be targets of interest. For example, the detector may determine whether the target is within 20 cm of the radiating element of the device. In a further aspect, the device may use the detection of multiple objects to create a virtual map of items or subjects with spatial relationships relative to the device. Based on such proximity detection, the device may adjust one or more transmission parameters for wireless communication accordingly (such as by reducing the transmission power, by switching to a different transmit antenna, etc.). And further, based on such proximity detection, the device may provide proximity information for any other suitable algorithm or scheme (such as a home automation function that may vary based on the user's location) accordingly. By actively measuring the range to one or more objects, the electronic device may continuously monitor its surroundings, and may incrementally adjust one or more transmission parameters (or other parameters) to account for the movement of the object (for example, the adjustment may increase or decrease the transmission power generally or in a specific direction via beamformed mmWave or RF waves).

[0029] In general, radar signal processing is tailored to extract location-based information of a target (such as its distance, speed, angle, position, etc.). However, typical radars do not provide information about the nature of the target (such as whether the target is a living animal / creature, a human, etc.). According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it may be advantageous to adjust one or more transmission parameters for wireless communication based not only on proximity detection of nearby targets, but also on the classification of the target. That is, MPE requirements generally only apply to exposure to humans. If an inanimate object (such as a coffee cup or a wall) is in close proximity to an electronic device, the MPE requirements may not apply, and (for example) high transmission parameters may continue to be utilized to provide a more reliable and robust signal. Therefore, including information about the spatial location of an object (e.g., a nearby target or subject location removed from an electronic device) or the classification of a detected nearby target can help optimize power transmission of an electronic device.

[0030] Figure 1 An example electronic device 102 utilizing a radar-based proximity detector in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the example environment 100, the electronic device 102 communicates with a base station 104 via a wireless communication link 106 (wireless link 106). Figure 1, the electronic device 102 is illustrated as a smart phone, a vehicle, or a gaming device to provide some examples. However, the electronic device 102 may be any suitable stationary or mobile device including a wireless transceiver. Within the present disclosure, the term electronic device refers to a wide variety of devices and technologies. An electronic device may include several hardware structural components that are sized, shaped, and arranged to facilitate communication; such components may include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, and the like that are electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include mobile devices, cellular (cell) phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smart books, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide variety of embedded systems, for example, corresponding to the "Internet of Things" (IoT). Additionally, the mobile device may be a car or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotic device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an object tracking device, a drone, a multicopter, a quadcopter, a remote control device, a consumer and / or wearable device (such as glasses), a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. The mobile device may also be a digital home or smart home device, such as home audio, video and / or multimedia equipment, an appliance, a vending machine, a smart lighting device, a home security system, a smart meter, an augmented reality device, a virtual reality device, a mixed reality device, etc. The mobile device may also be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device that controls electricity, lighting, water, etc. (e.g., a smart grid); industrial automation and enterprise equipment; logistics controllers; agricultural equipment; military defense equipment, vehicles, aircraft, ships and weapons, etc. Still further, the mobile device may provide networked medical or telemedicine support, such as health care at a distance. Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth supervisory devices, whose communications may be given priority or priority access over other types of information, for example, in the form of prioritized access for critical service data transmission and / or associated QoS for critical service data transmission. In some examples, the electronic device 102 may be a wireless communication device that includes a housing shaped and sized to carry one or more components, such as those described below.

[0031] In one example, the electronic device 102 can be a part of a vehicle or a vehicle, which includes a body configured to carry at least one of a payload or a passenger. In this example, the size and shape of the wireless transceiver 120 can be designed to be placed in a position adjacent to the vehicle body and / or in the vehicle body. In another example, the electronic device 102 can be a part of a gaming device or a gaming device, which includes a shell whose size and shape are designed to allow a user to participate in an electronic gaming environment. In this example, the size and shape of the wireless transceiver 120 can be designed to be placed in a position adjacent to the shell and / or in the shell. In addition, the gaming device may include a visual interface field that defines a visual display configured to visually convey object sensing information to a user, and / or one or more user interfaces that are located adjacent to the shell for receiving user input and conveying object sensing information to the user in response.

[0032] Base station 104 communicates with electronic device 102 via wireless link 106, which may be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. Although depicted as a cellular network tower, base station 104 may represent or be implemented as another device, such as a satellite, a cable TV headend, a terrestrial television broadcast tower, an access point, a peer device, a mesh network node, a small cell node, a fiber optic line, etc. Thus, electronic device 102 may communicate with base station 104 or another device via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The wireless link 106 may include a downlink of data or control information communicated from the base station 104 to the electronic device 102, and an uplink of other data or control information communicated from the electronic device 102 to the base station 104. The wireless link 106 may use any suitable communication protocol or standard (such as, for example, 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), 5th Generation New Radio (5G NR), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth TM In some implementations, instead of or in addition to providing a data link, the wireless link 106 can provide power wirelessly, and the base station 104 can include a power supply.

[0034] The electronic device 102 includes an application processor 108 and a computer-readable storage medium 110 (CRM 110). The application processor 108 may include any type of processor (e.g., an application processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a multi-core processor) that executes processor executable code stored by the CRM 110. The CRM 110 may include any suitable type of data storage medium, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., disk or tape), etc. In the context of the present disclosure, the CRM 110 is implemented to store instructions 112, data 114, and other information and software for the electronic device 102. The CRM 110 may reside in the application processor 108, external to the application processor 108, or distributed across multiple entities including the application processor 108. The CRM 110 may be implemented in a computer program product. As an example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to best implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0035] The software may be executed by one or more processors 108. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terminology.

[0036] The electronic device 102 may also include an input / output port 116 (I / O port 116) and a display 118. The I / O port 116 enables data exchange or interaction with other devices, networks, or users. The I / O port 116 may include a serial port (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port), a parallel port, an audio port, an infrared (IR) port, and the like. The display 118 presents graphics of the electronic device 102, such as a user interface associated with an operating system, program, or application. Alternatively or additionally, the display 118 may be implemented as a display port or a virtual interface through which the graphical content of the electronic device 102 is presented.

[0037] The wireless transceiver 120 of the electronic device 102 may include a wireless transmitter 122 and a wireless receiver 124. The wireless transceiver 120 provides connectivity to the corresponding network and other electronic devices connected thereto. In some examples, the wireless transmitter 122 and / or the wireless receiver may be configured to transmit and / or receive signals in the millimeter wave range. In addition, the electronic device 102 may include a wired transceiver (such as an Ethernet or fiber optic interface) for communicating through a local network, an intranet, or the Internet. The wireless transceiver 120 can facilitate communication on any suitable type of wireless network (such as a wireless LAN (WLAN), a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, a mesh network, a cellular network, a wireless wide area network (WWAN), and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN)). In the context of the example environment 100, the wireless transceiver 120 enables the electronic device 102 to communicate with the base station 104 and the network connected thereto.

[0038] The wireless transceiver 120 includes circuitry and logic for transmitting and receiving signals via an antenna 126. The components of the wireless transceiver 120 may include amplifiers, mixers, switches, analog-to-digital converters, filters, etc. for conditioning signals. The wireless transceiver 120 may further include logic for performing in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) operations, such as synthesis, encoding, modulation, decoding, demodulation, etc. The wireless transceiver 120 may include one or more components or features for adjusting or controlling transmission parameters. In some cases, the components of the wireless transceiver 120 are implemented as separate transmitter 122 and receiver entities. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless transceiver 120 may be implemented using multiple or different parts to implement corresponding transmission and reception operations (e.g., separate transmission chains and reception chains). Although the examples described below generally refer to an integrated wireless transceiver 120 that performs both wireless communication and object sensing operations, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to this scenario. For example, the electronic device 102 may include an interface circuit for interfacing with an auxiliary and / or auxiliary sensing device, which is spaced apart from the housing of the electronic device 102. The auxiliary and / or auxiliary sensing device may include a remote wireless device capable of communicating with the electronic device 102 (e.g., a game controller, a wearable device, an augmented / virtual reality device, and other types of mobile devices described above). Here, the interface circuit (not illustrated) enables communication between the electronic device 102 and the auxiliary sensing device so that the electronic device 102 receives object sensing information from the auxiliary sensing device. In response to the object sensing information, the electronic device 102 may moderate the transmission parameters associated with the wireless transceiver 120 transmitting and / or receiving mmW signals. Moderation of transmission power may include controlling and / or modifying the transmission power, such as increasing and / or reducing or otherwise changing the transmission power level.

[0039] The electronic device 102 also includes a processor / digital signal processor (DSP) 128, which is coupled to the wireless transceiver 120. The processor / DSP 128, which may include a modem, may be implemented within the wireless transceiver 120 or separately from the wireless transceiver 120. Although not explicitly shown, the processor / DSP 128 may include a portion of the CRM 110, or may access the CRM 110 to obtain computer-readable instructions. The processor / DSP 128 controls the wireless transceiver 120 and enables wireless communications or proximity detection to be performed. The processor / DSP 128 may include baseband circuitry to perform high-rate sampling processes, which may include analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, Fourier transforms, gain correction, tilt correction, frequency translation, etc. The processor / DSP 128 may provide communication data to the wireless transceiver 120 for transmission. The processor / DSP 128 may also process a baseband version of the signal obtained from the wireless transceiver 120 to generate data, which may be provided to other portions of the electronic device 102 via the communication interface for wireless communication or proximity detection.

[0040] Although not explicitly depicted, the wireless transceiver 120 or the processor / DSP 128 may also include a controller. The controller may include at least one processor and at least one CRM, such as the application processor 108 and the CRM 110. The CRM may store computer executable instructions, such as the instructions 112. The processor and the CRM may be located at one module or one integrated circuit chip, or may be distributed across multiple modules or chips. The processor and associated instructions together may be implemented in separate circuit systems, fixed logic circuit systems, hard-coded logic, etc. The controller may be implemented as part of the wireless transceiver 120, the processor / DSP 128, a dedicated processor configured to perform MPE technology, a general-purpose processor, some combination thereof, etc.

[0041] The processor / DSP 128 may include a vital sign detection circuit system 130 and a transmission moderation circuit system 132. As further described below, the vital sign detection circuit system 130 may be configured to process the reflected signal (e.g., from the FMCW radar) to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the reflected signal indicates a human vital sign (e.g., a breathing rate, a heart rate, and / or a condition or data corresponding to a human organ) and / or a vital sign associated with other types of living animals. For example, the vital sign detection circuit system 130 may combine the transmitted detection signal with the received reflected signal to obtain a beat signal corresponding to a given sampling rate. The vital sign detection circuit system 130 may further determine the received power of the beat signal as a function of frequency, and determine phase data corresponding to the peak power (as a function of frequency) of each of the beat signals. The vital sign detection circuit system 130 may further determine a frequency domain representation of the phase data relative to the sampling rate. Thus, in some examples, the vital sign detection circuit system 130 may determine the heart rate, breathing rate, and / or sleep pattern based on the phase data. In some examples, vital sign detection circuitry 130 may detect an indication of a human vital sign by determining whether a frequency domain representation of the phase data includes a peak within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign. In some examples, vital sign detection circuitry 130 may apply a high pass filter to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration in order to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate. In a further example, vital sign detection circuitry 130 may calculate a difference between values ​​of a frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive samples, and detect an indication of a human vital sign by determining whether the difference includes a peak within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign. And in a further example, vital sign detection circuitry 130 may perform spectral estimation of the phase data using multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT). Transmission moderation circuitry 132 may control one or more transmission parameters corresponding to wireless transceiver 120 based on whether the detected target object is a human and / or corresponds to a living animal of interest. For example, the transmit moderation circuit system 132 may control the wireless transceiver 120 to adjust at least one of the power level of the uplink signal, the beam steering angle of the uplink signal, the frequency of the uplink signal, the selected antenna of the uplink signal, the communication protocol of the uplink signal, or a combination of the above so that the power of the uplink signal at the human target object is no greater than the MPE regulatory requirement.

[0042] Figure 2An example operating environment 200 for detecting and characterizing a target object using a radar-based proximity detector is illustrated. In the example environment 200, a user's hand 214 holds an electronic device 102. In one aspect, the electronic device 102 communicates with a base station 104 by transmitting an uplink signal 202 (UL signal 202) or receiving a downlink signal 204 (DL signal 204) via at least one antenna 126. However, the user's thumb may represent a nearby target object 206 that may be exposed to radiation generated via the uplink signal 202. To determine a distance to the target object 206, the electronic device 102 transmits a proximity detection signal 208-1 via at least one of the antennas 126 and receives a reflected proximity detection signal 208-2 via at least another of the antennas 126.

[0043] In one implementation, the proximity detection signal 208-1 includes a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal 216. Generally speaking, the frequency of the FMCW signal 216 increases or decreases across a time interval. Different types of frequency modulation can be used, including linear frequency modulation (LFM) (e.g., chirp), sawtooth frequency modulation, triangular frequency modulation, etc. The FMCW signal 216 enables radar-based ranging technology to be used to determine the distance to the target object 206. In order to achieve a finer range resolution for short-range applications (e.g., on the order of centimeters (cm)), a larger bandwidth can be utilized, such as 1 gigahertz (GHz), 4 GHz, 8 GHz, etc. For example, the FMCW signal 216 may have a bandwidth of about 4 GHz and include a frequency between about 26 and 30 GHz. Finer range resolution improves range accuracy and enables multiple objects 206 to be distinguished by distance. The FMCW signal 216 can provide accurate distance measurements for various distances based on bandwidth (e.g., for a 4 GHz bandwidth, between about 4 and 20 cm). The amount of time used to perform proximity detection may be relatively short (such as within about one microsecond) when using the FMCW signal 216 .

[0044] In another implementation, the proximity detection signal 208 may be a multi-tone signal 218 including at least three tones (e.g., frequencies). The multi-tone signal 218 may be generated using existing components within the wireless transceiver 120 that are also used to generate the uplink signal 202. For example, the multi-tone signal 218 may be generated using an existing phase-locked loop (PLL), using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), or using a multi-tone transmit signal generated at baseband via a digital signal generator. Depending on the technology used, the amount of time used to perform proximity detection via the multi-tone signal 218 may be in the order of about one microsecond and 400 microseconds. The frequency spacing between the tones may be in the order of megahertz (MHz) or GHz. The bandwidth of the multi-tone signal 218 may be, for example, approximately 800MHz or 2GHz. The distance to the object 206 is determined by analyzing the phase change across each of these tones. In order to improve distance accuracy, a larger bandwidth (e.g., spacing between tones) or a larger number of tones may be used. The multi-tone signal 218 may be used to measure distances between approximately 0 and 7 cm.

[0045] In some electronic devices 102, antenna 126 may include at least two different antennas, at least two antenna elements 212 of an antenna array 210, at least two antenna elements 212 associated with different antenna arrays 210, or any combination thereof. Figure 2 As shown in , antenna 126 corresponds to antenna element 212 within antenna array 210, and antenna element 212 may include multiple antenna elements 212-1 to 212-N, where N represents a positive integer. Wireless transceiver 120 may use at least one of antenna elements 212 to transmit proximity detection signal 208-1, while using at least another of antenna elements 212 to receive reflected proximity detection signal 208-2. In other words, wireless transceiver 120 may receive reflected proximity detection signal 208-2 via first antenna element 212-1 during a portion of the time when proximity detection signal 208-1 is transmitted via second antenna element 212-2. Antenna 124 and / or its elements may be implemented using any type of antenna, including patch antennas, dipole antennas, etc.

[0046] If the electronic device 102 includes multiple antennas 126 located on different sides (e.g., top, bottom, or opposite sides) of the electronic device 102, the described techniques can enable a user to be detected relative to each antenna 126. In this way, transmission parameters can be independently adjusted with respect to the distance of the object 206 relative to each antenna 126. Such independent detection thus enables two or more of the antennas 126 to be configured for different purposes. For example, one of the antennas 126 can be configured for enhanced communication performance while another of the antennas 126 is simultaneously configured to comply with FCC requirements. As described with reference to Figure 3As described in further detail, some components of the wireless transceiver 120 may be used for both wireless communication and proximity detection.

[0047] Figure 3 An exemplary implementation of a wireless transceiver 120 and a processor / DSP circuit system 128 for moderate transmissions to reduce exposure to human target objects according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless transceiver 120 may include a transmitter 122 and a receiver 124, which are coupled between the processor / DSP 128 and the antenna array 210, respectively. The transceiver 120 includes a power amplifier (PA) 302, which is configured to amplify a signal for transmission from the transmit antenna 210-1. The transceiver 120 further includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) 304, which is used to amplify a signal received by the receive antenna 210-2. A local oscillator (LO) circuit system 306 is coupled to mixers 308 and 310. The LO circuit system 306 generates at least one reference signal, which enables the mixers 308 and 310 to up-convert or down-convert analog signals within the transmit chain or the receive chain, respectively. The LO circuit system 306 may be further configured to generate one or more different types of reference signals to support target object proximity detection / characterization and wireless communication. In some examples, LO circuitry 306 can be configured to generate one or more in-phase and quadrature (I / Q) reference signals. In this way, a transmission from transmit antenna 210-1 can include I and Q components. And further, after receiving a reflected signal from receive antenna 210-2, the I and Q components of the reflected signal can be separated from each other for processing.

[0048] The transceiver 120 may also include Figure 3 Other additional components depicted in . These additional components may include bandpass filters, additional mixers, switches, etc. In addition, as described above, the transceiver 120 can be configured not only for target object ranging and detection as will be described below, but also for wireless communication.

[0049] Although not explicitly depicted, the wireless transceiver 120 and / or the processor / DSP 128 may also include a controller. The controller may include at least one processor and at least one CRM, such as the application processor 108 and the CRM 110. The CRM may store computer executable instructions, such as the instructions 112. The processor and the CRM may be located at one module or one integrated circuit chip, or may be distributed across multiple modules or chips. The processor and associated instructions together may be implemented in separate circuit systems, fixed logic circuit systems, hard-coded logic, etc. The controller may be implemented as part of the wireless transceiver 120, the processor / DSP 128, a dedicated processor configured to perform MPE techniques, a general-purpose processor, some combination thereof, etc.

[0050] The voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 312 may be configured to generate a sinusoidal signal having a frequency that depends on the voltage of the input signal v(t). That is, by appropriately changing the input signal v(t) to the VCO 312, the VCO 312 may generate, for example, a sinusoidal wave whose frequency increases over time, often referred to as a chirp signal. The chirp signal may be used for FMCW-based radars. Of course, other suitable input signals v(t) and other suitable radar configurations may be used for proximity detection and target object sampling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] The chirp signal may be amplified by PA 302 and mixed (i.e., up-converted) with the LO signal at mixer 308 for transmission from transmit antenna 210-1. The transmitted signal may be reflected from target object 314, reflected back to receive antenna 210-2. The reflected signal at receive antenna 210-2 may be mixed (i.e., down-converted) with the LO signal at mixer 310 and amplified by LNA 304.

[0052] The output of LNA 304 (i.e., the amplified received signal) can be mixed with the chirp signal at mixer 316. With FMCW-based radar, this mixing generates a beat signal, which represents the frequency offset between the RF transmit signal and the RF receive signal. In general, the frequency of the beat signal is proportional to the distance of the target object 314.

[0053] The beat frequency signal may be processed by baseband circuitry 318, which is configured to perform various baseband functions, including, but not limited to, gain correction, skew correction, frequency translation, etc. The output from baseband circuitry 318 may be converted to the digital domain using one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 320. In examples where the radar transmission includes I and Q components, as discussed above, the output from baseband circuitry 318 may include separate I and Q signals, and ADC 320 may include two ADCs for converting each of the I and Q components to the digital domain, respectively. The digital output from ADC 320 may then be provided to processor / DSP circuitry 128. In some implementations, processor / DSP circuitry 128 may be a DSP or any suitable functional component for performing the processes described below.

[0054] An undesirable side effect of having a transmit antenna 210-1 and a receive antenna 210-2 in close proximity (as may occur in a small electronic device) is mutual coupling (MC). That is, a portion of the transmitted energy may be coupled back to the receiver. Such mutual coupling is a problem known in the art. Within the processor / DSP circuit system 128, the MC cancellation circuit system 322 may provide cancellation of the undesired energy coupled between the transmit antenna 210-1 and the receive antenna 210-2. In order to remove the MC component from the received signal, the MC cancellation circuit system 322 uses the transmit signal to cancel the MC component. Although not explicitly shown, the MC cancellation may be performed in the time domain or the frequency domain via the MC cancellation circuit system 322.

[0055] After MC removal, discrete Fourier transform (DFT) circuitry 324 may convert the received beat signal to the frequency domain and provide samples of the beat signal in the frequency domain. For example, if 30 measurements of target object 314 are obtained from 30 sequential target object reflections, the output x from DFT circuitry 324 includes x i =[x1,x2,…,x 30 ] as its output. Here, each sample x i corresponds to the spectrum measured from a single radar reflection. These samples x i The sample x may then be transmitted to post-processing circuitry 326. Post-processing circuitry 326 may then process sample x to determine, for example, whether target object 314 can be characterized as a human. Further discussion of classifying target object 314 as a human based on detecting human vital signs is provided below. In another example, post-processing circuitry 326 may process sample x to determine one or more parameters or characteristics of target object 314, including, but not limited to, position, motion, breathing rate, heart rate, etc.

[0056] Based on the classification of the target object 314, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 can generate transmission parameters that control one or more transmission attributes for wireless communication. By specifying the transmission parameters, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 can, for example, enable the transceiver 120 to reduce the transmission power when the target object 314 near the electronic device 102 is a human, or increase the transmission power when the target object 314 is far away from the electronic device 102 and / or is not a human. For example, the power amplifier 302 can be dynamically controlled based on the target object classification. If the target object 314 is determined to be not a human, the processor 122 can, for example, keep the transmission parameters unchanged. The transmission parameters can adjust the power level, beam steering angle, frequency, selected antenna or antenna array, or communication protocol used to transmit the uplink signal. The ability to determine the distance to the target object 314 and the category of the target object 314 and control the transceiver 120 enables the processor 122 to balance the performance of the electronic device 102 with compliance or radiation requirements.

[0057] The processor / DSP circuit system 128 may also be coupled to the LO circuit system 306, which may enable the processor / DSP circuit system 128 to control the LO circuit system 306 via a mode signal. For example, the mode signal may cause the LO circuit system 306 to switch between generating a reference signal for target object detection / classification or generating a reference signal for wireless communication. In other implementations, the application processor 108 (see Figure 1 ) can perform one or more of these functions.

[0058] Although the wireless transceiver 120 Figure 3 306 is shown as a direct conversion transceiver, but the described techniques may also be applied to other types of transceivers, such as a superheterodyne transceiver. In general, LO circuitry 306 may be used to perform frequency conversion between any frequency levels (e.g., between baseband frequency and radio frequency, between intermediate frequency and radio frequency, or between baseband frequency and intermediate frequency).

[0059] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device may utilize certain characteristics known to correspond to a human target object to determine whether the target object is a human. For example, by utilizing a radar-based proximity detection circuit as described above, the electronic device may not only detect the proximity of the target object. Moreover, further, the electronic device may detect one or more dynamic parameters associated with the target object, generally related to the movement, time-varying position, etc. of the target object. For example, the electronic device may detect movement of vital signs indicating a human, other types of living animals, and / or organs of a human or other living animal. As a specific example, the electronic device may detect movement characteristics of breathing rate and heart rate or pulse.

[0060] In an example where an electronic device is facing MPE requirements, if the electronic device detects a human being in its vicinity, the electronic device may adjust the transmission parameters accordingly so that the amount of radiation transmitted to the target object is no greater than the MPE requirements. That is, even if the target object is in close proximity to the electronic device, if the electronic device detects that the target object is not a human (i.e., does not exhibit human vital signs, such as breathing rate and / or pulse rate), the electronic device may transmit without regard to the MPE requirements.

[0061] In various examples further described below, vital sign detection can include observing multiple successive radar echoes and extracting dynamic phase changes in the reflected signals. These phase changes provide a sensitive signal that can be compared with known human vital signs to provide a reliable indication of whether the detected target object is a human.

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of an electronic device including an FMCW radar based proximity detector operating adjacent to a person 314 sitting in a chair at a distance R from an antenna element 210. The electronic device transmits a radar pulse x towards the person who is attempting to sit still. Tx(t) In this example, the FMCW radar transmits the following pulses:

[0063] x Tx (t) = A Tx cos(2πf c t+πKt 2 )

[0064] Here, A Tx Indicates the amplitude of the transmitted signal; f c represents frequency; t is time; and K is a parameter of the FMCW radar that indicates how fast the frequency increases over time. In other words, K = BW / (T 啁啾 ), where BW is the bandwidth of the chirp, T 啁啾 is the duration of the chirp.

[0065] After reflecting from person 314, the reflected signal x Rx(t) It is received back at the electronic device. In this example, the reflected signal is as follows:

[0066] x Rx (t) = A Rx cos[2πf c (tt R )+πK(tt R ) 2 ]

[0067] Here, A Rx Indicates the amplitude of the received signal; tR Represents time delay. The time delay is proportional to the round-trip distance and takes the value

[0068] As discussed above, the FMCW radar multiplies the transmitted signal and the reflected signal by each other to obtain the beat signal y(t):

[0069]

[0070] Here, f b represents the beat frequency, and Indicates the phase of the beat signal.

[0071] Beat frequency f b contains information about the distance R from the person. That is, according to the following formula, the beat frequency f b Proportional to distance R:

[0072]

[0073] Reference Figure 4 As illustrated, the radar signal may be reflected from a person's chest. As the person breathes and their chest moves in and out, the distance R changes by a small amount, represented as ΔR. Specifically, as illustrated, when the person inhales, the distance traveled R decreases due to the expansion of the chest, and when the person exhales, the distance traveled R increases.

[0074] Generally speaking, when an electronic device with an FMCW radar determines a distance R, the resolution of such distance measurement may be relatively coarse. If the resolution or range cell width is larger than the chest displacement ΔR caused by a person's breathing, the determined value of R may remain the same even if the distance R changes over time. However, the inventors have noticed that the beat signal phase This provides a more sensitive signal that can be used to detect small changes in distance (such as those caused by chest displacement during breathing). That is, the generally periodic changes in distance ΔR corresponding to breathing are also consistent with the phase of the beat frequency signal. The change of this phase over time is given by:

[0075]

[0076] Here, λ represents the wavelength of the FMCW radar signal, and τ represents the time of measurement. In the example where the wireless communication device operates its FMCW radar in the mmW band, the wavelength λ is typically less than 1 cm, which is on the order of millimeters.

[0077] Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure utilize the sub-cm wavelength λ of the mmW signal to measure the temporal phase evolution of the reflected signal to estimate the general periodic phase pattern caused by human vital signs. Although the above discussion focuses on changes caused by breathing, the present disclosure is not limited to changes caused only by breathing. As discussed in further detail below, at least a person's heart rate may also cause the phase of the reflected signal to change. That is, the pressure changes caused by the contraction and relaxation of the heart are generally periodic, with the heart rate being its frequency. This generally periodic pressure change causes generally periodic micro-vibrations of the human skin, which can be detected using the measurements described herein.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 5 , a series of graphs conceptually illustrate the extraction of breathing and heartbeat vital signs using FMCW radar according to some aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the first graph 502 shown on the left illustrates the received power of the reflected signal is a function of the range or distance between the electronic device and the target object. Several implementations of these reflected samples are shown, which are represented by the slow time index τ n Explained in the dimension of the index.

[0079] As seen in the first graph 502, the peak received power of Y occurs at the same range or distance across time index τ in each sample. Accordingly, a relatively low resolution range measurement of peak power using the DFT of the beat frequency signal (commonly used with FMCW radar measurements) may not provide the vital sign information needed to determine whether the target object is a human.

[0080] In a second graph 504, the phase of the DFT of the beat signal at the measured peak shown in graph 502 is plotted. That is, graph 504 shows the phase at which the beat frequency signal has peak energy. It is a function of the range or distance between the electronic device and the target object. As in graph 502, here in graph 504, several realizations of these reflected samples are shown, which are represented by the slow time index τ n While the first chart 502 shows only four realizations, the second chart 504 expands in the time dimension to show 300 realizations.

[0081] The third graph 506 removes the range dimension and maps the data from the second graph 504 into two dimensions, thereby showing the phase Dependent on the slow index time τ nIn the illustrated example, all of the data points in the second graph 504 fall within the same range cell because any fluctuations in the peak value of the received power of the reflected signal are not small enough to vary from sample to sample. However, in other examples, not all of the data points must fall within the same range cell. That is, the target object may move relative to the detector; the range may reach or approach a threshold between two range cells; etc. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the third graph 506 may include a phase Dependent on the slow index time τ n , only for samples that fall within the same range bin. That is, if a group of samples are determined to fall within different range bins, then a comparison between the phases of these samples may not be very meaningful. As seen here, although all data points may correspond to the same range bin as determined from the peak energy measurement, the phase There are generally periodic fluctuations in the phase. The fourth graph 508 shows the phase The DFT shows the phase The amplitude of is frequency dependent. Here, by using the slow time index τ n The frequency is determined by the conversion corresponding to the a priori knowledge of the sampling rate.

[0082] As shown in the fourth graph 508, a clear peak is seen at about 0.2 Hz to 0.33 Hz, which is generally the range of human breathing rates. Thus, this data can be used to show that the target object being measured is a human being, because it causes phase changes at frequencies corresponding to human vital signs (i.e., breathing rate). In addition, another clear peak is seen at about 1 Hz to 1.67 Hz, which is generally the range of human heart rates. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, in order to provide improved sensitivity for heart rate detection, the phase in consecutive samples can be detected. In essence, the difference between the values ​​in consecutive samples is a discrete time analog to the time derivative of a continuous function. Therefore, by computing the difference between consecutive samples, small changes in phase that occur at frequencies corresponding to human heartbeats can be reliably detected. Furthermore, computing this difference can help to attenuate relatively slow frequency changes in the phase measurement caused by breathing, which could otherwise mask the relatively weak heart rate signal.

[0083] Another technique that can be used to improve the resolution of the spectral estimate of the extracted phase signal may include the use of one or more "super-resolution" techniques. For example, multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT) are spectral estimation techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. With such techniques, peaks in the extracted phase signal at frequencies associated with vital signs (such as breathing or heartbeat) can be more reliably determined.

[0084] Thus, the data can be used to show that the target object being measured is a human, because it causes a phase change at a frequency corresponding to another human vital sign (ie, heart rate).

[0085] In other words, even if the identified range bins corresponding to the estimated distance remain the same across successive captures due to a static target object, the phase may still change following a pattern having frequency components corresponding to human vital signs.

[0086] For example, if the frequency of the electronic device used for FMCW radar is 30GHz, the wavelength λ=1cm. At this wavelength, if the displacement change ΔR=5mm, the phase rotation for each breath is π radians. Considering that the chest movement of a person when breathing may be greater than 5mm, it is necessary to ensure that the sampling rate is high enough to avoid aliasing. For example, the sampling rate of the radar pulse can be at least twice the highest predicted breathing rate of a person. In one example, in order to achieve high-resolution target object measurement to construct the discrete time phase evolution of the echo signal, a sampling rate of 20Hz can be used.

[0087] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for moderate transmissions to reduce exposure to human targets according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Although humans may be used as an example, any living animal may be the basis for adjusting the transmission power. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, Figure 6 The process can be Figure 1 and / or the electronic device 102 illustrated in 2. In some examples, Figure 6 The process may be performed by various components of the electronic device (including but not limited to Figure 3 In some examples, Figure 6 The process may be performed by any suitable equipment or means for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0088] At block 602, the electronic device 102 may transmit a detection signal. For example, the transceiver 120 may utilize one or more antennas, such as the transmit antenna 210-1, to transmit a pulse, a FMCW signal, a multi-tone signal, or any other suitable signal for radar-based proximity detection.

[0089] At block 604, the electronic device 102 may receive a reflected signal reflected from the target object. For example, the transceiver 120 may utilize one or more antennas (such as the receiving antenna 210-2) to receive the reflected signal. The process at blocks 602 and 604 may be repeated any suitable number of times, wherein samples of the reflected signal are acquired at any suitable sampling rate. As described above, some examples may utilize a sampling rate of 20 Hz.

[0090] At block 606, the electronic device 102 may process the reflected signal to extract parameters for determining whether the reflected signal includes a human vital sign. For example, as described above, the electronic device 102 may combine the transmitted signal with the reflected signal to obtain a beat signal, and may then transform the beat signal to the frequency domain, for example by calculating a DFT of the beat signal. The electronic device 102 may then extract the phase of the beat signal, which is obtained at each realization as the peak power of the DFT of the beat signal. The electronic device 102 may then calculate the DFT of the extracted phase information (based on the sampling rate of the realization sequence) to obtain a frequency domain data set of phase samples, as described above and in Figure 5 As illustrated in diagram 508 in FIG.

[0091] At block 608, the electronic device 102 may determine whether the extracted parameter(s) indicate a human target object. For example, the electronic device 102 may determine whether the frequency domain representation of the phase information includes one or more peaks greater than a threshold amplitude within a frequency range corresponding to known human vital signs. For example, if there is a peak greater than a threshold amplitude within a range of approximately 0.2 Hz to 0.33 Hz, the data may be referred to as representing periodic micro-movements caused by human breathing. Similarly, if there is a peak greater than a threshold amplitude within a range of approximately 1 Hz to 1.67 Hz, the data may be referred to as representing periodic micro-movements caused by a human heartbeat. The threshold used by the electronic device 102 within the expected frequency range may take any suitable value, and in some implementations, may be experimentally determined based on testing the vital signs of various people in various conditions at various angles and on various body parts that may exhibit different degrees of micro-movements corresponding to the same vital signs.

[0092] Different implementations may seek these thresholds for any suitable number of one or more frequency ranges corresponding to any suitable number of one or more human vital signs. For example, if the electronic device 102 detects breathing, a heartbeat, or both, it may determine that the target object is a human. If one or more human vital signs are detected, then at block 610, the electronic device 102 may adjust at least one transmission parameter of a transmission signal (such as a mmW uplink signal) to provide a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of no greater than the mmW signal to the human target object. For example, the electronic device 102 may adjust at least one of the power level of the uplink signal, the beam steering angle of the uplink signal, the frequency of the uplink signal, the selected antenna of the uplink signal, the communication protocol of the uplink signal, or a combination of the above so that the power of the uplink signal at the human target object is no greater than the MPE regulatory requirement.

[0093] On the other hand, if the electronic device 102 determines that no human vital signs are detected, the electronic device 102 may adjust at least one transmission parameter of the transmission signal without taking the MPE rule into account at block 612. For example, the electronic device may adjust the transmission parameter so that the power of the transmitted signal at the non-human target object exceeds the MPE level.

[0094] At block 614, the electronic device 102 may transmit the adjusted signal using the adjusted transmission parameters, as described above.

[0095] By using this algorithm, an electronic device can reliably distinguish between human target objects and non-human target objects by monitoring vital signs using a radar-based proximity detector. In this way, the electronic device can classify humans even when they are stationary (such as when they are passed out or in deep sleep). In some examples, the algorithm can be utilized by conventional FMCW radar-based proximity detector circuits, which are currently available on the market. That is, information from such FMCW radar-based proximity detectors can be acquired, and a set of coherent radar echoes, captures, or realizations can be stored in a memory. These stored realizations can be post-processed using an additional DFT to extract phase changes over time.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for detecting, measuring, or characterizing a target according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, Figure 7 The process can be Figure 1 and / or the electronic device 102 illustrated in 2. In some examples, Figure 7The process may be performed by various components of the electronic device (including but not limited to Figure 3 In some examples, Figure 7 The process may be performed by any suitable equipment or means for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0097] At block 702, the electronic device 102 may obtain a beat signal y(t) (e.g., corresponding to a reflected signal based on an FMCW radar), as described above:

[0098]

[0099] For example, the transceiver 120 may transmit a detection signal and / or receive a reflected signal, and the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may combine the transmitted signal with the reflected signal to obtain the beat signal y(t).

[0100] At block 704, the electronic device 102 may determine the received power |Y of the beat signal y(t) as a function of frequency 频率 For example, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may transform the beat signal y(t) into the frequency domain, such as by computing the DFT of the beat signal.

[0101] Y 频率 =DFT[y(t)]

[0102] At block 706, the electronic device 102 may generate a signal based on the frequency domain beat signal Y 频率 The approximate distance R to the target can be determined by measuring the peak power of the reflected signal. For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 can determine the peak or maximum value of the received power of the reflected signal and determine the frequency f corresponding to the peak value. b As mentioned above, the approximate distance R can be obtained from this frequency based on the following formula:

[0103]

[0104] At block 708, the electronic device 102 may determine a phase corresponding to a peak power of the frequency domain beat signal in a plurality of implementations. Here, as mentioned above, the phase determined here is may correspond to a set of realizations, each having an approximate distance R that falls within the same range unit. In other examples, the phase determined herein may correspond to a set of realizations, each realization having an approximate distance R that falls within a threshold distance of a suitable given distance.

[0105]

[0106] At block 710, the electronic device 102 may determine phase data For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 may calculate a discrete Fourier transform based on the sampling rate τ

[0107] At optional block 712, the electronic device 102 may apply a high pass filter to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate. For example, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may apply any suitable low pass IIR or FIR filter to the phase data.

[0108] At block 714, the electronic device 102 may determine the phase data The frequency domain representation of includes peaks at frequencies corresponding to human vital signs (such as breathing rate, heart rate, and / or conditions or data corresponding to human organs). For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 may determine whether the phase data The processor / DSP circuit system 128 may then determine the frequency corresponding to the determined one or more peaks and determine whether the frequency is within a range corresponding to the predicted heart rate and / or within a range corresponding to the predicted breathing rate.

[0109] At optional block 718, the electronic device 102 may determine the phase The difference Δ between consecutive samples of the frequency domain representation of . Similar to the time derivative of a continuous-time function, a discrete-time function such as ) can provide the rate of change of frequency domain phase data.

[0110] And in optional box 720, the electronic device 102 may determine whether the difference Δ includes a peak or a value greater than a given threshold at a frequency corresponding to the human vital sign (e.g., within a range corresponding to the predicted heart rate and / or within a range corresponding to the predicted breathing rate).

[0111] According to various aspects, the peak values ​​determined at blocks 714 and / or 720 may provide human vital sign information (such as heart rate and / or breathing rate) that may be used for any suitable purpose.

[0112] In another example, after the electronic device 102 determines the frequency domain representation of the phase data at block 710, the process may continue to block 716. Here, the electronic device 102 may utilize the processor / DSP 128 to process the phase data using a spectrum estimation technique (e.g., multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT)). To determine the phase Whether a peak or a value greater than a given threshold is included at a frequency corresponding to a human vital sign. In this example, the process may then optionally continue to block 718 and continue as described above.

[0113] Although the above description focuses primarily on examples in which human vital sign detection can be used by wireless communication devices to achieve MPE compliance, the present disclosure is not limited to this area. That is, the use of radar-based human vital sign detectors can be used for a wide range of applications beyond this example. Only some examples are described below.

[0114] For example, radar-based human vital sign detectors can be used for heart rate monitoring in the medical field. In this way, the heart rate of the elderly or infants can be closely monitored using simple devices near them. Thus, any abnormal heart behavior may be detected in real time, thereby improving treatment and care. In another example, radar-based human vital sign detectors can be used to monitor sleep patterns. For example, the duration of sleep stages (such as deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep, etc.) can be determined by corresponding breathing patterns and heart rate changes. Thus, such vital sign detectors can be used to analyze people's sleep quality. In yet another example, radar-based human vital sign detectors can be used for various functions in smart homes or networked homes. Based on the detection of people's vital signs and their locations, parameters in such networked homes can be controlled, such as controlling air conditioning or heating based on whether humans are detected and in which part of the room they are detected. Similarly, a surround sound system can identify the location of the listener to optimize the acoustic environment.

[0115] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for detecting, measuring, or characterizing a target according to further aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, Figure 8 The process can be Figure 1 and / or the electronic device 102 illustrated in 2. In some examples, Figure 8 The process may be performed by various components of the electronic device (including but not limited to Figure 3 In some examples, Figure 8 The process may be performed by any suitable equipment or means for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0116] At block 802, the electronic device 102 may obtain a beat signal y(t) (e.g., corresponding to a reflected signal based on an FMCW radar), as described above:

[0117]

[0118] For example, the transceiver 120 may transmit a detection signal and / or receive a reflected signal, and the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may combine the transmitted signal with the reflected signal to obtain the beat signal y(t).

[0119] At block 804, the electronic device 102 may determine the received power of the beat signal y(t) as a function of frequency |Y 频率 For example, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may transform the beat signal y(t) into the frequency domain, such as by computing the DFT of the beat signal.

[0120] Y 频率 =DFT[y(t)]

[0121] At block 806, the electronic device 102 may generate a signal based on the frequency domain beat signal Y 频率 The peak power of the reflected signal may be used to determine the approximate distance R to the target. For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 may determine the peak or maximum value of the received power of the reflected signal and determine the frequency f corresponding to the peak value. b As mentioned above, the approximate distance R can be obtained from this frequency based on the following formula:

[0122]

[0123] At block 808, the electronic device 102 may determine a phase corresponding to a peak power of the frequency domain beat signal in a plurality of implementations. Here, as mentioned above, the phase determined here is may correspond to a set of realizations, each having an approximate distance R that falls within the same range unit. In other examples, the phase determined herein may correspond to a set of realizations, each realization having an approximate distance R that falls within a threshold distance of a suitable given distance.

[0124]

[0125] At block 810, the electronic device 102 may determine phase data For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 may calculate a discrete Fourier transform based on the sampling rate τ

[0126] As described above, various examples of implementing different aspects of the present disclosure may provide for dynamically determining heart rate and / or respiration rate over time. That is, in determining phase data After the frequency domain representation of Figure 8 The process may continue to blocks 814, 816, or 818 in various examples.

[0127] At block 814, the electronic device 102 may For example, the processor / DSP circuit system 128 may identify phase data within a threshold distance of the predicted heart rate frequency. The peak value in the frequency domain representation of and the frequency of the identified peak value corresponding to the measured heart rate can be determined accordingly.

[0128] At block 816, the electronic device 102 may For example, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may identify phase data within a threshold distance of the predicted breathing rate frequency. The peak value in the frequency domain representation of and the frequency of the identified peak value corresponding to the measured breathing rate can be determined accordingly.

[0129] At block 818, the electronic device 102 may determine a sleep pattern based on the heart rate and / or the respiration rate. For example, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may determine the heart rate and / or the respiration rate as described above with respect to blocks 814 and / or 816. Furthermore, the processor / DSP circuitry 128 may apply the determined heart rate and / or respiration rate to a suitable algorithm that associates the corresponding rate, changes in the corresponding rate over time, and / or expected rates with one or more sleep patterns, parameters, or characteristics.

[0130] At optional block 820, corresponding to a control system, an automation system, a smart home, or any other suitable processing system, the electronic device 102 may provide information corresponding to the determined distance (e.g., see block 806), the determined heart rate, the determined breathing rate, and / or the determined sleep pattern to the control system. That is, such determined values ​​may be used as inputs or parameters of the control system for controlling one or more automated functions. Such automated functions may include, but are not limited to, smart home functions, climate control functions, audio / video functions, lighting functions, etc.

[0131] Further examples with various characteristics

[0132] Example 1: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for detecting vital signs of a target object. An apparatus transmits a plurality of detection signals and receives a plurality of reflection signals reflected from the target object. The apparatus then processes the plurality of reflection signals to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the plurality of reflection signals indicate human vital signs. Based on whether a human vital sign is detected at the target object, the apparatus adjusts at least one transmission parameter and transmits the adjusted signal using the transmission parameter.

[0133] Example 2: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 1, wherein the transmission parameter is at least one of a power level, a beam steering angle, a frequency, a selected antenna, and / or a communication protocol.

[0134] Example 3: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the human vital signs are at least one of a respiratory rate, a heart rate, and / or a condition or data related to a human organ.

[0135] Example 4: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein to process the plurality of reflection signals, the apparatus combines the plurality of detection signals with the plurality of reflection signals to obtain a plurality of beat signals corresponding to a sampling rate. The apparatus then determines a received power of a frequency domain representation of each of the plurality of beat signals. The apparatus then determines phase data corresponding to a peak power of each of the frequency domain representations of the plurality of beat signals. The apparatus then determines a frequency domain representation of the phase data relative to the sampling rate.

[0136] Example 5: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus further determines whether the frequency domain representation of the phase data includes a peak greater than a threshold amplitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital signs.

[0137] Example 6: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein to process the multiple reflection signals, the apparatus applies a high-pass filter to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate.

[0138] Example 7: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein to process the plurality of reflected signals, the apparatus calculates a difference between values ​​of a frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive samples; and determines whether the difference includes a peak greater than a threshold amplitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital signs.

[0139] Example 8: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the adjusted signal is a millimeter wave signal. Here, when the apparatus adjusts at least one transmission parameter, the apparatus configures the adjusted signal to provide no more than a maximum permitted exposure of the millimeter wave signal to a human target object.

[0140] Example 9: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein, to process the multiple reflected signals, the apparatus utilizes at least one of multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT) to perform spectral estimation.

[0141] Example 10: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for detecting vital signs of a target object. A device obtains a beat signal corresponding to a reflected signal based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar reflected from a target object, the beat signal corresponding to a sampling rate. The device then determines the distance to the target object based on the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal. The device then determines phase data corresponding to the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal. Further, the device then determines a frequency domain representation of the phase data based on the sampling rate, and determines the vital signs of the target object based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data.

[0142] Example 11: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 10, wherein the target subject's vital signs include at least one of heart rate, breathing rate, and / or sleep pattern.

[0143] Example 12: The method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 10 to 11, wherein the apparatus further provides information corresponding to the determined distance and the determined vital sign to a control system to control one or more automated functions.

[0144] Within the present disclosure, the wording "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior or superior to other aspects of the present disclosure. Likewise, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of the present disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically contacts object B, and object B contacts object C, objects A and C may still be considered to be coupled to each other - even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, a first object may be coupled to a second object, even if the first object never directly contacts the second object physically. The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" are used broadly and are intended to include both hardware implementations of electronic devices and conductors and software implementations of information and instructions, which, when connected and configured, enable the functions described in the present disclosure to be performed without limitation on the type of electronic circuits, which, when executed by a processor, enable the functions described in the present disclosure to be performed.

[0145] Figure 1-8One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions described herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or implemented in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figure 1-8 The apparatus, devices and / or components illustrated in the can be configured to perform one or more methods, features or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0146] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is an illustration of an exemplary process. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in these methods can be rearranged. The attached method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated herein.

[0147] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the various aspects shown herein, but should be granted the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein the singular reference to the element is not intended to mean "there is and only one" - unless specifically stated, but intended to mean "one or more". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some / some" refers to one or more. The phrase "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. As an example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. The elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure are all structurally and functionally equivalent solutions currently or hereafter known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference, and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be donated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recorded in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting vital signs of a target object, the method comprising: transmitting a plurality of detection signals; receiving a plurality of reflected signals reflected from the target object; Processing the plurality of reflection signals to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the plurality of reflection signals indicate a human vital sign, wherein processing the plurality of reflection signals comprises: combining the plurality of detection signals with the plurality of reflection signals to obtain a plurality of beat frequency signals corresponding to a sampling rate; determining a received power of a frequency domain representation of each of the plurality of beat frequency signals; determining phase data corresponding to a peak power of each of the frequency domain representations of the plurality of beat frequency signals; and determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data relative to the sampling rate; calculating differences between values ​​of the frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive samples; and determining whether the difference includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital sign; adjusting at least one transmission parameter based on whether a human vital sign is detected at the target object, wherein the detection is based on a change in the phase of the beat frequency signal over time; and The adjusted signal is transmitted using the transmission parameters.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission parameters include at least one of power level, beam steering angle, frequency, selected antenna, communication protocol, or a combination thereof. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the human vital sign comprises at least one of a respiratory rate, a heart rate, or a condition or data corresponding to a human organ.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing the plurality of reflected signals further comprises: A high pass filter is applied to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusted signal comprises a millimeter wave signal, and Wherein adjusting at least one transmission parameter comprises configuring the adjusted signal to provide no greater than a maximum permitted exposure of the millimeter wave signal to a human target subject.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein processing the plurality of reflected signals comprises performing spectrum estimation using at least one of Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) or Signal Parameter Estimation using Rotational Invariance (ESPRIT).

7. An electronic device configured to detect vital signs of a target object, the electronic device comprising: processor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; as well as a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: transmitting a plurality of detection signals via the transceiver; receiving, via the transceiver, a plurality of reflected signals reflected from the target object; processing the plurality of reflected signals to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the plurality of reflected signals are indicative of human vital signs, wherein the processor configured to process the plurality of reflected signals is further configured to: combining the plurality of detection signals with the plurality of reflection signals to obtain a plurality of beat frequency signals corresponding to a sampling rate; determining a received power of a frequency domain representation of each of the plurality of beat frequency signals; determining phase data corresponding to a peak power of each of the frequency domain representations of the plurality of beat frequency signals; and determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data relative to the sampling rate; calculating differences between values ​​of said frequency domain representation of said phase data in consecutive samples; as well as determining whether the difference includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital sign; adjusting at least one transmission parameter based on whether a human vital sign is detected at the target object, wherein the detection is based on a change in the phase of the beat frequency signal over time; as well as An adjusted signal is transmitted via the transceiver using the transmission parameters.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the transmission parameters include at least one of power level, beam steering angle, frequency, selected antenna, communication protocol, or a combination thereof. 9 . The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the human vital sign comprises at least one of a breathing rate, a heart rate, or a condition or data corresponding to a human organ.

10. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein processing the plurality of reflected signals further comprises: A high pass filter is applied to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate.

11. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the adjusted signal comprises a millimeter wave signal, and Wherein adjusting at least one transmission parameter comprises configuring the adjusted signal to provide no greater than a maximum permitted exposure of the millimeter wave signal to a human target subject.

12. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein processing the plurality of reflected signals comprises performing spectrum estimation using at least one of Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) or Signal Parameter Estimation Using Rotational Invariance (ESPRIT).

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, comprising code for causing an electronic device to perform the following operations: transmitting a plurality of detection signals; receiving a plurality of reflected signals reflected from a target object; The plurality of reflected signals are processed to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the plurality of reflected signals indicate a human vital sign, wherein the code for causing the electronic device to process the plurality of reflected signals further comprises code for causing the electronic device to perform the following operations: combining the plurality of detection signals with the plurality of reflection signals to obtain a plurality of beat frequency signals corresponding to a sampling rate; determining a received power of a frequency domain representation of each of the plurality of beat frequency signals; determining phase data corresponding to a peak power of each of the frequency domain representations of the plurality of beat frequency signals; determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data relative to the sampling rate; calculating differences between values ​​of said frequency domain representation of said phase data in consecutive samples; as well as determining whether the difference includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital sign; adjusting at least one transmission parameter based on whether a human vital sign is detected at the target object, wherein the detection is based on a change in the phase of the beat frequency signal over time; as well as The adjusted signal is transmitted using the transmission parameters.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the transmission parameters include at least one of a power level, a beam steering angle, a frequency, a selected antenna, a communication protocol, or a combination thereof.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the human vital sign comprises at least one of a breathing rate, a heart rate, or a condition or data corresponding to a human organ.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the code for causing the electronic device to process the plurality of reflected signals further comprises code for causing the electronic device to: A high pass filter is applied to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the conditioned signal comprises a millimeter wave signal, and The code for causing the electronic device to adjust at least one transmission parameter includes code for causing the electronic device to configure the adjusted signal to provide no more than a maximum permitted exposure of the millimeter wave signal to a human target object.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the code for causing the electronic device to process the plurality of reflected signals comprises code for causing the electronic device to perform spectrum estimation using at least one of multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT).

19. An electronic device configured to detect vital signs of a target object, the electronic device comprising: means for transmitting a plurality of detection signals; means for receiving a plurality of reflected signals reflected from said target object; Means for processing the plurality of reflected signals to extract one or more parameters for determining whether the plurality of reflected signals indicate a human vital sign, wherein the means for processing the plurality of reflected signals comprises: means for combining the plurality of detection signals with the plurality of reflection signals to obtain a plurality of beat frequency signals corresponding to a sampling rate; means for determining a received power of a frequency domain representation of each of the plurality of beat frequency signals; means for determining phase data corresponding to a peak power of each of said frequency domain representations of said plurality of beat frequency signals; means for determining a frequency domain representation of said phase data relative to said sampling rate; means for calculating differences between values ​​of said frequency domain representation of said phase data in consecutive samples; and means for determining whether the difference includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to the human vital sign; means for adjusting at least one transmission parameter based on whether a human vital sign is detected at the target object, wherein the detection is based on a change in the phase of the beat frequency signal over time; and Means for transmitting an adjusted signal using the transmission parameters.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the transmission parameters include at least one of power level, beam steering angle, frequency, selected antenna, communication protocol, or a combination thereof.

21. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the human vital sign comprises at least one of a breathing rate, a heart rate, or a condition or data corresponding to a human organ.

22. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the means for processing the plurality of reflected signals is further configured to: A high pass filter is applied to the phase data to attenuate lower frequency signals associated with respiration to enhance higher frequency signals associated with heart rate.

23. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the adjusted signal comprises a millimeter wave signal, and The means for adjusting at least one transmission parameter is further configured to configure the adjusted signal to provide no greater than a maximum permitted exposure of the millimeter wave signal to a human target object.

24. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the means for processing the plurality of reflected signals is further configured to perform spectrum estimation using at least one of multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or signal parameter estimation using rotational invariance (ESPRIT).

25. A method for detecting vital signs of a target object, the method comprising: Obtaining a beat frequency signal corresponding to a reflected signal based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar reflected from the target object, wherein the beat frequency signal corresponds to a sampling rate; determining a distance to the target object based on a peak power of a frequency domain representation of the beat frequency signal; determining phase data corresponding to the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal; determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data based on the sampling rate; as well as Determining the vital sign of the target object based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data, wherein determining the vital sign of the target object comprises: A determination is made as to whether a difference between values ​​of the frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive beat frequency signals includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the vital signs of the target subject include at least one of heart rate, breathing rate, or sleep pattern.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising: Information corresponding to the determined distance and the determined vital sign is provided to a control system to control one or more automated functions.

28. An electronic device configured to detect vital signs of a target object, the electronic device comprising: processor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; as well as a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor; wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: Obtaining a beat frequency signal corresponding to a reflected signal based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar reflected from the target object, wherein the beat frequency signal corresponds to a sampling rate; determining a distance to the target object based on a peak power of a frequency domain representation of the beat frequency signal; determining phase data corresponding to the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal; determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data based on the sampling rate; as well as Determine the vital sign of the target object based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data, wherein for determining the vital sign of the target object, the processor is further configured to: A determination is made as to whether a difference between values ​​of the frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive beat frequency signals includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign.

29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the vital sign of the target subject comprises at least one of a heart rate, a breathing rate, or a sleeping pattern.

30. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Information corresponding to the determined distance and the determined vital sign is provided to a control system to control one or more automated functions.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, comprising code for causing an electronic device to: Obtaining a beat frequency signal corresponding to a reflected signal based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar reflected from a target object, wherein the beat frequency signal corresponds to a sampling rate; determining a distance to the target object based on a peak power of a frequency domain representation of the beat frequency signal; determining phase data corresponding to the peak power of the frequency domain representation of the beat signal; determining a frequency domain representation of the phase data based on the sampling rate; as well as The vital sign of the target object may be determined based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data, wherein in order to determine the vital sign of the target object, the computer executable code causes the electronic device to perform the following operations when executed: A determination is made as to whether a difference between values ​​of the frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive beat frequency signals includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign.

32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 31, wherein the vital signs of the target subject include at least one of heart rate, breathing rate, or sleep pattern.

33. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 31, wherein the computer executable code further comprises code for causing the electronic device to: Information corresponding to the determined distance and the determined vital sign is provided to a control system to control one or more automated functions.

34. An electronic device configured to detect vital signs of a target object, the electronic device comprising: means for obtaining a beat frequency signal corresponding to a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar based reflected signal reflected from the target object, the beat frequency signal corresponding to a sampling rate; means for determining a distance to the target object based on a peak power of a frequency domain representation of the beat frequency signal; means for determining phase data corresponding to said peak power of a frequency domain representation of said beat frequency signal; means for determining a frequency domain representation of said phase data based on said sampling rate; as well as Means for determining the vital sign of the target object based on the frequency domain representation of the phase data, wherein the means for determining the vital sign of the target object comprises: Means for determining whether a difference between values ​​of the frequency domain representation of the phase data in consecutive beat frequency signals includes a peak greater than a threshold magnitude within a frequency range corresponding to a human vital sign.

35. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the vital sign of the target subject comprises at least one of a heart rate, a breathing rate, or a sleep pattern.

36. The electronic device of claim 34, further comprising: Means for providing information corresponding to the determined distance and the determined vital sign to a control system for controlling one or more automated functions.

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