Communication technology selection for radio frequency based sensing

Abstract

The invention relates to selecting a communication technology (34, 36) in a radio frequency (RF) based sensing system (100) having one or more nodes (26, 28, 30). The RF based sensing system (100) is configured to perform RF based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies (34, 36). Based on one or more parameters related to the RF based sensing in the RF based sensing system (100), a communication technology (34) is selected for the one or more nodes (26, 28, 30) to perform RF based sensing in the RF based sensing system (100). The communication technology (36) that is optimal for a current sensing application having current sensing quality requirements in a current environment can be selected taking into account available system resources. The communication technology can be a wideband (34) and a narrowband (36) communication technology. The parameters can include sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters and environmental parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication technology selection device for selecting a communication technology for performing radio frequency (RF) sensing, an RF-based sensing system, a method for selecting a communication technology for performing RF sensing, and a computer program product for selecting a communication technology for performing RF sensing. Background Technology

[0002] By analyzing how people, pets, or movable objects affect the wireless signals flowing in the network, RF-based sensing enables motion detection, occupancy detection, people counting, and other sensing applications.

[0003] US 2017 / 0359804 A1 illustrates a wireless communication network that includes a motion detection channel. For example, a motion detection channel can be embedded in a wireless communication network to perform motion detection operations together with other wireless communication network operations. In some implementations, a chipset in a wireless network device uses a motion detection channel to detect motion in space, and the same chipset uses another wireless communication channel to, for example, transmit wireless network traffic with other wireless devices. A set of wireless communication channels can be defined according to a wireless communication standard, and one or more of these wireless communication channels can be assigned to motion detection. As an example, one or more motion standard wireless communication channels from one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, the ZigBee standard, or another wireless communication standard can be assigned as motion detection channels for motion detection.

[0004] US 2019 / 097865 A1 discloses a method for identifying and classifying events in a location based on wireless signals. The event recognition engine trains a classifier based on training channel information, which is at least a time series of training channel information for a wireless multipath channel between a first receiver and a first transmitter; and applies the classifier to classify current channel information based on at least one time series of current channel information for a wireless multipath channel between a second receiver and a second transmitter; and associates the current event with at least one of the following: a known event, an unknown event, and another event. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention can be viewed as providing a communication technology selection device, an RF-based sensing system, a method, a computer program product, and a computer-readable medium that allow for improved performance of RF-based sensing.

[0006] In a first aspect of the invention, a communication technology selection device is provided for an RF-based sensing system having one or more nodes. The RF-based sensing system is configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies. The communication technology selection device is configured to select, based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system for one or more of the nodes.

[0007] Because the communication technology selection device is configured to select a communication technology for one or more nodes in the RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, the performance of RF-based sensing can be improved. Furthermore, a communication technology can be selected for each individual node, allowing different nodes in the RF-based sensing system to use different communication technologies. The communication technology used by the corresponding one or more nodes can be optimized for the specific needs of those nodes. For example, if the one or more nodes have low battery life, a low-power communication technology can be used, and if the one or more nodes cannot use narrowband communication technology to maintain RF-based sensing traffic due to low currently available bandwidth, they can instead use a broadband communication technology with more currently available bandwidth or another communication technology.

[0008] If a communication technology is defined by a set of frequencies, changing the frequency of that communication technology to a frequency within that set will not change the communication technology itself. However, if the communication technology is defined by only one frequency, changing that frequency will change the communication technology. Frequencies can also include, for example, a set of frequencies or a series of frequencies. For example, in the case of the Bluetooth communication protocol, frequency hopping can be performed between different frequencies within a set of frequencies to avoid interference from RF signals. A communication technology is defined by communication technology parameters, which include one or more of the following: communication protocol, one or more frequencies, channel bandwidth, number of streams, stream data rate, and modulation. Changing one of these communication technology parameters will change the communication technology.

[0009] Communication parameters may additionally include one or more of demodulation and directivity. For example, a modulation may be demodulated in different ways by two or more different demodulation methods, such as balancing demodulation speed and demodulation error rate. Directivity may include, for example, omnidirectional and directional transmission. Omnidirectional transmission may, for example, allow sensing a spatial view of a spatial region, while directional transmission may, for example, allow narrow beams to scan, such as a laser scanner, or have a fixed directionality.

[0010] RF-based sensing can be performed by transmitting RF signals from one node to another and analyzing the received RF signals. If an RF signal hits one or more objects along its path between nodes, the RF signal is interfered with, such as by being scattered, absorbed, reflected, or any combination thereof. This interference can be analyzed and used to perform RF-based sensing. One or more nodes can also perform RF-based sensing by transmitting RF signals to a specific spatial region, receiving reflected RF signals from that specific spatial region, and analyzing the reflected RF signals. For example, one antenna of a node's antenna array can transmit an RF signal, while another antenna of the same node's antenna array can receive the reflected RF signal, allowing analysis of the reflected RF signal within the same node that transmitted the RF signal. Alternatively or additionally, one node can transmit an RF signal to a specific spatial region, and the reflected RF signal can be received and analyzed by another node to perform RF-based sensing. The interfered and / or reflected RF signals can include an RF-based sensing fingerprint based on signal parameters such as the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant and magnetic susceptibility. Different communication technologies have different absorption and reflection characteristics, resulting in different RF-based sensing fingerprints. Using different communication technologies allows for optimization of RF-based sensing performance because the optimal communication technology can be selected for the current sensing application, taking into account the current sensing quality requirements in the current environment (e.g., surrounding conditions) and the available system resources.

[0011] In a scenario where an RF signal is transmitted by one node and an RF signal that is interfered with and / or reflected is received by another node, the RF-based sensing system comprises two or more nodes, and the communication technology selection device is configured to select a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system for two or more of the two or more nodes based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system).

[0012] RF-based sensing requires a specific network topology and a certain amount and type of sensing traffic flowing between one or more nodes covering a specific spatial area in order to acquire a sufficient number of usable samples. Selecting a communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing within the system, based on one or more parameters associated with RF-based sensing, can allow for the acquisition of more samples within the specific spatial area covered by those nodes. This can allow for reduced detection latency, reduced false alarms, reduced false negatives, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, network traffic, particularly sensing traffic, can be optimized.

[0013] The communication protocols included in the communication technology parameters may include ZigBee, Bluetooth, Thread, one or more WiFi communication protocols, or any other wireless communication protocol. WiFi communication protocols may include protocols from the IEEE 802.11 family, such as IEEE 802.11ax and IEEE 802.11ay.

[0014] The frequencies included in the communication technology parameters may include, for example, values ​​in the GHz range, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 60 GHz band.

[0015] The number of streams included in the communication technology parameters may include, for example, one or more streams, such as 2, 3, or 4 streams. The maximum number of streams may, for example, depend on the number of multiple-input multiple-output channels.

[0016] The modulation included in the communication technology parameters may include, for example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), on-off keying (OOK), binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), or any other modulation.

[0017] The values ​​of communication technology parameters can also be included in or selected from standards, such as communication protocol standards published by IEEE, such as IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, or any other communication protocol.

[0018] The communication technology selection device can be configured to select a communication technology for one node, a group of nodes, or all nodes in an RF-based sensing system. Selecting a communication technology for all nodes in an RF-based sensing system corresponds to selecting a communication technology for the entire RF-based sensing system.

[0019] RF-based sensing can be performed in an RF-based sensing system using one or more communication technologies. These technologies can be available at each of the one or more nodes. For example, one or more nodes may use one communication technology to perform RF-based sensing, while another one or more nodes may use a different communication technology. Alternatively, for example, all nodes in the RF-based sensing system may use the same communication technology to perform RF-based sensing. Alternatively, one node may also use two or more different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. A node does not need to use two different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing, but it may use two different communication technologies. A communication technology selection device allows the selection of one or more communication technologies for a node to optimize RF-based sensing performance.

[0020] The RF-based sensing system may further include: one or more first nodes configured to perform RF-based sensing using a first communication technology, and one or more second nodes configured to perform RF-based sensing using a second communication technology. A communication technology selection device may be configured to select either the first or second node to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters related to the RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system. The first and second nodes may be arranged and configured to cover the same specific spatial area, overlapping spatial areas, or different spatial areas to perform RF-based sensing in those areas. In this case, the communication technology selection device may allow the selection of a node to perform RF-based sensing using the corresponding optimal communication technology.

[0021] A communication technology selection device can cause one or more nodes in a node to perform RF-based sensing using a selected communication technology. The communication technology selection device can, for example, transmit control signals to control one or more nodes in the node, causing the one or more nodes in the node to perform RF-based sensing using the selected communication technology.

[0022] The communication technology selection device can be configured to select a communication technology for one or more nodes in an RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing in order to optimize the performance of the RF-based sensing system.

[0023] RF-based sensing can be, for example, passive RF sensing.

[0024] Two or more communication technologies may include one or more narrowband communication technologies and one or more broadband communication technologies. For narrowband communication technologies, the signal bandwidth does not significantly exceed the coherence bandwidth of the channel. For broadband communication technologies, the signal bandwidth significantly exceeds the coherence bandwidth of the channel. Narrowband communication technologies may include, for example, communication protocols such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Thread, or other narrowband communication protocols. Broadband communication technologies may include, for example, one or more broadband communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11 broadband protocols, including WiFi in the 2.4 GHz band, WiFi in the 5 GHz band, or WiFi in the 60 GHz band, Ultra Wideband (UWB), or any other broadband communication protocol. Using narrowband communication technologies for RF-based sensing can reduce energy consumption. Using broadband communication technologies for RF-based sensing can allow more nodes to be included in an RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing.

[0025] The communication technology selection device can be configured to choose between narrowband and broadband communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. This allows for optimized performance of the corresponding nodes and the RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing.

[0026] The communication technology selection device can be configured to select one of the broadband communication technologies based on parameters, including information about whether one or more nodes are configured to perform RF-based sensing using Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) or Channel State Information (CSI). RSSI is a measure of the power present in the received RF signal. CSI describes how the RF signal propagates from one node to an object, and how it propagates from that object to another node after being reflected at that object, including combined effects of scattering, attenuation, and power decay with distance. CSI can provide richer information about signal absorption, reflection, delay, multipath, and other properties of RF signal propagation. This allows for selection of broadband communication technologies based on node capabilities and can allow for optimization of the performance of both nodes and the RF-based sensing system. RF-based sensing using CSI can have better performance than RF-based sensing using RSSI because it can have less noise.

[0027] The communication technology selection device can be configured to control nodes based on parameters, including information about whether one or more nodes are configured to use RSSI or CSI to perform RF-based sensing. For example, if a node is not configured to use CSI to perform RF-based sensing, the communication technology selection device can be configured to cause the node to act only as a transmitter node and not as a receiver node. A transmitter node is a node that only transmits RF signals to perform RF-based sensing. Alternatively, if another node is configured to use CSI to perform RF-based sensing, the communication technology selection device can be configured to cause that other node to act as a receiver node. A receiver node is a node that only receives RF signals to perform RF-based sensing. This allows for optimal utilization of RSSI and CSI based on application requirements and the local availability of data, nodes, or both.

[0028] The communication technology selection device can be configured to switch the communication technology for one or more nodes between a CSI-based communication technology and an RSSI-based communication technology, based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, to perform RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system. This allows for optimization of the energy consumption of the nodes and the RF-based sensing system.

[0029] One or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system may include one or more of the following: sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and environmental parameters. One or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system may, for example, include (or) the currently available bandwidth of two or more different communication technologies. One or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system may also, for example, include (or) the currently available bandwidth of one or more of two or more communication technologies.

[0030] Sensing application parameters may include one or more of the following: presence detection, motion detection, movable object counting, respiratory rate measurement, heart rate measurement, shape detection, and posture detection. Sensing application parameters may also include people counting, simple motion detection, fine motion detection, respiratory detection, fall detection, or any other sensing application parameter or combination thereof. Sensing application parameters are related to what needs to be sensed and may, for example, describe the requirements for a sensing application used to detect fine motion (such as tremors in the hands of an elderly person).

[0031] Sensing quality parameters may include one or more of the following: sensing speed, sensing accuracy, reliability, latency, and spatial resolution. Sensing quality parameters may also include detection speed, detection accuracy, sensing quality, or any other sensing quality parameter or combination thereof.

[0032] System resource parameters may include one or more of the following: the number of one or more nodes in the node, the number of nodes in the RF-based sensing system, the arrangement of one or more nodes in the node, the arrangement of nodes in the RF-based sensing system, one or more network topologies (such as star topology), power consumption, battery life, available bandwidth, required bandwidth, connectivity, availability of communication technologies at one or more nodes in the node, availability of CSI at one or more nodes in the node, availability of RSSI at one or more nodes in the node, available processing power, and expected RF signal exposure to objects such as the body. System resource parameters may also include node resource parameters, system performance, node performance, network performance, gateway range, mesh partitioning, network topology of one or more nodes in the node set, one or more network topologies of the nodes in the RF-based sensing system, energy consumption of one or more nodes in the node set, energy consumption of the RF-based sensing system, battery life of one or more nodes in the node set, available bandwidth of one or more nodes in the node set, available bandwidth of the RF-based sensing system, required bandwidth of one or more nodes in the node set, required bandwidth of the RF-based sensing system, connectivity of one or more nodes in the node set, connectivity of the nodes in the RF-based sensing system, available processing power of one or more nodes in the node set, available processing power of the RF-based sensing system, or any other system resource parameters or combinations thereof. System resource parameters are related to the capabilities of the RF-based sensing system and can be used, for example, to determine whether RF-based sensing is optimized by switching the communication technology of one or more nodes, since sensing traffic cannot be sustained using the current communication technology. System resource parameters can also be used to determine whether low energy consumption is desired, for example, in cases where node battery life is low.

[0033] Environmental parameters may include one or more of the following: the currently available bandwidth of two or more different communication technologies, the time of day, anticipated activity, personalized acceptable wireless exposure, object size, object speed, likelihood of interfering signals, number of objects, and interfering objects present in the sensing space (e.g., chairs). Anticipated activity can allow for the effective selection of the most beneficial sensing application in the current environment. For example, respiratory measurement using WiFi communication technology may be beneficial when a person is sleeping, while respiratory measurement may be impossible when a person is moving around, and motion detection using ZigBee communication technology may be beneficial. Personalized acceptable RF signal exposure corresponds to the RF signal exposure that the user is willing to accept and can depend on the energy of the RF signal of the corresponding communication technology. The size of the object (e.g., a child, an adult, a pet such as a cat or dog) may affect which communication technology allows for effective RF-based sensing. For example, in the case of a small pet like a cat, WiFi communication technology may be more advantageous than ZigBee communication technology for performing RF-based sensing. The likelihood of interfering signals can depend on other signal sources present in the surroundings, such as wireless noise from a microwave oven in the kitchen or a wireless video stream. Interfering objects can affect (such as altering or partially absorbing) RF signals and thus impair RF-based sensing. Environmental parameters may also include one or more triggering events or any other additional environmental data. Triggering events may include the detection of object movement or presence.

[0034] Selecting a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters (including sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and / or environmental parameters) allows for optimization of RF-based sensing performance. For example, a trade-off between available system resources and application requirements can be used to determine which communication technology one or more nodes should use.

[0035] If low power consumption is desired (e.g., if battery life is low or if energy is expensive), the communication technology selection device can, for example, select a low-power communication technology (e.g., ZigBee or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication technology) for one or more nodes in the node to perform RF-based sensing.

[0036] The communication technology selection device can, for example, select a lower-energy communication technology (such as WiFi in the 5 GHz band) to perform RF-based sensing, and select a higher-energy communication technology (such as WiFi in the 60 GHz band) to perform RF-based sensing for other applications for short periods in between, in order to reduce RF signal exposure to objects (such as human or pet bodies).

[0037] If there are a large number of nodes in an RF-based sensing system, and narrowband communication technology cannot be used to maintain RF-based sensing due to the large amount of RF-based sensing traffic, then the communication technology selection device can, for example, select a broadband communication technology (such as WiFi in the 60 GHz band) for all nodes.

[0038] When a large number of nodes are configured to use narrowband communication technology for RF-based sensing and no broadband communication technology is available, the communication technology selection device can, for example, select narrowband communication technology for finer localized RF-based sensing and broadband communication technology for coarser, larger-area RF-based sensing. For instance, nodes using coarser, larger-area RF-based sensing can use WiFi in the 60 GHz band. This allows nodes using WiFi in the 60 GHz band to detect more subtle movements (such as breathing, trembling, and falls), although they cannot locate the corresponding events or a denser network of nodes using narrowband communication technology (such as ZigBee). This allows nodes using ZigBee to determine the area where the event occurred, while nodes using WiFi in the 60 GHz band can be used to classify the nature of the event.

[0039] The communication technology selection device can be configured to select, based on a combination of parameters, a communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system, such that the communication technology is changed when the influence of one parameter exceeds that of another parameter that previously had the highest influence.

[0040] The communication technology selection device can be configured to determine a performance metric based on two or more parameters of one or more nodes (for which the communication technology will be selected). Additionally, the communication technology selection device can be configured to select a communication technology based on this performance metric. By considering two or more parameters in selecting the communication technology, the performance of RF-based sensing can be further improved. For example, a particular sensing application will only produce good results if a certain level of sensing quality is achieved. This can, for example, be taken into account in the performance metric. Furthermore, available system resources and the environment of the sensing application can be additionally or alternatively considered.

[0041] The communication technology selection device can be configured to determine performance metrics for one node, a group of nodes, or all nodes in an RF-based sensing system.

[0042] One or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system may include one or more monitoring parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system. This allows the latest values ​​of parameters to be considered when selecting communication technologies, such as current battery life, current sensing traffic, the current available bandwidth of one or more of two or more different communication technologies, or any other monitoring parameters.

[0043] Nodes can be configured to use communication technologies to communicate with other nodes, communication technology selection devices, or both. Nodes can also be configured to use another communication technology to communicate with other nodes, communication technology selection devices, or both. Nodes can be configured to transmit RF-based sensed values ​​to communication technology selection devices, other nodes, or both. RF-based sensed values ​​can be values ​​of monitored parameters. This allows nodes and communication technology selection devices to transmit data and control signals to each other.

[0044] The communication technology selection device may include a monitoring unit configured to monitor one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing. The monitoring unit may include one or more sensors, or the monitoring unit may be connected to one or more sensors. Sensors may include, for example, RF sensors for RF-based sensing. The monitoring unit may be configured to receive RF-based sensing values ​​from one or more nodes as a monitoring parameter value. The monitoring unit may also include a clock for determining the current time as a monitoring parameter, or any other module for generating environmental data as a monitoring parameter. Environmental data may include, for example, triggering events, such as the detection of presence or motion.

[0045] The communication technology selection device may include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to select, based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, a communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system.

[0046] A communication technology selection device can be configured to select a second communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing when a triggering event is detected during RF-based sensing using a first communication technology. The device can also be configured, for example, to select a broadband communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing when a triggering event is detected during RF-based sensing using a narrowband communication technology. The triggering event can be, for example, the detection of the presence or movement of an object (such as a person). RF-based sensing using a broadband communication technology can, for example, be used to determine the respiratory rate or heart rate of a detected person. This allows for the use of a low-power communication technology to detect a person and, if necessary, to switch to another communication technology to perform appropriate sensing applications regarding the detected person.

[0047] The communication technology selection device can be configured to select one or more nodes in an RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system. This can allow for reduced energy consumption in RF-based sensing because a subset of nodes can be selected to perform RF-based sensing when the sensing application only requires a subset of nodes.

[0048] A communication technology selection device can be configured to select one or more nodes, choosing a communication technology for those nodes based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system. This allows for performance optimization of the RF-based sensing system because a subset of nodes can use different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. For example, if a subset of nodes must be switched to a broadband communication technology because RF-based sensing traffic cannot be maintained locally, other nodes can use a narrowband communication technology with lower power consumption to maintain the RF-based sensing traffic.

[0049] In another aspect of the invention, an RF-based sensing system is proposed for performing RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies. The RF-based sensing system includes one or more nodes and a communication technology selection device or any embodiment of such a device. Each node is configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies. One or more nodes have one or more of two or more different available communication technologies for use in order to perform RF-based sensing. If the RF-based sensing system includes only one node, that node has two or more different available communication technologies and can select one or more of these technologies to perform RF-based sensing. The RF-based sensing system allows selection of a communication technology for each of its nodes to optimize the performance of the RF-based sensing.

[0050] RF-based sensing systems can be connected systems, such as connected lighting (CL) systems. Performing RF-based sensing in connected systems, such as CL systems, allows for added value because existing nodes and their wireless communication infrastructure can be used to perform RF-based sensing.

[0051] Two or more different communication technologies may be available in one or more of the nodes. Having two or more different available communication technologies in one of the nodes allows that node to: perform gateway functions, select a communication technology to optimize the node's performance for RF-based sensing, or both. A node having two or more different available communication technologies may be, for example, a gateway or access point. The node can be configured to use the two or more different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. Alternatively or additionally, if only a first communication technology is available at a first node and only a second communication technology is available at a second node, then the first node can be configured to use the first communication technology to perform RF-based sensing, and the second node can be configured to use the second communication technology to perform RF-based sensing. Alternatively or additionally, two or more nodes may have two or more different available communication technologies and can be configured to use the two or more different communication technologies. One or more nodes can be configured to use one or more of the two or more different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. If two or more different communication technologies are available at the respective one or more nodes, then the one or more nodes can be configured to use those technologies.

[0052] RF-based sensing systems may also include two or more communication technology selection devices.

[0053] One or more nodes can be configured to communicate with each other using one or more communication technologies.

[0054] A communication technology selection device can be included in one or more nodes. A communication technology selection device can also be included in two or more nodes, such as in each node of an RF-based sensing system. This allows the communication technology to be selected locally for a node using the communication technology selection device (included in the corresponding node). If only a subset of nodes includes the communication technology selection device, this allows the local selection of a communication technology for a subgroup of nodes (associated with the corresponding node that includes the communication technology selection device).

[0055] Two or more nodes can be configured to communicate wirelessly with each other using one or more of two or more different communication technologies. Nodes may also use another communication technology. For example, nodes may use one communication technology to perform RF-based sensing while using another communication technology to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0056] One or more nodes in the node cluster can be configured to perform RF-based sensing using a first communication technology, and one or more other nodes in the node cluster can be configured to perform RF-based sensing using a second communication technology. In cases where RF-based sensing is performed by transmitting RF signals from one node and receiving and analyzing interfered and / or reflected RF signals in another node, two or more nodes in the node cluster can be configured to perform RF-based sensing using the first communication technology, and two or more other nodes in the node cluster can be configured to perform RF-based sensing using the second communication technology. The first and second communication technologies are different communication technologies. In one embodiment, the first communication technology is a broadband communication technology, and the second communication technology is a narrowband communication technology.

[0057] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for selecting a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system. The RF-based sensing system includes one or more nodes and is configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies. The method includes the following steps:

[0058] - Select a communication technology for one or more nodes in the RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system.

[0059] This approach allows for improved performance of RF-based sensing.

[0060] The method may include the following steps:

[0061] - Select one or more nodes from the nodes for which the communication technology will be selected, based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the following steps:

[0063] - Determine a performance metric for one or more nodes (for which a communication technology will be selected) based on two or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system.

[0064] The step of selecting a communication technology for one or more nodes in an RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system, may include selecting the communication technology based on performance metrics.

[0065] The method may also include the following steps:

[0066] - Monitor one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system.

[0067] The method may include the following steps:

[0068] - Select one or more nodes in the RF-based sensing system to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system.

[0069] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided for selecting communication techniques for performing RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system having one or more nodes. The RF-based sensing system may, for example, include two or more nodes. The RF-based sensing system is configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication techniques. The computer program product includes program code means that, when the computer program product is run on a processor, are used to cause the processor to perform a method or any embodiment of that method.

[0070] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium having stored a computer program product is proposed. Alternatively or additionally, the computer-readable medium may have a computer program product according to any embodiment of the stored computer program product.

[0071] It should be understood that communication technology selection devices, RF-based sensing systems, methods, computer program products, and computer-readable media have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments.

[0072] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may also be any combination of the above embodiments.

[0073] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0074] In the following figures:

[0075] Figure 1 An embodiment of a communication technology selection device for an RF-based sensing system is illustrated schematically and exemplary.

[0076] Figure 2 A first embodiment of an RF-based sensing system is illustrated schematically and exemplary, wherein a communication technology selection device is included in a node of the RF-based sensing system;

[0077] Figure 3 A second embodiment of an RF-based sensing system is illustrated schematically and exemplary, wherein a communication technology selection device is included in a node of the RF-based sensing system;

[0078] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for selecting a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0079] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the communication technology selection device 10 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. The communication technology selection device 10 can be used to select a communication technology for use in an RF-based sensing system (having one or more nodes)—such as in a connected lighting (CL) system, for example… Figure 2 CL system 100 or Figure 3 The CL system 100' in the text refers to a communication technology that performs RF-based sensing. In cases where RF-based sensing is performed by transmitting RF signals from one node and receiving and analyzing interfered and / or reflected RF signals at another node, the RF-based sensing system can also have two or more nodes. The CL system can use one or more of two or more different communication technologies, such as ZigBee and WiFi, to perform RF-based sensing. In the CL system, nodes can be, for example, lights, switches, or sensors. This allows the use of the CL system's wireless infrastructure to perform RF-based sensing, thereby increasing the functionality of the CL system. RF-based sensing can be used, for example, for motion detection, presence detection, people counting, respiratory rate measurement, heart rate measurement, shape detection, posture detection, or for performing other sensing applications.

[0080] The communication technology selection device 10 includes a control unit 12, a transceiver unit 14, and a monitoring unit 16. The transceiver unit 14 and the monitoring unit 16 are optional. The communication technology selection device 10 can be included in a node (including the transceiver unit), allowing the communication technology selection device to use the transceiver unit of that node. The node may also include a monitoring unit (e.g., an RF sensor), allowing the communication technology selection device to use the monitoring unit of that node.

[0081] The control unit 12 includes a computer-readable medium in the form of a processor 18 and a memory 20.

[0082] Transceiver unit 14 includes a narrowband transceiver in the form of a ZigBee transceiver 22 and a wideband transceiver in the form of a WiFi transceiver 24. In this embodiment, the ZigBee transceiver 22 uses a specific ZigBee communication technology. The ZigBee communication technology may use, for example, values ​​of communication technology parameters as defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol and / or one of the alternatives defined by the ZigBee standard. The WiFi transceiver 24 uses WiFi communication technology. In this embodiment, the WiFi transceiver 24 may operate at different frequencies and different WiFi communication protocols. In this embodiment, the WiFi transceiver 24 uses three different WiFi communication technologies: the IEEE 802.11ax communication protocol operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and the IEEE 802.11ay communication protocol operating in the 60 GHz band. Additional values ​​of the communication technology parameters of the WiFi communication technology are selected according to the IEEE 802.11ax and IEEE 802.11ay communication protocols, respectively. The antenna included as part of the transceiver unit 14 is not shown.

[0083] Transceiver unit 14 transmits RF signals to nodes and receives RF signals from nodes in the CL system to enable wireless communication between nodes and perform RF-based sensing. RF signals transmitted from one node to another may be interfered with by objects within a specific spatial area between nodes. The RF signals interfered with by objects within the specific spatial area can be analyzed in control unit 12. The RF signals may use either ZigBee or WiFi communication technologies. In other embodiments, the transceiver unit's transceiver may be used to perform RF-based sensing by transmitting RF signals to a specific spatial area and by receiving and analyzing reflected RF signals from the specific spatial area by the same node. RF signals may also be transmitted from one node to a specific spatial area, and interfered and / or reflected RF signals may be received and analyzed by another node.

[0084] In other embodiments, a narrowband transceiver with one or more other narrowband communication technologies (such as communication technologies using narrowband communication protocols as Thread or BLE, or other narrowband communication technologies) may be provided, and a broadband transceiver with one or more other broadband communication technologies may be provided. In other embodiments, the RF signal may be used for wireless communication and RF-based sensing using appropriate communication technologies.

[0085] The following explains the function of the communication technology selection device 10, which selects a communication technology for one or more nodes in the CL system to perform RF-based sensing in the CL system based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the CL system). In this embodiment, the communication technology selection device 10 selects a communication technology for two or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing in the CL system.

[0086] The memory 20 of the control unit 12 stores a computer program product for selecting a communication technology used to perform RF-based sensing in a CL system having one or more nodes, employing one or more different communication technologies. The computer program product includes program code means for causing the processor 18 to execute a method for selecting the communication technology (for performing RF-based sensing) when the computer program product is run on the processor 18, such as... Figure 4 The method presented in the memory 20 also includes a computer program product for operating the CL system (i.e., for controlling the illuminators of the CL system to provide illumination and for performing RF-based sensing).

[0087] In addition, memory 20 stores parameters related to RF-based sensing in the CL system. In this embodiment, these parameters include: sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and environmental parameters.

[0088] Sensing application parameters include presence detection, motion detection, movable object counting, respiratory rate measurement, heart rate measurement, shape detection, and posture detection. In other embodiments, sensing application parameters may also include people counting, simple motion detection, fine motion detection, respiratory detection, fall detection, heart rate detection, or any other sensing application parameters.

[0089] Sensing quality parameters include sensing speed, sensing accuracy, reliability, latency, and spatial resolution. In other embodiments, sensing quality parameters may also include detection speed, detection accuracy, sensing quality, or any other sensing quality parameter.

[0090] System resource parameters include the number of one or more nodes in the CL system, the arrangement of one or more nodes in the CL system, one or more network topologies, energy consumption, battery life, available bandwidth, required bandwidth, connectivity, availability of communication technologies at one or more nodes, availability of CSI at one or more nodes, availability of RSSI at one or more nodes, available processing power, and expected RF signal exposure to the object. System resource parameters may also include node resource parameters, system performance, node performance, network performance, gateway range, mesh partitioning, network topology of one or more nodes, one or more network topologies of nodes in an RF-based sensing system, energy consumption of one or more nodes, energy consumption of an RF-based sensing system, battery life of one or more nodes, battery life of nodes in an RF-based sensing system, available bandwidth of one or more nodes, available bandwidth of an RF-based sensing system, required bandwidth of one or more nodes, required bandwidth of an RF-based sensing system, connectivity of one or more nodes, connectivity of nodes in an RF-based sensing system, or any other system resource parameters.

[0091] Environmental parameters include the current available bandwidth of different communication technologies, the current available bandwidth of one or more different communication technologies, the time of day, expected activities, personalized acceptable RF signal exposure, object size, object speed, the likelihood of interference signals, the number of objects, and interfering objects present in the sensing space area. In other embodiments, environmental parameters may also include a triggering event, the current date, the current workday, or any other additional environmental data. A triggering event may, for example, be the detection of movement or presence in a specific space area.

[0092] In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 16 includes a clock that periodically provides the current time to the processor 18, which determines the time of day, such as night or day, and stores this time as an environmental parameter. The processor 18 may also directly process the determined time of day. In other embodiments, the time of day may include other times of day, such as working hours, sleep hours, wake-up times, etc.

[0093] In other embodiments, one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the CL system include one or more other monitoring parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the CL system). The monitoring unit can monitor these individual parameters. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring parameters may also be provided to the control unit from a node or server.

[0094] Processor 18 determines a performance metric based on two or more of the parameters. In this embodiment, the performance metric may depend on the sensing application, the required sensing quality, system resources, and the environment in which the RF-based sensing is performed; that is, the performance metric may include sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and environmental parameters. In this embodiment, the performance metric is based on parameters of the CL system. Specifically, in this embodiment, the performance metric includes the currently available bandwidth of different communication technologies. In other embodiments, the performance metric may also be based on two or more of the parameters (i.e., rather than on parameters of the entire CL system) of the nodes for which the communication technology will be selected, and these parameters may also be based on parameters of individual nodes or a group of nodes.

[0095] Processor 18 first selects nodes to perform RF-based sensing based on determined performance metrics. For example, nodes may have different communication technology availability and may be positioned at different locations in the room. If a specific spatial area in the room will be covered by RF-based sensing, only a subset of nodes that can use a particular communication technology can be selected to cover that specific spatial area. In other embodiments, the communication technology selection device may also select one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the CL system). Selecting nodes to perform RF-based sensing is optional. If no node is selected to perform RF-based sensing, all nodes in the room or the CL system can perform RF-based sensing. For example, all nodes covering a specific spatial area can perform RF-based sensing.

[0096] Processor 18 then selects a node for which a communication technology will be chosen based on performance metrics. In other embodiments, a communication technology selection device selects one or more nodes from the nodes, choosing a communication technology for those nodes based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the CL system). Selecting a node for which a communication technology will be chosen is optional. If no node is selected for which a communication technology will be chosen, a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing can be selected for all nodes in the room or the CL system, or for all nodes covering a specific spatial area.

[0097] Finally, the processor 18 selects a communication technology for the node based on performance metrics. In this embodiment, the processor 18 selects a broadband communication technology from narrowband communication technology ZigBee or WiFi communication technology based on performance metrics to optimize the performance of RF-based sensing. In other embodiments, for example... Figure 4The method presented (for selecting a communication technology for one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing) can be used by a communication technology selection device to select the communication technology.

[0098] Figure 2 A first embodiment of an RF-based sensing system in the form of a CL system 100 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. The CL system 100 can perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more communication technologies (available in RF-based sensing systems).

[0099] CL System 100 includes Figure 1 The communication technology selection device 10, and three nodes in the form of Hue bridge 26 and illuminators 28 and 30.

[0100] In other embodiments, any other embodiment of the communication technology selection device may be included in the CL system. Additionally or alternatively, different numbers and arrangements of nodes, as well as different types of nodes such as switches, sensors, or any other type of node (configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies), may be provided in the RF-based sensing system.

[0101] CL system 100 is connected to server 200 via Hue bridge 26. In this embodiment, communication technology selection device 10 is included in Hue bridge 26. In other embodiments, the communication technology selection device may also be included in any other type of node, such as a gateway or access point, or it may be wirelessly connected to a gateway or access point. Communication technology selection device 10 may also be a standalone device.

[0102] Hue bridge 26, along with illuminators 28 and 30, perform RF-based sensing to detect the movement of a movable object, such as person 32. In other embodiments, by performing RF-based sensing, the RF-based sensing system can also be used for any other sensing application. Other sensing applications may include, for example, people counting or respiration measurement.

[0103] In this embodiment, the Hue bridge 26 and the illuminators 28 and 30 use either WiFi communication technology 34 (e.g., using the IEEE 802.11ay communication protocol) or ZigBee communication technology 36 (e.g., using the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol) in the 60 GHz band to perform RF-based sensing. In other embodiments, the nodes may also use one or more of two or more different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing.

[0104] ZigBee communication technology 36 and WiFi communication technology 34 in the 60 GHz band are both available in Hue bridge 26 and illuminators 28 and 30. Illuminators 28 and 30 each include a ZigBee transceiver 22 and a WiFi transceiver 24 and a corresponding antenna (not shown).

[0105] In this embodiment, the communication technology selection device 10 selects ZigBee communication technology 36 for Hue bridge 26 and illuminators 28 and 30 based on parameters (related to RF-based sensing of CL system 100) to perform RF-based sensing. Therefore, each node transmits RF signals to two other nodes and receives and analyzes interfered RF signals from the other nodes. WiFi communication technology 34 is used for wireless communication between Hue bridge 26 and illuminators 28 and 30.

[0106] In other embodiments, the server may be replaced by a remote control (e.g., a smartphone). The remote control can use wireless communication to remotely control the CL system, such as selecting sensing applications, activating the CL system's illuminators, controlling other functions of the CL system, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the RF-based sensing system may include both a server and a remote control.

[0107] Figure 3 A second embodiment of an RF-based sensing system in the form of a CL system 100' is illustrated schematically and exemplary. The CL system 100' is similar to... Figure 2 CL system 100 in the middle.

[0108] CL system 100' includes Figure 1 The communication technology selected in the device is in the form of three nodes: device 10, Hue bridge 26, and illuminators 28 and 30'. Figure 2 Compared to the CL system 100, the illuminator 30 only includes a WiFi transceiver 24, and therefore only WiFi communication technology 34 is available in the illuminator 30'.

[0109] In this embodiment, the technology selection device 10 selects ZigBee communication technology 36 for Hue bridge 26 and illuminator 28 to perform RF-based sensing, and selects WiFi communication technology 34 in the 60 GHz band for Hue bridge 26 and illuminator 30' to perform RF-based sensing. Therefore, in this embodiment, Hue bridge 26 uses both communication technologies for RF-based sensing. Illuminator 30' uses WiFi communication technology 34 in the 60 GHz band to perform RF-based sensing. In this embodiment, both CSI and RSSI are available at Hue bridge 26 and illuminator 30'. Since CSI allows for improved performance, WiFi communication technology 34 uses CSI in this embodiment. Illuminator 28 uses ZigBee communication technology 36 to perform RF-based sensing. Therefore, illuminator 30' and Hue bridge 26 transmit and receive RF signals generated by WiFi communication technology 34 to perform RF-based sensing. Additionally, the illuminator 28 and the Hue bridge 26 transmit and receive RF signals generated by the ZigBee communication technology 36 to perform RF-based sensing. In other embodiments, the nodes may also be configured to transmit RF signals and receive and analyze interfered and / or reflected RF signals from the same or another node.

[0110] In other embodiments, the nodes may be arranged differently and may include a mixture of different nodes, such as a first node with a first available communication technology, a second node with a second available communication technology, and a node with both available communication technologies. The first communication technology may be, for example, a narrowband communication technology, and the second communication technology may be a broadband communication technology. Hereinafter, by example, the narrowband communication technology may be the same ZigBee communication technology described above. Any other narrowband communication technology may be used additionally or alternatively. Hereinafter, by example, the broadband communication technology may be WiFi communication technology operating in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 60 GHz band. Any other broadband communication technology may be used alternatively or additionally.

[0111] In several embodiments of the RF-based sensing system, particularly the CL system presented without accompanying drawings, different hybrid node arrangements and different sensing applications are performed. A communication technology selection device (for the sensing application of the respective embodiment) selects the appropriate communication technology for each node to perform RF-based sensing for optimal performance.

[0112] The choice of communication technology can be based on performance metrics determined by two or more parameters (for RF-based sensing systems), or by one or more parameters (e.g., two or more parameters) of one or more nodes for which the communication technology will be selected.

[0113] In this embodiment, the CL system is deployed in an office space. The CL system includes illuminators, each equipped with available ZigBee and WiFi communication technologies. Additionally, the CL system includes connected cameras for recording video and a Hue bridge connected to a server. In normal operating mode, ZigBee communication technology is used for RF-based sensing because it requires less power and consumes less energy than WiFi communication technology. WiFi communication technology can be used, for example, to stream data from the connected cameras to the Hue bridge. The illuminators utilize ZigBee communication technology as much as possible, while WiFi is activated only for a subset of the illuminators and connected cameras when needed.

[0114] In another embodiment, the CL system of the aforementioned embodiment is deployed in an outdoor scene. The Hue bridge is replaced by an outdoor lighting control (OLC) – such as a CityTouch node that performs similar functions to the Hue bridge. The CityTouch node can perform RF-based sensing using either ZigBee or WiFi communication technology. The CL system can perform RF-based sensing using ZigBee communication technology until a triggering event occurs (such as detecting the presence of a person). When the presence of a person is detected using ZigBee communication technology, the CL system can switch to RF-based sensing using WiFi communication technology, for example, to determine the respiratory rate or heart rate of the detected person. This allows for low-power RF-based sensing and various sensing applications.

[0115] In another embodiment, the RF-based sensing system comprises a large number of nodes. The number of nodes is so large that ZigBee communication technology cannot sustain the additional sensing traffic generated by RF-based sensing; that is, the currently available bandwidth of ZigBee communication technology is low. In this case, the communication technology selection device can choose WiFi communication technology, which has a larger current bandwidth and can sustain the additional sensing traffic. A communication technology can be selected for all nodes or a subset of nodes in the RF-based sensing system. Specifically, only a subset of nodes in a particular spatial area may be unable to sustain sensing traffic, for example, in an office space with a high density of nodes in the form of lighting fixtures. In other spatial areas, such as corridors, coffee corners, or other locations, the node density may be lower, allowing ZigBee communication technology to be used to sustain sensing traffic. The subset of nodes that cannot use ZigBee communication technology to sustain sensing traffic can be switched to WiFi communication technology, while other nodes can use ZigBee to perform RF-based sensing. Using WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing can, for example, utilize nodes such as smoke detectors, particularly battery-powered smoke detectors.

[0116] In another embodiment, the RF-based sensing system utilizes available cellular communication and ZigBee communication technologies. For example, nodes in the form of outdoor lighting fixtures can be deployed in small parking lots of buildings. Outdoor lighting fixtures can, for example, include cellular light controllers such as Signify InterAct City. Outdoor lighting fixtures typically use cellular communication technology to report their status once daily and receive control signals including lighting schedules. During the day, the RF-based sensing system can use ZigBee communication technology to perform RF-based sensing. During the night, when available bandwidth is high, cellular communication technology can be used to perform RF-based sensing. RF-based sensing can be used, for example, for fall detection (such as for detecting intruders).

[0117] In another embodiment, one subset of nodes has available WiFi communication technology (with CSI), while another subset has available WiFi communication technology (with RSSI). WiFi communication technology with RSSI exhibits worse performance when performing RF-based sensing compared to WiFi communication technology with CSI. CSI is typically unavailable in narrowband communication technologies and can provide richer information about signal absorption, reflection, delay, multipath, and other factors. Therefore, the availability of CSI or RSSI in a node can be decisive in selecting the communication technology that optimizes performance for RF-based sensing.

[0118] In another embodiment, where WiFi communication technology with CSI can be used to perform RF-based sensing in the first node, and WiFi communication with CSI is unavailable in the second node, with only WiFi communication technology with RSSI available, the second node is preferably used as a transmitter node and the first node is used as a receiver node. This allows for the advantageous use of CSI in this case, as CSI is a property of the receiver node.

[0119] In another embodiment, the RF-based sensing system includes nodes with available ZigBee communication technology and nodes with available broadband WiFi communication technology. A communication technology selection device can select a communication technology (to optimize the performance of the RF-based sensing system). In this case, selecting a communication technology corresponds to selecting the node used to perform RF-based sensing, since only one type of communication technology is available on each respective node.

[0120] For example, if the density of nodes (with available ZigBee communication technology) and the currently available bandwidth are sufficient to perform RF-based sensing, then other nodes do not need to perform RF-based sensing. Instead, RF-based sensing is performed only by nodes with available ZigBee communication technology using that technology.

[0121] For example, if the density of nodes (with available ZigBee communication technology) or the currently available bandwidth is insufficient to perform RF-based sensing, then other nodes need to use WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing. If nodes have available WiFi communication technology (with RSSI instead of CSI), then all nodes are used to perform RF-based sensing with sufficient performance; that is, both communication technologies are used.

[0122] For example, if the density of nodes (with available ZigBee communication technology), the currently available bandwidth, or battery life is insufficient to perform RF-based sensing, then other nodes need to use WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing. If nodes have available WiFi communication technology (with CSI), then a subset of nodes using WiFi communication technology with CSI to perform RF-based sensing is sufficient to achieve good performance for RF-based sensing.

[0123] The arrangement of nodes, and particularly their respective locations, can be important for selecting nodes and communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. This may be a result of spatial effects related to the absorption, attenuation, and other properties of RF signals. In an embodiment, a CL system is provided in a building with a large number of rooms. In each room, all nodes in the form of illuminators, except for one node, have available ZigBee communication technology, and only that one node in each room additionally has available WiFi communication technology for communicating with a central gateway in the building. In this scenario, the CL system can selectively deploy partially overlapping RF-based sensing spatial areas, where illuminators with available ZigBee communication technology use ZigBee technology to perform local RF-based sensing. Nodes with available WiFi communication technology use WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing over a larger spatial area. Thus, WiFi communication technology is used for coarse detection over larger areas and floor levels between the nodes themselves. Nodes using WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing have greater bandwidth and can detect more subtle movements (such as breathing, trembling, and a person falling), although they cannot pinpoint the corresponding events, nor can they utilize a denser network of lights (using ZigBee communication technology for RF-based detection). Therefore, lights using ZigBee communication technology for RF-based sensing can be used to determine the room where the event occurred, while nodes using WiFi communication technology for RF-based sensing can be used to classify the nature of the event.

[0124] Nodes using ZigBee communication technology and nodes using WiFi communication technology can have different network topologies in terms of how they communicate with each other and with the server. In an embodiment of an RF-based sensing system where one subset of nodes uses ZigBee communication technology and another subset uses WiFi communication technology, nodes using ZigBee communication technology can dynamically perform RF-based sensing when the known spatial area is empty. Due to the gridding of nodes using ZigBee communication technology, blind spots within a specific spatial area can be better covered. Once a node using ZigBee communication technology detects presence or motion, a node with available WiFi communication technology can be selected to perform RF-based sensing in the specific spatial area where the motion or presence was detected. Nodes with available WiFi communication technology can be connected to a local access point (e.g., a Hue bridge) in a star topology. Using WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing allows for breathing measurements and fall detection. In other embodiments, this can be used, for example, in a parking lot with CityTouch nodes.

[0125] Even when the location cannot be accurately determined due to the limited number of nodes, using WiFi communication technology to perform RF-based sensing on a limited number of nodes can be used, for example, for coarse sensing (e.g., to detect intruders).

[0126] In another embodiment, nodes can be selected to perform RF-based sensing using ZigBee communication technology to determine triggering events (such as basic motion detection). When a triggering event is detected, these nodes can be shut down, or they can revert to a less demanding operating mode to free up network bandwidth or reduce energy consumption. Simultaneously, nodes can be selected to perform RF-based sensing using WiFi communication technology for sensing applications requiring higher bandwidth or continuous communication with the building's servers. For example, when the space is an office space (where lights must be turned on quickly upon detection of presence while maintaining low energy consumption), ZigBee communication technology can be used for RF-based sensing. Once presence is detected, WiFi communication technology is used to perform RF-based sensing for accurate people counting and determining the breathing rate of office occupants (which requires cloud connectivity due to its heavy algorithm, making it unsuitable for node operation). The CL system can be configured to automatically turn off the lights if no breathing rate or presence is detected within a predetermined time period (such as 10 minutes).

[0127] In another embodiment, one or more nodes of the RF-based sensing system perform RF-based sensing. Nodes with optimal connectivity to the Hue bridge of the RF-based sensing system, or nodes with threshold-level connectivity, may additionally have more complex or resource-intensive roles than other nodes. For example, these nodes may be selected to run specific algorithms for a particular sensing application. In this case, for example, one or more nodes may run a detection algorithm and transmit the processed data to the Hue bridge. The processed data may be the result of detection or pre-processed data, such as aggregated data, which can reduce the amount of data transmitted to the Hue bridge and the amount of processing performed on the Hue bridge. Alternatively or additionally, nodes with both available communication technologies, or nodes with the shortest or most reliable path to the gateway or access point, may be selected to run specific algorithms for a particular sensing application.

[0128] Limitations on certain parameters may cause the system to switch between ZigBee and WiFi communication technologies.

[0129] RF-based sensing systems can also optionally use a combination of two communication technologies and corresponding nodes (with both technologies available in a specific spatial area), provided that the RF-based sensing system allows for a lighter network load in that specific spatial area. For example, in a living room with Hue entertainment features enabled, nodes (such as smart TVs (TVs), game consoles, voice assistants, etc.) with available Wi-Fi communication technology can preferably perform RF-based sensing because nearby nodes using ZigBee communication technology to perform RF-based sensing may not be able to maintain the additional sensing traffic. However, in more distant locations (such as in a restaurant), nodes using ZigBee communication technology to perform RF-based sensing can be used to perform RF-based sensing without significant inconvenience.

[0130] In another embodiment, one node has two available communication technologies: one for RF-based sensing and the other for wireless communication with other nodes and the Hue bridge. The balance between available system resources and the needs of the sensing application can be used as a factor in determining whether to use WiFi or ZigBee communication technology for RF-based sensing.

[0131] In one embodiment, the choice of communication technology depends on the sensing application required at a particular time. Unlike RF-based sensing using ZigBee communication technology, RF-based sensing using WiFi communication technology can be used for fall detection, breathing detection, and heart rate detection, when, for example, the 60 GHz band of the IEEE 802.11ay communication protocol is used. When a triggering event of someone being in the room at night is detected using ZigBee communication technology, WiFi communication technology can be selected to perform RF-based sensing to monitor breathing during sleep.

[0132] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for selecting a communication technology is shown, which is used in an RF-based sensing system comprising one or more nodes (e.g., Figure 2 CL system 100 or Figure 3The CL system 100' uses one or more of two or more different communication technologies to perform RF-based sensing. In this embodiment, the CL system uses ZigBee and three different WiFi communication technologies: the IEEE 802.11ax protocol operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and the IEEE 802.11ay protocol operating in the 60 GHz band. ZigBee is a narrowband communication technology, while the WiFi communication technologies in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz bands are broadband communication technologies.

[0133] In step 300, parameters related to RF-based sensing in the CL system are monitored, namely the currently available bandwidth of different communication technologies. In other embodiments, one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system may be monitored, such as the current time. Step 300 is optional. Monitoring of one or more parameters may also be performed continuously, and the updated values ​​of the monitored parameters may be used in any of steps 310 to 360.

[0134] In step 310, the performance metric is calculated as a weighted average of monitoring and storage parameters related to RF-based sensing in the CL system. For categorical parameters, values ​​can be assigned in a way that allows a corresponding weighted average to be calculated for the performance metric. These parameters are sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and environmental parameters. In other embodiments, the performance metric can be determined based on two or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in the CL system. Step 310 is optional.

[0135] In step 320, one or more nodes of the CL system are selected to perform RF-based sensing based on the performance metric calculated in step 310. In other embodiments, one or more nodes of the RF-based sensing system may be selected based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system). Step 320 is optional.

[0136] In step 330, for the node selected in step 320, the performance metric is calculated as a weighted average of parameters (related to the RF-based sensing of the node selected in step 320). Step 330 is optional.

[0137] In step 340, based on the performance metric calculated in step 330, one or more nodes from the selected nodes are selected (for which a communication technology to perform RF-based sensing is chosen), and a communication technology to perform RF-based sensing is chosen for these nodes. In other embodiments, one or more nodes may be selected (for which the communication technology is chosen) based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system). Step 340 is optional.

[0138] In step 350, for the node selected in step 340, the performance metric is calculated as a weighted average of parameters (related to the RF-based sensing of the node selected in step 340). Step 350 is optional.

[0139] In step 360, a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in the CL system is selected for the node selected in step 340, based on the performance metric calculated in step 350. In other embodiments, a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system may be selected for one or more nodes based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system).

[0140] In this embodiment, the communication technology is either ZigBee or WiFi, such as IEEE 802.11ax operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, or IEEE 802.11ay operating in the 60 GHz band. Selecting a communication technology for the node optimizes the performance of RF-based sensing.

[0141] In other embodiments, other communication technologies may be selected, including Thread communication technology, BLE communication technology, or other narrowband communication technologies, other broadband communication technologies, or combinations thereof.

[0142] Although the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration are to be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not limiting; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, it is possible to operate the invention in one embodiment where the RF-based sensing system is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or any other type of connected system, particularly a home automation system. In this case, HVAC room controllers such as touch displays, HVAC sensors such as HVAC passive infrared (PIR) sensors, wireless sockets, and HVAC dampers may include one or more communication technologies, allowing the HVAC system to perform RF-based sensing using two or more different communication technologies.

[0143] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention.

[0144] In the claims, the words “comprising” and “including” do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0145] A single unit, processor, or device can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0146] The following operations, performed by one or more units or devices, can be performed by any other number of units or devices: selecting a communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system for one or more nodes based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system); selecting one or more nodes (for which the communication technology will be selected) based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system); determining a performance metric based on two or more parameters of the parameters of the one or more nodes for which the communication technology will be selected; selecting a communication technology according to the performance metric; monitoring one or more parameters related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system; selecting one or more nodes to perform RF-based sensing based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in an RF-based sensing system), etc. These operations and / or methods can be implemented as program code devices and / or dedicated hardware for computer programs.

[0147] Computer program products can be stored / distributed on suitable media (such as optical storage media or solid-state media) that are supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet, Ethernet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0148] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0149] This invention relates to selecting a communication technology in an RF-based sensing system having one or more nodes. The RF-based sensing system is configured to perform RF-based sensing using one or more different communication technologies. A communication technology for performing RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system is selected for one or more nodes based on one or more parameters (related to RF-based sensing in the RF-based sensing system). Considering available system resources, the optimal communication technology for the current sensing application with current sensing quality requirements in the current environment can be selected. The communication technology can be broadband or narrowband communication technology. These parameters may include sensing application parameters, sensing quality parameters, system resource parameters, and environmental parameters.

Claims

1. A communication technology selection device (10) for a radio frequency (RF) based sensing system (100), the RF based sensing system (100) having one or more nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), the RF based sensing system (100) being configured to perform RF based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies (34, 36), The communication technology selection device (10) is configured to select, based on one or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), a communication technology (34, 36) for performing the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), wherein the radio frequency-based sensing is used to sense the presence of one or more people or pets; The two or more communication technologies (34, 36) mentioned above include one or more narrowband communication technologies (36) and one or more broadband communication technologies (34). One or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) include sensing quality parameters, which include one or more of the following: sensing speed, sensing accuracy, reliability, latency, and spatial resolution. The communication technology selection device is configured to cause one or more of the nodes to use the selected communication technology to perform radio frequency-based sensing.

2. The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) include one or more of the following parameters: Sensing application parameters, which include one or more of the following: presence detection, motion detection, movable object counting, respiratory rate measurement, heart rate measurement, shape detection, and posture detection. System resource parameters, which include one or more of the following: the number of one or more nodes in the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), the number of nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), the arrangement of one or more nodes in the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), the arrangement of the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), one or more network topologies, energy consumption, battery life, available bandwidth, required bandwidth, connectivity, availability of communication technologies (34, 36) at one or more nodes in the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), availability of channel state information at one or more nodes in the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), availability of received signal strength indication at one or more nodes in the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), available processing power, and expected radio frequency signal exposure to the object. Environmental parameters, which include one or more of the following: the current available bandwidth of the two or more different communication technologies, the current available bandwidth of one or more of the two or more different communication technologies, the time of day, the expected activity, the personalized acceptable exposure to radio frequency signals, the size of the object, the speed of the object's movement, the likelihood of interference signals, the number of objects, and the presence of interfering objects in the sensing space area.

3. The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the communication technology selection device (10) is configured to: determine a performance metric for one or more nodes of the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') based on two or more of the parameters related to radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system, and select the communication technology (34, 36) according to the performance metric, thereby selecting the communication technology (34, 36) for one or more nodes of the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30').

4. The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) include one or more monitoring parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100).

5. The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the communication technology selection device (10) is configured to select one or more nodes of the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') based on the one or more parameters related to radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) to perform radio frequency-based sensing.

6. The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the communication technology selection device (10) is configured to select one or more nodes among the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), and the communication technology selection device (10) selects the communication technology (34, 36) for the one or more nodes among the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') based on one or more parameters related to radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100).

7. A radio frequency-based sensing system (100) for performing radio frequency-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies (34, 36), said radio frequency-based sensing system (100) comprising The communication technology selection device (10) according to claim 1, and One or more nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), each of which is configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing using one or more of the two or more different communication technologies (34, 36).

8. The radio frequency-based sensing system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the two or more different communication technologies (34, 36) are available in one or more of the one or more nodes (26, 28, 30).

9. The radio frequency-based sensing system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the communication technology selection device (10) is included in one or more of the one or more nodes (26).

10. The radio frequency-based sensing system (100) of claim 7, wherein one or more of the nodes (30') are configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing using a first communication technology (34), and one or more other nodes (28) are configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing using a second communication technology (36).

11. A method for selecting a communication technology for performing radio frequency-based sensing in a radio frequency-based sensing system (100), the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) including one or more nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) being configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies (34, 36), the method comprising the steps of: Based on one or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), a communication technology (34, 36) is selected for one or more of the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') to perform the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), wherein the radio frequency-based sensing is used to sense the presence of one or more people or pets; and The two or more communication technologies (34, 36) mentioned above include one or more narrowband communication technologies (36) and one or more broadband communication technologies (34). One or more parameters related to the radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) include sensing quality parameters, which include one or more of the following: sensing speed, sensing accuracy, reliability, latency, and spatial resolution. The method further includes: This causes one or more of the nodes to use the selected communication technology to perform radio frequency-based sensing.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the following steps: Based on the one or more parameters related to radio frequency-based sensing in the radio frequency-based sensing system (100), one or more nodes among the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30') are selected, and the communication technology (34, 36) is selected for the one or more nodes among the nodes (26, 28, 30; 30').

13. A computer program product for selecting a communication technology (34, 36) to perform radio frequency-based sensing in a radio frequency-based sensing system (100) having one or more nodes (26, 28, 30; 30'), the radio frequency-based sensing system (100) being configured to perform radio frequency-based sensing using one or more of two or more different communication technologies (34, 36), wherein the computer program product includes program code means for causing the processor (18) to perform the method of claim 11 when the computer program product is run on a processor (18).

14. A computer-readable medium (20) storing the computer program product of claim 13.

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