System and method for non-contact recording of vital parameters by creating a body model based on body subdivision along a radar field of view

Abstract

A system for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human is provided. The system includes a radar device (110) for emitting a first radar wave and detecting a reflected radar wave caused by reflection of the first radar wave on the human or a body covering of the human. The system further includes an evaluation unit (120) for determining information about one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the reflected radar wave. The radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the human's position such that a virtual point of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point on the human's foot than any virtual point on the human's navel, and such that a virtual point exists on the radar device (110) at the human's foot. Alternatively, the radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the human's position such that a virtual point of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point on the human's head than any virtual point on the human's navel, and such that a virtual point exists on the radar device (110) at the human's head.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to non-contact recording of vital parameters, and more particularly to a system and method for non-contact recording of vital parameters by creating a body model based on subdivision of the body along a radar field of view.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to monitoring vital parameters. Because people are unaware of their condition while asleep, it is often beneficial to monitor vital parameters during sleep. This is true, for example, for people with illnesses such as chronic respiratory diseases. Ideally, for this purpose, the person should not be disturbed while sleeping. However, vital parameter measurement devices are usually contact-based, which is why such devices are usually worn by the sleeping person. As a result, measurement devices are expensive to install and maintain, and are not very comfortable for the patient. In contrast, it would be beneficial to be able to measure as many vital parameters as possible in a robust, effective, and non-contact manner with fewer measurement devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Non-contact measurement devices based on distance measurements between a person and a sensor can be used for breathing, heart rate, and trunk and limb movements.

[0004] Human movements result in characteristic changes in distances that can be assigned to vital parameters. For example, when breathing in, the abdominal region expands and the abdominal surface moves closer to the measuring device. When breathing out, the abdomen returns to its initial state and the abdominal surface moves away from the measuring device. This should occur at a frequency characteristic of breathing (e.g., 10-24 times per minute). The same happens simultaneously throughout the whole body with respect to different vital parameters (heartbeat in the upper chest, kicking in the legs).

[0005] In this case, the problem is the simultaneous superposition of many vital parameters in the measurement data. Respiration, heart rate, and limb movements often occur simultaneously, resulting in a complex signal that must be decomposed into individual vital parameters. When analyzing the data of a non-contact measuring device, it is not always clear which movements form the basis of this complex signal. As a result, non-contact determination of vital parameters is not trivial, which makes the use of non-contact measuring devices more difficult.

[0006] For non-contact determination of vital parameters by distance measurement, radar or ultrasonic devices have been used to emit and capture (or record) signals.

[0007] US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2022 / 0142478 A1 and WO 2021 / 086809 A1 specifically show the use of radar to distinguish between heartbeat and breathing alone.

[0008] Until now, radars have always been positioned in front of or behind the upper body, i.e., above or below the bed when the person is in bed. Some cases use only radar positions in front or behind the body. These positions mean that either only part of the body is observed or the whole body is at a similar distance from the measuring device. In these positions, the body surface moves directly towards the radar during movement, so heartbeat and breathing can be most clearly detected by the radar. However, in this case, breathing and heartbeat movements occur in the same direction, so breathing and heartbeat also overlap to the maximum extent.

[0009] The current standard solution to superposition is the use of complex algorithms to separate the individual signals from each other.

[0010] However, due to the complexity of the evaluation, inappropriate values ​​of vital parameters are not easily known. In addition, the complexity of the underlying problem also leads to breaks in which vital parameters cannot be extracted from the signal. In addition, the database is always a superposition of different movements. As a result, the validity of the results can always only be guaranteed at theoretical limits, for example, regarding the maximum / minimum detectable breathing rate or heart rate. However, as a result, verification on a person, for example by allocating movements to body parts, is not possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0142478 A1 [Patent Document 2] WO 2021 / 086809 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] It would be desirable to provide an improved concept for contactless recording of vital parameters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A system according to claim 1, a method according to claim 21 and a computer program according to claim 32 are provided.

[0014] An embodiment provides a system for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human. The system includes a radar device for emitting a first radar wave and detecting a reflected radar wave emanating from the human or a body cover of the human. The system further includes an evaluation unit for determining information about one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the reflected radar wave. The radar device is positioned laterally relative to the human's position such that a virtual point of the radar device is closer to a virtual point of the human's foot than to any virtual point of the human's navel, such that a virtual point exists at the human's foot, and such that a virtual point exists on the radar device. Alternatively, the radar device is positioned laterally relative to the human's position such that a virtual point of the radar device is closer to a virtual point of the human's head than to any virtual point of the human's navel, such that a virtual point exists at the human's head, and such that a virtual point exists on the radar device.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the radar device may be positioned relative to the position of the person, for example, such that the radar device is positioned in front of the person rather than behind the person.

[0016] In an embodiment, the radar device may be positioned laterally relative to the position of the human, for example, such that the radar device is positioned below the human's navel and below the human's feet, or such that the radar device is positioned above the human's navel and above the human's head.

[0017] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be configured to detect one or more detection radar signals in response to reflected radar waves, and each detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is allocated to exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. In this case, for example, each of the two or more distance steps may be allocated to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, so that the detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals allocated to this distance step is allocated to the body region. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is allocated to which body region of the plurality of body regions.

[0018] In an embodiment, each of the two or more distance steps may be allocated to a body region of, for example, a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the human body is completely subdivided into a plurality of body regions by the two or more distance steps, and thus the plurality of body regions together cover the human body.

[0019] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more detection radar signals may be two or more detection radar signals. In this case, for example, the radar device may be configured to detect two or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. For example, each of the two or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body parts.

[0020] In an embodiment, for example, in response to two or more detected radar signals, the evaluation unit may be configured to create a human body model indicating which radar signals are allocated to which of a plurality of body regions of the human.

[0021] In an embodiment, for example, each of the two or more detection radar signals may be allocated to exactly one body region of the two or more body regions that was not allocated to another of the two or more detection radar signals.

[0022] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more vital parameters may be two or more vital parameters, in which case, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about the two or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detection radar signals is allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

[0023] In an embodiment, for example, the two or more detection radar signals may be three or more detection radar signals, and the two or more distance steps may be three or more distance steps. For example, the radar device may be configured to detect three or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of the three or more distance steps. For example, each of the three or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions.

[0024] According to embodiments, for example, each of the one or more vital parameters may be assigned one or more of the plurality of body regions, For example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the plurality of body regions is assigned to said one of the one or more vital parameters.

[0025] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of two or more reflected radar signals is allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters.

[0026] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be configured to select a distance channel from two or more distance channels that is allocated to one of two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameter in order to detect one or more detected radar signals.

[0027] In an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be configured to select from the two or more distance channels a second distance channel allocated to one of the two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameters, for detecting a second detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals, when selection of a first distance channel from the two or more distance channels leads to detection of a first detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals being classified as insufficient information by the evaluation unit.

[0028] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be configured to select two or more range channels, each of which is assigned to one of two or more range steps, each of which is assigned to a body region assigned to the vital parameter, of a plurality of body regions, in order to detect two or more detected radar signals.

[0029] According to an embodiment, for example, a vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters may be allocated one or more frequencies and / or one or more frequency ranges, in which case the evaluation unit may be configured for determining information about the vital parameter in response to periodic variations of one of the one or more detected radar signals that comprise a frequency corresponding to one of the one or more frequencies allocated to said vital parameter and / or that is in one of the one or more frequency ranges allocated to said vital parameter.

[0030] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which body region of the plurality of body regions is assigned one or more reflected radar signals in which periodic variations occur.

[0031] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be implemented as a frequency modulated continuous radar.

[0032] In an embodiment, for example, the system may include one or more further radar devices for emitting further first radar waves and detecting further reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the further first radar waves on the human or on the human's body covering. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the further reflected radar waves. In this case, for example, the one or more further radar devices may be configured to emit the further first radar waves from different angles relative to the position of the human.

[0033] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be positioned to be closest to a first body region from a plurality of body regions of the human, where at least one of the one or more further radar devices may be positioned to be closest to a second body region from the plurality of body regions of the human, the second body region being different from the first body region.

[0034] Further, an embodiment provides a method for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human, the method including: - emitting a first radar wave with a radar device. - determining information of one or more vital parameters of the human being by an evaluation unit in response to the reflected radar waves; and - evaluating the reflected radar waves by an evaluation unit to determine information about one or more vital parameters of the human being.

[0035] The radar device is positioned laterally relative to the position of the human such that there is a virtual point on the radar device that is closer to a virtual point on the human's feet than to any virtual point on the human's navel, and such that there is a virtual point on the radar device, or such that there is a virtual point on the radar device that is closer to a virtual point on the human's head than to any virtual point on the human's navel.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the radar device may be positioned relative to the position of the person, for example, such that the radar device is positioned in front of the person rather than behind the person.

[0037] In an embodiment, the radar device may be positioned laterally relative to the position of the human, for example, such that the radar device is positioned below the human's navel and below the human's feet, or such that the radar device is positioned above the human's navel and above the human's head.

[0038] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar may detect one or more detection radar signals in response to reflected radar waves, and each detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. For example, each of the two or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions.

[0039] In an embodiment, for example, each of the two or more distance steps may be allocated to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the human body is completely subdivided into a plurality of body regions by the two or more distance steps, and thus the plurality of body regions together cover the human body.

[0040] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more detection radar signals may be two or more detection radar signals. In this case, for example, the radar device may detect two or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. In this case, for example, each of the two or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, so that the detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body parts.

[0041] In an embodiment, for example, in response to two or more detected radar signals, the evaluation unit may create a human body model indicating which radar signals are allocated to which of a plurality of body regions of the human.

[0042] In an embodiment, each of the two or more detection radar signals may be allocated to, for example, exactly one body region of the two or more body regions that was not allocated to another of the two or more detection radar signals.

[0043] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more vital parameters may be two or more vital parameters, in which case the evaluation unit may determine information about the two or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detection radar signals is allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

[0044] In an embodiment, for example, the two or more detection radar signals may be three or more detection radar signals, and the two or more distance steps may be three or more distance steps. For example, a radar device may detect three or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of the two or more distance steps. In this case, for example, each of the three or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions.

[0045] According to embodiments, for example, each of the one or more vital parameters may be assigned to one or more of the plurality of body regions, in which case, for example, the evaluation unit may determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the plurality of body regions is assigned to said one of the one or more vital parameters.

[0046] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit may determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of two or more reflected radar signals is allocated to a body region of a plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters.

[0047] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may select from two or more distance channels a distance channel allocated to one of two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameters to detect one or more detected radar signals.

[0048] In an embodiment, for example, the radar device may select from two or more distance channels a second distance channel allocated to one of two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameter, for detecting a second detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals, if selection of a first distance channel from the two or more distance channels leads to detection of a first detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals being classified as insufficient information by the evaluation unit.

[0049] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may select two or more range channels, each of which is assigned to one of two or more range steps, each of which is assigned to a body region assigned to the vital parameter, among a plurality of body regions, in order to detect two or more detected radar signals.

[0050] According to an embodiment, for example, a vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters may be allocated one or more frequencies and / or one or more frequency ranges, in which case the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about said vital parameter in response to periodic variations of one of the one or more detected radar signals, for example which comprise a frequency corresponding to one of the one or more frequencies allocated to said vital parameter and / or which are in one of the one or more frequency ranges allocated to said vital parameter.

[0051] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which body region of the plurality of body regions is assigned one or more reflected radar signals in which periodic variations occur.

[0052] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be implemented as a frequency modulated continuous radar.

[0053] In an embodiment, for example, the system may include one or more additional radar devices that emit additional first radar waves and detect additional reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the additional first radar waves on a human or a body covering of the human. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit may determine information about one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the additional reflected radar waves. In this case, for example, the one or more additional radar devices may emit the additional first radar waves from different angles relative to the position of the human.

[0054] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device may be positioned to be closest to a first body region from a plurality of body regions of the human, where at least one of the one or more further radar devices may be positioned to be closest to a second body region from the plurality of body regions of the human, the second body region being different from the first body region.

[0055] Furthermore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the above methods is provided according to an embodiment.

[0056] Subsequently, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates a special lateral positioning of a radar device relative to a human, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates a special lateral positioning of a radar device relative to a person according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a radar view from the side for a prone person, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a person, according to an embodiment.

[0059] The system includes a radar device 110 for emitting a first radar wave and detecting a reflected radar wave caused by reflection of the first radar wave on a human or human body covering.

[0060] Furthermore, the system includes an evaluation unit 120 for determining information about one or more vital parameters of the human being in response to the reflected radar waves.

[0061] According to the present invention, special positioning of the radar device 110 relative to a person is provided.

[0062] 2 illustrates a particular lateral positioning of radar device 110 relative to a human being according to a first embodiment. According to this positioning, radar device 110 is positioned laterally relative to the human being's position such that virtual point 111 on radar device 110 is closer to virtual point 211 on human foot 210 than any virtual point 221 on the human being's navel 220, such that virtual point 211 is on human foot 210, and such that virtual point 111 is on radar device 110.

[0063] 3 shows a special lateral positioning of radar device 110 with respect to a human being according to a second embodiment. According to this positioning, radar device 110 is positioned laterally relative to the human being's position such that virtual point 111 on radar device 110 is closer to virtual point 231 on human's head 230 than any virtual point 221 on the human's navel 220, such that virtual point 231 is on human's head 230, and such that virtual point 111 is on radar device 110.

[0064] Therefore, the embodiment of Figures 2 to 3 represents a paradigm shift. Generally, there is an assumption that the best radar results are achieved when the radar wave strikes the body, in this case a human body, perpendicularly, since from this point the greatest relative proximity and distance to the radar can be observed. From this perspective, the linear distance between the radar and the abdomen changes the most during breathing, which also creates the greatest change in the signal strength of the electromagnetic waves. Here, the embodiment of the present invention is based on the discovery that this creates ambiguities and overlaps that are difficult to resolve. Therefore, the lateral positioning defined above is selected.

[0065] A further advantage of lateral positioning is that objects closer to the radar may reflect a stronger signal than objects further away. This effect can be likened to a hand directly in front of a light bulb being brighter than a hand farther away from the light bulb. For example, if the radar is at the foot end, the foot is closer to the radar and therefore reflects a stronger signal. This helps to determine small pulse movements on the surface of the foot very well. Thus, lateral positioning creates a "magnification effect," so to speak, on the body parts closest to the radar. This makes pulse detection, which would otherwise be more difficult, easier.

[0066] According to an embodiment, radar device 110 may be positioned relative to the position of the person, for example, such that radar device 110 is positioned in front of the person rather than behind them. For example, this is shown in FIG. 3 for a face-down person. The position of radar device 110 relative to the person in FIG. 3 meets this definition because radar device 110 in FIG. 3 is above dotted line 311 and not below solid line 312. This embodiment is based on the inventors' discovery that vital parameters can often be better detected with movement of the front of a person (movement of the chest, abdomen, etc.) than the back.

[0067] In an embodiment, radar device 110 may be positioned laterally relative to the human's position, for example, such that radar device 110 is positioned below the human's navel 220 and above the human's feet 210. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. The definition is met because radar device 110 in FIG. 2 is to the left of dotted line 341 and therefore below the human's feet 210 (and navel 220). The corresponding positioning of radar device 110 relative to the human avoids superposition and ambiguity.

[0068] Or, in a further embodiment, radar device 110 may be positioned laterally relative to the human's position, for example, such that radar device 110 is positioned above the human's navel and above the human's head. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. The radar device 110 in FIG. 3 is to the right of dotted line 342 and is therefore above the human's head 230 (and navel 220), so the definition is met. The corresponding positioning of radar device 110 relative to the human avoids superposition and ambiguity.

[0069] 2 and 3, dotted lines 341 and 342 may be perpendicular / orthogonal to solid line 312. For example, solid line 312 may be a lying surface on which a person is lying. Alternatively, solid line 312 may be an imaginary line parallel to a centerline passing through an imaginary cross section of a person.

[0070] In FIG. 3 , for example, dotted lines 311 and 312 may be selected such that each of the two lines represents a cross section passing through one of two planes, both planes being parallel to each other such that the human body is adjacent to both parallel planes, such that the human body does not extend upward beyond the plane whose cross section is represented by dotted line 311, and such that the human body does not extend downward beyond the plane whose cross section is represented by line 312.

[0071] According to an embodiment, for example, radar device 110 may be configured to detect one or more detection radar signals in response to reflected radar waves, where each detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is transmitted at exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. In this case, for example, each of the two or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions. This embodiment may capture one or more detection radar signals allocated to a particular body region of multiple body regions (see Figure 2, body regions 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272).

[0072] In an embodiment, each of the two or more distance steps may be allocated to a body region of, for example, a plurality of body regions of a human being, such that the human body is completely subdivided into a plurality of body regions by the two or more distance steps, and thus the plurality of body regions together cover the human body. In this regard, see FIG. 2 and body regions 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272. In this way, this embodiment (indirectly) creates an unambiguous mapping of the detected radar signal to one of the body regions 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272.

[0073] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more detection radar signals may be two or more detection radar signals. In this case, for example, radar device 110 may be configured to detect two or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of two or more distance steps. Each of the two or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that, for example, the detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. In this case, for example, evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain radar information about vital parameters from different body regions and / or to simultaneously detect radar information about two or more vital parameters.

[0074] In an embodiment, for example, in response to two or more detected radar signals, the evaluation unit 120 may be configured to create a human body model that indicates which radar signals are allocated to which body regions among a plurality of body regions. For example, typical breathing frequencies may be captured primarily in the lung and abdominal regions, but conversely may not be captured in the arms and legs of a person. However, it should be possible to determine the movement caused by the pulse throughout the body. Corresponding analysis of the two or more detected radar signals allows the typical movement frequencies to determine where the abdominal and lung regions of a person are located, as well as where the limbs of a person are located. Thus, a body model may be created by evaluating the typical movement frequencies.

[0075] In an embodiment, for example, each of two or more detection radar signals may be allocated to exactly one of the two or more body regions that was not allocated to another of the two or more detection radar signals, allowing for unambiguous mapping of radar signals to body regions.

[0076] According to an embodiment, for example, the one or more vital parameters may be two or more vital parameters. In this case, for example, evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about the two or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detected radar signals is allocated to which of the multiple body regions. Thus, in such an embodiment, information may be obtained simultaneously regarding multiple vital parameters.

[0077] In an embodiment, the two or more detection radar signals may be three or more detection radar signals, for example, the two or more distance steps may be three or more distance steps. For example, radar device 110 may be configured to detect three or more detection radar signals, and each detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to exactly one distance step of the three or more distance steps. For example, each of the three or more distance steps may be assigned to a body region of a plurality of body regions of a human, such that the detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals assigned to this distance step is assigned to the body region. For example, evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about the one or more vital parameters depending on which detection radar signal of the three or more detection radar signals is assigned to which body region of the plurality of body regions.

[0078] According to an embodiment, for example, each of the one or more vital parameters may be assigned to two or more body regions of the plurality of body regions, and for example, the evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the plurality of body regions is assigned to said one of the one or more vital parameters.

[0079] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of two or more reflected radar signals is allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters.

[0080] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device 110 may be configured to select from two or more distance channels a distance channel allocated to one of two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to said vital parameter for detecting one of the one or more detected radar signals.

[0081] In an embodiment, for example, the radar device 110 may be configured to select from the two or more distance channels a second distance channel allocated to one of the two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameters, for detecting a second detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals, when selection of a first distance channel from the two or more distance channels leads to detection of a first detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals being classified as insufficient information by the evaluation unit 120.

[0082] According to an embodiment, for example, the radar device 110 may be configured to select two or more range channels, each of which is assigned to one of two or more range steps, each of which is assigned to a body region assigned to the vital parameter, among a plurality of body regions, in order to detect two or more detected radar signals.

[0083] According to an embodiment, for example, a vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters may be allocated one or more frequencies and / or one or more frequency ranges, in which case, for example, evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about said vital parameter in response to periodic variations of one of one or more detected radar signals that comprise a frequency corresponding to one of the one or more frequencies allocated to said vital parameter and / or that are within one of the one or more frequency ranges allocated to said vital parameter.

[0084] In an embodiment, for example, the evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which body region of the plurality of body regions is assigned one or more reflected radar signals in which periodic variations occur.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the radar device 110 may be implemented as a frequency modulated continuous wave radar.

[0086] In an embodiment, for example, the system may include one or more further radar devices for emitting further first radar waves and detecting further reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the further first radar waves on the human or the human's body covering. In this case, for example, the evaluation unit 120 may be configured to determine information about one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the further reflected radar waves. In this case, for example, the one or more further radar devices may be configured to emit further first radar waves from different angles relative to the position of the human.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the radar device 110 may be positioned to be closest to a first body region (body part) from a plurality of body regions (body parts) of the human, where, for example, at least one of the one or more further radar devices may be positioned to be closest to a second body region (body part) from the plurality of body regions of the human, the second body region (body part) being different from the first body region.

[0088] Such an embodiment also takes advantage of the aforementioned effect that objects closer to the radar reflect a stronger signal than objects further away. When one or more additional radar signals are used that emanate from different angles relative to the human's position, the proximity of various body regions to the one or more additional radar devices also varies compared to the first radar device. As a result, the one or more additional radar devices may be used to select different measurement accuracies for each of the body regions by setting different distances between the body regions and the respective radar devices. In this way, each of the radar devices may be focused on a specific body region.

[0089] Subsequently, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0090] The embodiment provides a fixed radar position that looks at the person from the side, which allows for the subdivision of the person into individual distinguishable parts, for example from the feet to the head, which are the basis for separating the heartbeat and breathing.

[0091] In principle, radar measures distance by dividing the space in front of the radar into discrete distance steps.

[0092] For example, the width of the range step may depend on the range resolution of the radar: if the object is in such a part, the associated measurement will have a high value.

[0093] In an embodiment, for example, the distance step may be 5 cm.

[0094] In another embodiment, for example, an upper-body-lower-body model may be used, and the distance step may be, for example, 25 cm rather than 5 cm, but isolating vital parameters becomes more difficult with a 25 cm distance step compared to a 5 cm distance step.

[0095] When a radar observes a person from the side (for example, a person lying in bed is observed from the foot end of the bed), the whole human body is subdivided into individual parts. Based on this, a rough model of the body can be created. When a person breathes, the values ​​close to the abdominal region change periodically. When the heart beats, a pulse may be detected, for example, in the upper chest, based on a different frequency and lower amplitude in the breath. Thanks to spatial segmentation of the radar response, pulses may also be captured in other body regions, for example, in the feet. The basis of vital parameters is in different distance steps and is therefore already spatially separated.

[0096] Thanks to this spatial segmentation, the desired signal may be captured at different body positions relative to the analysis and evaluation unit 120. This unit may have different implementations.

[0097] A first embodiment may provide for direct selection of a distance channel that best represents a desired body signal, thus determining a signal that is particularly free of interference from other body signals.

[0098] A second embodiment uses several distance channels from which the desired body signal is calculated by multi-channel processing, eg correlation.

[0099] A third embodiment uses a method like the first or second embodiment, where a body model is used as a basis, using knowledge of the body position and / or of the desired signal and / or of possible interference at a particular body position.

[0100] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a radar view from the side for a prone person, according to an embodiment.

[0101] In this case, the embodiment according to Figure 4 is measuring from the foot end of the bed, where the radar sees a person lying face down with their feet closest to the radar and their head furthest from the radar.

[0102] For example, the radar subdivides a person starting from the feet to the head in steps of 5 centimeters.

[0103] For example, a rough 3D model of a person may be created by several radar antennas on the device.

[0104] For example, when a person breathes, a periodic movement in the frequency range of the person's breathing should be observable approximately in the center of the body. For example, in the case of a heartbeat, the pulse should be visible throughout the entire body, since there is a pulse throughout the entire body, and therefore, for example, over all distance steps that may be allocated to a human being.

[0105] For example, if a person moves their legs while sleeping ("restless leg syndrome"), the movement should be detected near the foot end of the bed.

[0106] For example, these movements may already be subdivided into individual distance steps during the measurement process. As a result, the separation of all these movements is less complex to evaluate than when capturing data above or below the body, where the data are more strongly superimposed. Better separation of the signals during capture allows for robust detection of parameters.

[0107] In an embodiment, the radar may be located laterally relative to the prone person, e.g., at the end of a bed, so that the prone person can be observed laterally from the radar position. In this case, the person may be subdivided into individual distance steps. In this case, for example, a 3D model for extraction of vital parameters may be created from the radar data.

[0108] Preferably, the location of the radar transceiver (or radar transmitter and radar receiver) may be above the head or at the foot end of the bed.

[0109] Some embodiments may, for example, differentiate in a dedicated way between abdominal and thoracic breathing in the results.

[0110] The effects of side vision and human subdivision (especially at several distance steps) simplify the assessment of vital parameters by not having complex signals superimposed in the raw data. This makes the separation of this signal into individual vital parameters by complex algorithms unnecessary, making the assessment overall more robust.

[0111] Interruptions in vital parameter detection may still occur, but are less likely than with more complex underlying signals. Additionally, interruptions may be determined and interpreted using a model of the body. For example, in this model, heartbeats should reach every part of the body, while breathing movements should only be centered in the body. This approach provides greater relevance and understandability of individual results than previous approaches.

[0112] Further embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0113] In an embodiment, a person may be divided (sub-divided) using radar into different distance steps that can be used to detect vital parameters along the body.

[0114] According to an embodiment, for example, this may be enabled by a side view (from the radar) of the person, preferably a head-to-foot or foot-to-head perspective, e.g., the radar observes the person from an oblique angle.

[0115] The embodiment uses distance bins, which are distance channels in which vital parameters are visible. The vital parameters within a distance bin may be detected based on, for example, changes in value over time within a frequency range normal for humans. For example, respiration may range from 0.1 Hz to 0.58 Hz, and heart rate may range from 0.8 Hz to 2 Hz.

[0116] According to an embodiment, recognition of the human body may be performed based on vital parameters in the spatially segmented radar signal.

[0117] For example, each part of the human body has a pulse and should reflect radar illumination. Radar illumination penetrates fabrics, e.g., clothes, bedspreads, which is why the body surface remains visible. Pulse may be used to estimate body boundaries in addition to regular object recognition by radar (object reflection). The upper body, where the pulse is hidden by breathing, may be detected by breathing.

[0118] Embodiments may use the fact that body movement is visible based on the movement of distance bins with recognized vital parameters.

[0119] According to an embodiment, a simplified assessment may be performed by observing vital parameters at different locations along the body, for example, pulse at the feet and / or forehead, and / or breathing along the upper body.

[0120] In embodiments, simpler extraction of vital parameters may be achieved with less superposition of specific body part movements, e.g., breathing may be clearly extracted at the chest, heart rate may be clearly extracted at the forehead / feet.

[0121] According to embodiments, multiple vital parameter locations may provide more robust vital parameter detection.

[0122] For example, the locations of multiple vital parameters may be compared to one another, for example, for a human, the same pulse rate should be present along the body.

[0123] For example, in an embodiment, if the location of a normal vital parameter is unclear, an alternative location may be selected.

[0124] In embodiments, further extension of the body model may be provided by observing the human from multiple angles, for example, by using two (or more) radars and / or by using multiple antennas. In this way, the human may be simultaneously divided / subdivided into distance steps from different angles.

[0125] According to an embodiment, for example, the creation of a 3D model may be realized based on this information.

[0126] In an embodiment, by looking at the same situation from different angles, eg, comparing measurements, better data quality (eg, better signal-to-noise ratio SNR) may be achieved.

[0127] According to embodiments, for example, more information may be obtained about ongoing movements of the body, for example, arms and / or legs, since the movements are observed from different directions.

[0128] In embodiments, for example, a designated radar position may be used for additional information about the situation. For example, the radar may be intentionally positioned at the foot end, meaning that the foot should be seen first in the assessment. This may be taken into account in the assessment.

[0129] According to embodiments, for example, a model of the body may be created and / or used to interpret information from the spatially segmented radar signal, which may be used, for example, to recognize location, expected movement, and pathological conditions based on the body model.

[0130] In embodiments, for example, recognition of a vital parameter may be performed not only by frequency but also by the likely location of the vital parameter relative to the rest of the body model, e.g., a normal body model in which breathing also occurs in the feet may be classified as unrecognized.

[0131] According to an embodiment, upper body recognition may be performed, for example, by recognition of breathing and heart rate signals in closely spaced distance bins.

[0132] In embodiments, for example, information about the body's supply may be obtained based on the presence of pulses along the body, e.g., it may be determined that there are no pulses in the feet, but pulses elsewhere.

[0133] For example, an embodiment of a body model may be based on the assumption that humans cannot change infinitely fast, which may further assume that the location and frequency of vital parameters cannot vary arbitrarily between measurements.

[0134] According to embodiments, for example, information useful for distinguishing between obstructive and central apneas may be obtained by observing breathing along the upper body, where, for example, in central apneas, there may be no abdominal movement, and in obstructive apneas, for example, abdominal and thoracic breathing may be out of sync.

[0135] For example, particular embodiments may use FMCW (frequency modulated continuous wave) radar, for example, in the 60-64 GHz frequency range. In this manner, information may be obtained that may be used to recognize, for example, sleep disorders, respiratory disorders, movement disorders, and pulse disorders.

[0136] According to an embodiment, more information about respiratory events, such as coughing / snoring, may be obtained by observing snoring in the whole body, for example, the larynx and abdomen.

[0137] For example, one application of non-contact measurement of vital parameters by lateral observation and subdivision of a sleeping person is sleep monitoring, where one or more people lie in bed and a radar is attached to the edge of the bed.

[0138] A particular context for this setup could include clinical sleep monitoring to obtain intermediate results that may be used for subsequent diagnosis (e.g., sleep disorders, circulatory disorders, movement disorders, psychiatric disorders).

[0139] For example, another application area could be home or outpatient sleep monitoring to obtain intermediate results that may be used for subsequent diagnosis or to obtain results that may be used for personal purposes.

[0140] Another application area could be in clinical or home monitoring, for example monitoring the effectiveness of positive air pressure systems for the treatment of apnea.

[0141] For example, another application area could be sleep studies in science, for example to gain insight into correlations between various vital parameters.

[0142] For example, another application area could be the monitoring of people serving sentences, for example in prisons.

[0143] For example, a further application could be the non-contact capture and differentiation of obstructive and central respiratory pauses (apneas) and hypopneas.

[0144] For example, another application could be in combination with other sensor technologies (eg, audio, eg, EEG) as an alternative to polysomnography.

[0145] It will be understood that even if some aspects are described in the context of a device, said aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, and thus a block or structural element of the device should also be understood as a corresponding method step or feature of a method step. By analogy therewith, aspects described in the context of or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed using a hardware device such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or some of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0146] Depending on the requirements of a particular implementation, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. Implementation may be realized using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory, a hard disk, or any other magnetic or optical memory that stores electronically readable control signals that may cooperate or cooperate with a programmable computer system on which the respective methods are executed. This is why the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0147] Thus, some embodiments according to the present invention include a data carrier comprising electronically readable control signals capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system such that any of the methods described herein are performed.

[0148] Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product having program code that is effective to perform any of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer.

[0149] The program code may for example be stored on a machine readable carrier.

[0150] Other embodiments comprise a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, said computer program being stored on a machine readable carrier. In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing any of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0151] A further embodiment of the inventive method is therefore a data carrier (or digital storage medium or computer readable medium) having recorded thereon a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data carrier, digital storage medium or recorded medium is generally tangible or non-volatile.

[0152] A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, The data stream or sequence of signals may for example be adapted to be transmitted via a data communication link, for example via the Internet.

[0153] A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0154] A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0155] Further embodiments according to the present invention include a device or system configured to transmit a computer program for performing at least one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The transmission may be, for example, electronic or optical. The receiver may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a memory device, or a similar device. The device or system may, for example, include a file server for transmitting the computer program to the receiver.

[0156] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array, FPGA) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are performed in some embodiments by any hardware device. The hardware device may be any universally applicable hardware, such as a computer processor (CPU), or may be method-specific hardware, such as an ASIC.

[0157] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein. This is why it is intended that the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and discussion of the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 110 Radar Device 111 Virtual Point 120 evaluation units 210 feet 211 Virtual Point 220 Belly Button 221 Virtual Point 230 heads 231 Virtual Points 311 dotted line 312 solid line 341 dotted line 342 dotted line 251 Body Region 252 Body Region 253 Body Region 254 Body Region 255 Body Region 256 Body Regions 257 Body Region 258 Body Region 259 Body Region 260 Body Region 261 Body Region 262 Body Region 263 Body Region 264 Body Region 265 Body Region 266 Body Region 267 Body Region 268 Body Region 269 ​​Body Region 270 Body Region 271 Body Region 272 Body Region

Claims

1. 1. A system for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human, comprising: a radar device (110) for emitting a first radar wave and detecting a reflected radar wave caused by reflection of the first radar wave on the person or a body covering of the person; an evaluation unit (120) for determining information about the one or more vital parameters of the human being in response to the reflected radar waves; Including, the radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the position of the person such that a virtual point (111) of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point (211) on the person's foot (210) than any virtual point (221) on the person's navel (220), such that the virtual point (211) is on the person's foot (210) and such that the virtual point (111) is on the radar device (110); or The radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the position of the human such that a virtual point (111) of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point (231) of the human's head (230) than any virtual point (221) of the human's navel (220), such that the virtual point (231) is on the human's head (230), and such that the virtual point (111) is on the radar device (110).

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the radar device is positioned relative to the position of the person such that the radar device is positioned in front of the person and not behind the person.

3. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the radar device is positioned laterally relative to the position of the human such that the radar device is positioned below the human's navel and below the human's feet, or such that the radar device is positioned above the human's navel and above the human's head.

4. the radar device (110) is configured to detect one or more detected radar signals in response to the reflected radar waves, each detected radar signal of the one or more detected radar signals being assigned to exactly one range step of two or more range steps; each of the two or more distance steps is assigned to a body region among a plurality of body regions of the human, such that the detection radar signal assigned to the distance step among the one or more detection radar signals is assigned to the body region; 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the one or more detection radar signals is allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the two or more distance steps is allocated to a body region of a plurality of body regions of the human, such that the human body is completely subdivided into the plurality of body regions by the two or more distance steps, and thus the plurality of body regions together cover the body of the human.

6. the one or more detected radar signals are two or more detected radar signals; the radar device (110) is configured to detect the two or more detected radar signals, and each detected radar signal of the two or more detected radar signals is assigned to exactly one range step of the two or more range steps; each of the two or more distance steps is assigned to a body region of the plurality of body regions of the human, such that the detection radar signal assigned to the distance step among the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to the body region; 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine information about the one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detected radar signals is allocated to which of a plurality of body parts.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein in response to the two or more detected radar signals, the evaluation unit (120) is configured to create a body model of the human, indicating which radar signals are allocated to which of the plurality of body regions of the human.

8. 8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the two or more detection radar signals is allocated to exactly one body region of the two or more body regions that is not allocated to another of the two or more detection radar signals.

9. the one or more vital parameters are two or more vital parameters; 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine information about the two or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detection radar signals are allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

10. the two or more detected radar signals are three or more detected radar signals, and the two or more range steps are three or more range steps; the radar device (110) is configured to detect the three or more detected radar signals, and each detected radar signal of the three or more detected radar signals is assigned to exactly one range step of the two or more range steps; each of the three or more distance steps is assigned to a body region among the plurality of body regions of the human, such that the detection radar signals assigned to the distance steps among the three or more detection radar signals are assigned to the body region; 10. The system of claim 6, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to determine information about the one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the three or more detection radar signals is allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

11. each of the one or more vital parameters is assigned to one or more of the plurality of body regions; 11. The system according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the plurality of body regions is allocated to the one of the one or more vital parameters.

12. 12. The system of claim 6 to 10 and claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about the one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of two or more reflected radar signals is allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters.

13. 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the radar device (110) is configured to select, from two or more distance channels, a distance channel allocated to one of the two or more distance steps allocated to a body region of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameter for detecting the one or more detected radar signals.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the radar device is configured to select from the two or more distance channels a second distance channel allocated to one of the two or more distance steps allocated to body regions of the plurality of body regions allocated to the vital parameters to detect a second detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals when selection of a first distance channel from the two or more distance channels results in detection of a first detection radar signal of the one or more detection radar signals being classified as insufficient information by the evaluation unit.

15. The system is a system according to claim 6, 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the radar device (110) is configured to select two or more range channels, each of which is assigned to one of two or more range steps, each of which is assigned to a body region of the plurality of body regions that is assigned to the vital parameter, in order to detect two or more detected radar signals.

16. a vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters is assigned one or more frequencies and / or one or more frequency ranges; 16. The system of claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about the vital parameter in response to periodic variations of one of the one or more detected radar signals, the periodic variations comprising a frequency corresponding to one of the one or more frequencies allocated to the vital parameter and / or lying within one of the one or more frequency ranges allocated to the vital parameter.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine the information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which body region of the plurality of body regions is assigned one or more reflected radar signals in which the periodic variation occurs.

18. 18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the radar device (110) is implemented in a frequency modulated continuous radar.

19. the system includes one or more further radar devices for emitting further first radar waves and detecting further reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the further first radar waves on the human being or the body covering of the human being; the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine the information about the one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the further reflected radar waves; 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more further radar devices are configured to emit the further first radar waves from different angles relative to the position of the person.

20. the radar device (110) is positioned to be closest to a first body region from a plurality of body regions of the human; 20. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one of the one or more additional radar devices is positioned to be closest to a second body region from a plurality of body regions of the human, the second body region being different from the first body region.

21. 1. A method for determining information about one or more vital parameters of a human, comprising: emitting a first radar wave by a radar device (110); detecting, by the radar device (110), reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the first radar waves at the person or a body covering of the person; determining by an evaluation unit (120) said information of said one or more vital parameters of said human being in response to said reflected radar waves; Including, the radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the position of the person such that a virtual point (111) of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point (211) on the person's foot (210) than any virtual point (221) on the person's navel (220), such that the virtual point (211) is on the person's foot (210) and such that the virtual point (111) is on the radar device (110); or The radar device (110) is positioned laterally relative to the position of the human such that a virtual point (111) of the radar device (110) is closer to a virtual point (231) of the human's head (230) than any virtual point (221) of the human's navel (220), such that the virtual point (231) is on the human's head (230), and such that the virtual point (111) is on the radar device (110).

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the radar device is positioned laterally relative to the position of the human such that the radar device is positioned below the human's navel and below the human's feet, or such that the radar device is positioned above the human's navel and above the human's head.

23. the radar device (110) detects one or more detected radar signals in response to the reflected radar waves, and each detected radar signal of the one or more detected radar signals is assigned to exactly one range step of two or more range steps; each of the two or more distance steps is assigned to a body region among a plurality of body regions of the human, such that the detection radar signal assigned to the distance step among the one or more detection radar signals is assigned to the body region; 23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the one or more detection radar signals is allocated to which of the plurality of body regions.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the two or more distance steps is allocated to a body region of a plurality of body regions of the human, such that the human body is completely subdivided into the plurality of body regions by the two or more distance steps, and thus the plurality of body regions together cover the body of the human.

25. the one or more detected radar signals are two or more detected radar signals; the radar device (110) detects the two or more detected radar signals, and each detected radar signal of the two or more detected radar signals is assigned to exactly one range step of the two or more range steps; each of the two or more distance steps is assigned to a body region of the plurality of body regions of the human, such that the detection radar signal assigned to the distance step among the two or more detection radar signals is assigned to the body region; 25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the evaluation unit (120) determines information about the one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the two or more detected radar signals is allocated to which of a plurality of body parts.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein in response to the two or more detected radar signals, the evaluation unit (120) creates a body model of the human, indicating which radar signals are allocated to which of the plurality of body regions of the human.

27. each of the one or more vital parameters is assigned to one or more of the plurality of body regions; 27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which of the plurality of body regions is allocated to said one of the one or more vital parameters.

28. a vital parameter of the one or more vital parameters is assigned one or more frequencies and / or one or more frequency ranges; 28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine information about the vital parameter in response to periodic variations of one of the one or more detected radar signals, the periodic variations comprising a frequency corresponding to one of the one or more frequencies allocated to the vital parameter and / or lying within one of the one or more frequency ranges allocated to the vital parameter.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the evaluation unit (120) is configured to determine the information about one of the one or more vital parameters depending on which body region of the plurality of body regions is assigned one or more reflected radar signals in which the periodic variation occurs.

30. the system includes one or more further radar devices that emit further first radar waves and detect further reflected radar waves caused by reflection of the further first radar waves on the human being or the body covering of the human being; the evaluation unit (120) determines the information about the one or more vital parameters of the human in response to the further reflected radar waves; 30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the one or more further radar devices emit the further first radar waves from different angles relative to the position of the person.

31. the radar device (110) is positioned to be closest to a first body region from a plurality of body regions of the human; 31. The method of claim 30, wherein at least one of the one or more additional radar devices is positioned to be closest to a second body region from a plurality of body regions of the human, the second body region being different from the first body region.

32. 32. A computer program having a program code for performing the method according to any one of claims 21 to 31.

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