Angled mmWave Radar Systems for Subject Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subject detection and tracking systems, particularly in care settings, face challenges with privacy concerns, limited visibility in low-light conditions, and inability to function through obscurations like smoke, and require improved accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple mmWave radar systems with boresights at angled configurations to enhance data collection and processing, using a processor to combine data points, define clusters, and classify subjects based on predicted properties, enabling accurate detection and tracking of subjects with reduced ambiguity and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical cameras are used to detect and track subjects, then detection capability is provided, but privacy concerns arise and subjects are resistant to being recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical camera-based detection systems with mmWave radar systems. The radar systems transmit electromagnetic signals and process reflections to detect subjects, their positions, and postures without capturing visual images, thereby eliminating privacy concerns while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection (visible light) to electromagnetic wave reflection (mmWave). This parameter change allows detection to occur without visual recording, resolving the privacy issue while preserving subject detection and tracking capabilities
2Reliability
If optical cameras are used for subject detection, then detection is possible, but visible illumination is required which may not be available in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical camera detection with mmWave radar detection. The radar systems actively transmit electromagnetic signals and detect reflections, eliminating dependence on ambient visible illumination and enabling reliable operation in dark conditions such as nighttime fall detection
Solution Approach 2:
The radar systems transmit electromagnetic signals in periodic pulses, actively illuminating the scene with non-visible radiation. This periodic transmission allows the system to function independently of ambient light conditions by providing its own illumination source
3Reliability
If optical cameras are used for subject detection, then detection is possible, but the system cannot deal with obscuration such as smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection with electromagnetic wave-based radar detection. Since electromagnetic waves in the mmWave spectrum can penetrate or pass through obscurations like smoke more effectively than visible light, the system maintains detection capability in environments where optical cameras would fail
4Measurement precision
If multiple radar systems are used with angled boresights to improve detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple radar systems at different angular orientations (e.g., 25-45 degrees apart) to create multi-dimensional detection coverage. This spatial arrangement allows the system to triangulate subject positions and improve detection accuracy by observing targets from multiple angles simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple radar systems with different boresight orientations into a unified detection framework. By merging the detection results from angled radar perspectives, the system achieves improved measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated processing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides robust and precise subject detection and tracking, maintaining privacy while operating effectively in various conditions, including low light and with obscurations, and improves posture estimation using machine learning models for mmWave radar data.
Implementation Method 1
each radar system configured to: transmit an electromagnetic signal, detect reflections of the electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
detect reflections of the electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 3
for each radar system, define clusters of data points based on the distance between the data points
Implementation Method 4
classify a cluster as a subject based on whether the cluster is sufficiently similar to estimated (predicted) properties of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for subject (50) detection is disclosed. The system (100) comprises a plurality of radar systems (21, 31). Each radar system (21, 31) comprises an antenna configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal and to detect reflections of the electromagnetic signal and determine a plurality of data points corresponding with the position of reflectors. The system also comprises a processor (10) configured to receive the plurality of data points from each radar system (21. 31), and to process the data points to detect and/or track a subject (50) therefrom. Each of the radar systems (21, 31) has a boresight (22, 32), corresponding with an axis of maximum antenna gain for the electromagnetic signal. The plurality of radar systems (21, 31) comprises a first radar system (21) with a first boresight (22) and a second radar system (31) with a second boresight (32). The first boresight (22) is at an angle of at least 25 degrees to the second boresight (32).