Camera-Guided Radar Beam Steering for Contactless Vital Signs Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring vital signs require contact sensors, which are impractical for long-term or continuous monitoring, especially for clinical patients or elderly individuals who may have mobility or operational limitations. Additionally, existing non-contact vital signs monitoring using radar is limited by fixed radar beams, which restricts coverage and requires subjects to remain still.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electronic device equipped with a vision subsystem and a radar subsystem that performs adaptive beamforming. The vision subsystem uses a camera to detect and track subjects, providing location data that the radar subsystem uses to steer an array of antennas and focus radar beams on the subject's chest area, enabling continuous and reliable non-contact vital signs sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used to measure vital signs, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate due to physical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with a radar-based electromagnetic sensing system. The radar subsystem transmits electromagnetic signals that reflect off the subject's body, and the processor analyzes phase changes in these reflected signals to detect vital signs such as heart rate and respiration rate, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium between the sensing system and the subject. The radar signals serve as a non-invasive mediator that carries information about the subject's physiological state without requiring direct physical contact, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and operational comfort
2Device complexity
If fixed radar beams are used for non-contact sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and coverage deteriorate due to limited field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability in the radar subsystem, allowing the radar beams to be electronically redirected to track moving subjects. The processor continuously adjusts the beam direction based on subject position information, enabling the system to adapt to subject movement while maintaining accurate vital signs monitoring without requiring mechanical repositioning of the radar antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional radar system that can simultaneously perform beam steering, vital signs detection, and subject tracking. The same radar subsystem is used for both locating the subject and measuring vital signs, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability
3Measurement precision
If subjects must remain still for accurate radar sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to movement restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the subject's position and adjusts the radar beam direction accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain accurate vital signs measurement even when the subject moves, as the radar beam automatically tracks and follows the subject's new position, eliminating the need for the subject to remain still
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
This approach allows for continuous and reliable contactless vital signs sensing for multiple individuals, even when they are moving, without interfering with their movement or comfort. It enhances the accuracy and coverage of vital signs monitoring, making it suitable for ambient and real-time applications.
Implementation Method 1
a radar antenna to transmit and receive radar signals
Implementation Method 2
a camera to capture an image
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for non-contact sensing of vital signs. An example electronic device to measure vital signs includes a camera to capture an image; a radar antenna to transmit and receive radar signals; and processing circuitry to: identify a subject in the image; identify a location of the subject in an environment; control the radar antenna to steer the radar signals toward the location; and determine a vital sign of the subject based on a reflected radar signal.