Carrier Signal Motion Detection Using Existing Communication Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detection systems require separate deployment and specialized hardware, complicating installation and increasing costs, as they are often separate from wireless communication systems and rely on dedicated channels.
Innovation Solution
A motion detection system utilizing carrier signals of extant communication channels, implemented through simple carrier signal generators and software in existing home automation devices like switches and thermostats, allowing motion detection without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion detection systems use separate dedicated channels and specialized hardware, then motion detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges motion detection functionality with existing wireless communication devices by having them transmit carrier signals on communication channels. Instead of separate motion detection hardware, the communication devices themselves perform motion detection by analyzing changes in their transmitted carrier signals, thereby combining two functions into one system and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing communication devices multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their primary communication purpose and motion detection purpose simultaneously. The same wireless device that communicates data also detects motion by monitoring its own carrier signal characteristics, eliminating the need for specialized single-function hardware.
2Measurement precision
If motion detection systems deploy separate dedicated hardware, then motion detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and system expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing communication devices to perform both communication and motion detection functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware. This multi-functionality approach maintains motion detection capability while using already-manufactured devices, thereby reducing overall system cost and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detection system uses the communication device's own carrier signal for detection purposes. The device serves itself by utilizing its transmitted signal to detect motion in its environment, eliminating the need for additional external sensors or specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If motion detection uses infrared sensors or ultrasonic sensors, then motion detection capability is improved, but ease of deployment worsens due to separate system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion detection capability with existing wireless communication infrastructure. Instead of deploying separate infrared or ultrasonic sensor systems, the communication devices themselves perform motion detection, merging two systems into one and greatly simplifying deployment since the communication devices are already installed in the environment.
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
Simplifies system deployment, reduces costs, and enables motion detection using existing home automation devices by leveraging existing communication channels without impacting their performance.
Implementation Method 1
determining mean power levels from two or more power samples at the center frequency, determining a difference between the mean power levels of the two or more power samples at the center frequency, and determining whether physical motion is occurring in a monitored area based on the difference between the mean power levels
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for motion detection using a communication channel carrier signal. In one aspect, a method includes, for each of one or more motion detection processors, performing operations comprising: for each of one or more communication channels, wherein each communication channel has a center frequency that is different from the center frequency of each other communication channel: determining mean power levels from two or more power samples at the center frequency, determining a difference between the mean power levels of the two or more power samples at the center frequency, and determining whether physical motion is occurring in a monitored area based on the difference between the mean power levels.