Distributed Multi-Radar Circuits for Compact Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating radar systems in consumer devices is challenging due to size and layout constraints, which limit sensitivity and angular resolution, and power constraints that reduce battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-radar system with distributed radar circuits at different positions, each with overlapping antenna patterns, and an optimization controller to manage operational states based on device constraints and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the quantity of antennas is limited to decrease footprint, then the device size is reduced, but the radar's sensitivity and angular resolution decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple separate radar circuits instead of using a single integrated radar with many antennas. Each radar circuit has fewer antennas (reducing individual footprint), but multiple circuits are distributed across the device to collectively provide the required angular resolution and sensitivity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without requiring a large consolidated antenna array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed configuration. Radar circuits are placed at multiple positions throughout the device volume rather than concentrating all antennas in one location. This spatial distribution across different dimensions enables the system to maintain angular resolution while reducing the footprint of any single radar circuit.
2Measurement precision
If radar circuits operate in high-performance states continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational state management where each radar circuit can independently transition between different operational states (e.g., active, idle, sleep) based on real-time detection needs. The optimization controller adjusts the operational state of individual radar circuits rather than maintaining all circuits in a constant high-performance state, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving detection accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (such as transmit power, sampling rate, or processing intensity) of radar circuits dynamically based on environmental conditions and detection requirements. By adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed high-performance settings, the system achieves good detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption during periods of low activity or when full performance is not required.
3Area of stationary object
If radar circuits are placed close to other components, then space utilization is improved, but interference from other components increases false-alarm rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar system into multiple distributed circuits that can be placed in different locations throughout the device. This segmentation allows each radar circuit to be positioned in spaces that may be closer to certain components but farther from others, enabling better overall spatial distribution that reduces interference while maintaining high space utilization. No single radar circuit needs to be isolated from all other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acknowledges that some level of interference from other components is inevitable in compact devices, but converts this challenge into a benefit by using multiple distributed radar circuits. The system can selectively weight or prioritize signals from radar circuits that are less affected by specific interference sources, thereby maintaining detection accuracy despite the presence of interfering components in close proximity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement a multi-radar system (102) within a device (104) and optimize operation of the multi-radar system (102). The multi-radar system (102) includes two or more radar circuits (210) located at different positions on the device (104). The multi-radar system (102) also includes an optimization controller (220), which controls operational states of the radar circuits (210). In particular, the optimization controller (220) determines respective operational states of the radar circuits (210) to optimize performance of the multi-radar system (102) under certain constraints. For example, the optimization controller (220) can alter the respective operational states for different radar circuits (120) responsive to detecting various trigger events. In this way, the optimization controller (220) can selectively alter the operational states of the radar circuits (210) for various situations.