Dual-Mode Radar Switching for Obstacle Detection and Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable radar device that can efficiently detect people in extreme environments such as disasters, while minimizing power consumption and being able to penetrate obstacles like debris or walls.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode radar device that includes a transmitter with a first signal generator for Doppler radar signals and a second signal generator for Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar signals, a receiver for converting reflected signals to digital, and a controller for switching between modes based on detected targets, optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable radar device uses high-power transmission to detect targets through obstacles, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar device dynamically switches between two signal generators (first for penetrating obstacles, second for general detection) based on detection needs. The controller selects which signal generator to activate according to whether target detection through obstacles is required, optimizing power consumption while maintaining detection capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the transmitted signal by selecting different signal generators with different characteristics. The first signal generator produces signals optimized for penetrating obstacles, while the second produces signals for general detection, allowing parameter optimization based on operational requirements
2Measurement precision
If the radar device operates continuously in high-power mode, then detection accuracy is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar device dynamically adjusts its operational mode by switching between signal generators. The controller monitors detection requirements and activates the first signal generator only when high-precision detection through obstacles is needed, otherwise using the second signal generator for lower-power operation, thus extending battery life while maintaining detection accuracy when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different operational modes based on detection needs. Rather than continuous high-power operation, the radar alternates between low-power general detection mode and high-power obstacle penetration mode, achieving periodic optimization of both battery life and detection accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radar device integrates multiple signal generators, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar device achieves multi-functionality by integrating two signal generators that can be selectively activated. The first signal generator handles obstacle penetration scenarios, while the second handles general detection, allowing a single device to perform multiple detection functions without requiring separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates different detection functions into distinct signal generators. Rather than using a single complex signal generator attempting to do everything, the invention extracts specific functions (obstacle penetration vs. general detection) into separate generators, simplifying the control logic while maintaining versatility
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 dual-mode radar device effectively balances power efficiency with detection accuracy, allowing for initial detection in low-power mode and precise target information in high-power mode, while maintaining portability and ability to detect through obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal generator that generates a Doppler radar signal
Implementation Method 2
a second signal generator that generates a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar signal
Implementation Method 3
a receiver that receives a reflected signal reflected from a target and converts the reflected signal to a digital signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radar device capable of operating in a dual mode, which includes a transmitter that includes a first signal generator that generates a Doppler radar signal and a second signal generator that generates a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar signal, a receiver that receives a reflected signal reflected from a target and converts the reflected signal to a digital signal, a signal processing circuit that processes the digital signal differently depending on the dual mode to output an output signal, a signal analysis circuit that analyzes the output signal, and a controller that controls operations of the transmitter, the receiver, the signal processing circuit, and the signal analysis circuit, and the dual mode includes a first mode in which the first signal generator is activated and a second mode in which the second signal generator is activated.