Dual-Mode Wi-Fi Transceiver for Indoor Radar Object Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High-performance radar sensors are expensive, and radar signals are often interfered with by other electronic devices in indoor environments, posing a challenge for low-cost radar detection in applications like smart homes, security monitoring, and healthcare.

Innovation Solution

A wireless transceiver integrating Wi-Fi and radar functions, allowing operation in either mode, with shared components for both functions, reducing manufacturing costs and interference issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-performance radar sensors are used, then radar detection performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the Wi-Fi transceiver to perform both Wi-Fi communication and radar sensing functions using the same hardware components. The transceiver can operate in different modes (Wi-Fi mode and radar mode) by configuring the existing transmitter, receiver, and antenna system for different purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated radar sensors and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing Wi-Fi transceiver hardware as a substitute for dedicated radar sensors. By repurposing the Wi-Fi transmitter and receiver for radar signal generation and reception, the system creates a functional copy of radar sensing capability using off-the-shelf Wi-Fi components, significantly reducing the cost of manufacturing while maintaining acceptable detection performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If dedicated radar sensors are used, then radar detection capability is improved, but device complexity and interference from other electronic devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces device complexity by making the Wi-Fi transceiver multi-functional. The same transmitter, receiver, and antenna system serve dual purposes: Wi-Fi communication and radar sensing. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated radar sensor modules, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining radar detection capability through mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the Wi-Fi communication function and radar sensing function into a single integrated transceiver system. By combining these two functions that were previously performed by separate devices into one unified system, the patent reduces device complexity and the number of components while enabling both functions to share the same hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated transceiver provides low-cost radar detection with reduced interference, enabling efficient object detection and characterization in indoor environments.

Implementation Method 1

The basic concept is to emit high-frequency electromagnetic waves and analyze the reflected signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

analyze the reflected signals to determine the location, movement, and other characteristics of objects based on the time delay, strength, and frequency shift

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

analyze the reflected signals to determine the location, movement, and other characteristics of objects based on the time delay, strength, and frequency shift

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4644944A1Using wi-fi transceiver for radar sensing
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP4644944A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4644944A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4644944A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a wireless communication device comprising a transceiver circuit (100) having a transmitter (110) and a receiver (120). The wireless communication device is capable of operating in a Wi-Fi mode or in a radar mode. When the wireless communication device operates in the radar mode, the transceiver circuit (100) detects a presence and/or characteristics of an object by receiving a reflected signal by the receiver (120). When the wireless communication device operates in the Wi-Fi mode, the transceiver circuit (100) transmits and receives Wi-Fi signals.