Dual-Sided Radar Sensing for Gestures and Biometric Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices face challenges in reducing size and cost while maintaining functionality for tasks like gesture sensing and biometric measurements, as existing sensor modules can increase device size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional radar system with dual-sided antenna configurations and digital signal processing is integrated into portable devices, enabling gesture detection and biometric data collection, such as heart rate monitoring, using RF signals, to control device functions and provide multiple radar functions in a compact form.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor modules (capacitive sensors, infrared sensors) are used to perform presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements, then functionality is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single radar system that performs multiple functions including presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements. The radar system uses a single antenna structure that can detect various types of movements and physiological signals, replacing the need for separate capacitive sensors, infrared sensors, and other specialized sensor modules. This multi-functional approach maintains comprehensive sensing capabilities while significantly reducing device size.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated radar system. The radar system integrates presence detection, gesture recognition, and biometric measurement capabilities within one unified hardware platform, merging what would traditionally require separate sensor modules into a single compact unit that reduces overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor modules are used to accomplish various sensing functions, then functionality is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system provides multiple sensing functions using a single hardware platform, eliminating the need to manufacture and integrate separate capacitive sensor modules, infrared sensor modules, and other specialized sensors. This universal approach reduces component count, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers overall device cost while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By merging multiple sensing functions into one integrated radar system, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be sourced, manufactured, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs, making the device more cost-effective to produce.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact radar system is used to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddetection resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dual-sided antenna configuration where transmit and receive antennas are positioned on opposite sides of the device housing. This spatial arrangement creates multiple signal paths through the device, enabling the system to detect movements and physiological signals with high precision despite the compact form factor. The multi-dimensional signal acquisition compensates for the reduced physical size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar system divides the antenna structure into separate transmit and receive components positioned at different locations within the device. This segmentation allows for optimized signal transmission and reception paths, improving measurement precision by reducing interference and enhancing signal quality even in a compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 radar system effectively reduces device size and cost by integrating multiple functions like gesture sensing and biometric monitoring, offering improved performance and flexibility in design, with increased resolution and reduced dependency on ambient factors like light and temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter is configured to transmit a transmitted RF signal and a receiver is configured to receive a reflected RF signal generated by the transmitted RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3508877B1Multifunctional radar systems and methods of operation thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP3508877B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3508877B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3508877B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A

AI summary

A radar system includes a substrate, a first received antenna, a second receive antenna, and radio frequency (RF) circuitry. The substrate includes a first side and a second side. The first side is opposite the second side. The first receive antenna is disposed at the first side and is configured to receive a first reflected RF signal. The second receive antenna is configured to receive a second reflected RF signal. The RF circuitry is operatively coupled to the first receive antenna and the second receive antenna. The RF circuitry is configured to detect a first object located on the first side of the substrate according to the first reflected RF signal. The RF circuitry is further configured to detect biometric data from a second object located on the second side of the substrate according to the second reflected RF signal.