Dual-Sided Earbud Radar for Gesture and Biometric Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face challenges in integrating multiple sensor functions such as presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements without increasing device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional radar system with dual-sided antennas and RF circuitry is used to detect objects and biometric data on opposite sides of a substrate, enabling gesture sensing and biometric data acquisition simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor modules (capacitive sensors, infrared sensors) are integrated to perform presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements, then functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multifunctional radar system where a single radar sensor performs multiple functions including presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements. The radar system uses different signal processing modes to achieve diverse functionalities: continuous wave mode for presence detection, FMCW mode for gesture sensing, and pulse mode for biometric measurements, thereby replacing multiple dedicated sensor modules with one universal radar system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated radar system. The radar sensor integrates transmit antennas, receive antennas, and RF circuitry in one compact module that can perform presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements simultaneously or sequentially, reducing the overall device size compared to using separate sensor modules for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor modules are integrated to perform presence detection, gesture sensing, and biometric measurements, then functionality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system provides multiple sensor functions through a single unified platform, eliminating the need to manufacture and integrate separate capacitive sensor modules, infrared sensor modules, and other dedicated sensors. This universal approach reduces component count, simplifies the supply chain, and lowers overall device cost while maintaining diverse functionality
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple sensor functions into one radar system, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, tested, and assembled. The integrated radar module with its shared RF circuitry and antenna structures reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs compared to assembling multiple independent sensor modules
3Volume of moving object
If a single radar system performs multiple functions, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system segments its operation into different functional modes with dedicated signal processing paths: continuous wave mode for presence detection with presence detection circuitry, FMCW mode for gesture sensing with gesture sensing circuitry, and pulse mode for biometric measurements with biometric measurement circuitry. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while sharing the same physical hardware platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality optimization by providing different levels of processing and analysis for different functions within the radar system. Each functional mode (presence detection, gesture sensing, biometric measurements) has its own specialized circuitry and signal processing algorithms tailored to the specific requirements of that function, ensuring high measurement precision for each application despite the shared hardware platform
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 reduces device size and cost while enhancing functionality by integrating multiple sensor functions, including gesture sensing and biometric data detection, with improved performance and resilience to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system includes a substrate, a first received antenna, a second receive antenna, and radio frequency (RF) circuitry
Implementation Method 2
the first receive antenna is configured to receive a first reflected RF signal. The second receive antenna is configured to receive a second reflected RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An earphone device includes a housing comprising a top region and a bottom region, an acoustic transducer disposed in the bottom region of the housing, and a radar system disposed in the top region of the housing. The radar system includes a first side and an opposite second side. The radar system is configured to detect a first object located on the first side of the radar system, and detect biometric data from a second object located on the second side of the radar system.