Elevator Action Control Using Radar Micro-Doppler Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems with multiple sensors for object detection become complex and expensive, and camera-based solutions raise privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing radar sensors to obtain micro-Doppler signatures of moving objects within an elevator car for classification and performing elevator actions based on these signatures, such as detecting entrapment, prohibited items, or adjusting door times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added to detect different characteristics, then the sensing capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor is designed to perform multiple sensing functions using a single device. By analyzing micro-Doppler signatures, the same radar sensor can detect object presence, classify object types (person, animal, vehicle, prohibited object), and determine movement characteristics, replacing what would traditionally require multiple different sensor types
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the analysis parameters of the radar sensor output to achieve different sensing functions. By processing the micro-Doppler signatures with different classification algorithms and analysis methods, the system extracts different types of information from the same raw sensor data, enabling versatile detection capabilities
2Loss of information
If camera-based solutions are used for object detection, then visual information is obtained, but privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/mechanical sensing (camera) with electromagnetic sensing (radar). The radar sensor detects objects through electromagnetic wave reflection and analyzes micro-Doppler signatures, providing object detection and classification capabilities without capturing visual images, thereby eliminating privacy concerns while maintaining detection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-Doppler signature analysis serves as an intermediary that extracts essential object information without direct visual observation. The radar detects subtle motion patterns and characteristics of objects, allowing the system to understand object presence and type without ever capturing or processing visual data that would raise privacy issues
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
Provides efficient, cost-effective, and privacy-preserving object detection in elevators by using radar sensors, enabling actions like alerting entrapment, stopping the elevator, or adjusting door times based on object type.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing the sensor data to provide micro-Doppler signatures of at least one moving object associated with the elevator car
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a solution in which sensor data may be obtained from at least one radar sensor arranged in an elevator car. Micro-Doppler signatures of at least one moving object associated with the elevator car may be determined based on the sensor data and the at least one moving object associated with the elevator car may be classified into at least one type based on their micro-Doppler signatures. An elevator associated action may then be performed based on the classifying.