FMCW Radar Integration for Handheld Spatial Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld electronic devices lack integrated radar capabilities for measuring distance, speed, and acceleration, limiting their functionality in applications requiring spatial awareness.
Innovation Solution
Integration of Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) or step frequency radar systems within handheld devices, including phased-array configurations, which consist of receiver and transmitter antenna elements and an integrated circuit module, coupled with an interface unit for bidirectional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar capabilities are integrated into handheld electronic devices, then spatial awareness and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar transmitter, radar receiver, and processing circuits into an integrated radar module that can be incorporated into handheld electronic devices. This merging of components resolves the technical contradiction by achieving precise distance, speed, and acceleration measurements through integrated radar functionality while managing device complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FMCW radar with multiple antenna elements is integrated, then field-of-view and focusing capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple discrete antenna elements (transmitting and receiving) that can be independently controlled and processed. This segmentation enables enhanced field-of-view and focusing capabilities through phased array techniques while managing complexity by treating each element as a separate controllable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit module serves multiple functions including signal generation, signal reception, processing, and control of the phased array elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving versatile field-of-view and focusing capabilities through a single integrated module rather than separate dedicated components for each function.
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
Enables handheld devices to measure distance, speed, and acceleration of target objects, enhancing their spatial awareness and application potential with improved field-of-view and focusing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Frequency-modulated (FMCW) continuous-wave radar is a relatively short range measuring radar capable of determining distance, velocity and acceleration
Implementation Method 2
Frequency-modulated (FMCW) continuous-wave radar
Implementation Method 3
handheld electronic device comprising a phased-array Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave radar (FMCW)
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising: a housing mountable on a back surface of a handheld electronic device; a radar coupled with the housing, the radar comprising: (a) a receiver unit comprising at least one receiving antenna element; (b) a transmitter unit comprising at least one transmitting antenna element; an integrated circuit (IC) module; and an interface unit configured to operatively couple the radar with the handheld electronic device.