FMCW Radar Transceiver for MPE Compliance via Vital Signs Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation wireless communication systems using millimeter-wave signals face challenges in balancing performance with maximum permissible exposure (MPE) compliance due to high path loss and regulatory constraints, particularly in devices with cost and size considerations, where existing proximity detection methods are often bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wireless transceiver with integrated frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar functionality to detect vital signs and adjust transmission parameters, such as power levels, based on the presence and classification of objects, allowing for real-time MPE compliance without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transmit power levels are increased to compensate for high path loss in millimeter-wave signals, then communication performance is improved, but maximum permissible exposure (MPE) compliance becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of human presence and vital signs before establishing full-power communication. By detecting heartbeat and respiration patterns through radar signals in advance, the system can determine whether a human is present and adjust transmit power accordingly, preventing excessive RF exposure before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors reflected radar signals for vital sign patterns and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust transmit power levels. When heartbeat or respiration patterns are detected, the system reduces power to comply with MPE limits; when no human presence is detected, full power can be used for optimal communication performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated proximity detection sensors are added to ensure MPE compliance, then safety is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication transceiver performs dual functions: both communication and proximity detection with vital sign monitoring. The same antenna and signal processing circuitry used for wireless communication are leveraged to detect reflected radar signals containing heartbeat and respiration patterns, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the communication transceiver and proximity detection functionality into a single integrated system. By merging these functions, the system achieves MPE compliance without adding separate sensors, reducing device complexity, cost, and size while maintaining both communication and safety functions
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 efficient MPE compliance by accurately detecting human vital signs and adjusting transmission parameters, optimizing power usage while reducing the need for costly and bulky proximity detection sensors, thereby enhancing device performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A transceiver can also leverage mmW signaling to detect objects (e.g., objects or subjects nearby or otherwise positioned away from a device embodiment)
Implementation Method 2
In some aspects, the disclosure provides a method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for detecting vital signs of a target object. For example, an apparatus may transmit a plurality of detection signals and receive a plurality of reflection signals reflected from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to radar-based signaling for detecting, measuring, and/or characterizing a target object. An electronic device may transmit a plurality of detection signals and receive a plurality of reflection signals reflected from the target object. The electronic device then processes the plurality of reflection signals to extract one or more parameters of the target object. Based on the reflection signals, the device can measure and/or characterize the target object, e.g., to obtain a heart rate and/or breathing rate. In other examples, the device may determine whether the reflection signals indicate human vital signs, such as a heart rate or breathing. The electronic device may then adjust at least one transmission parameter based on whether human vital signs are detected at the target object, and transmit the adjusted signal using the transmission parameter. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.