Hybrid FMCW-Interferometry Radar for Range and Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave radar sensors face challenges in providing sufficient range detection and displacement monitoring accuracy at a low cost, with limitations in distinguishing multiple targets and handling real-time individual life activities, due to high frequency and wide bandwidth requirements, complexity, and high attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid radar system integrating frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and interferometry modes, using a time division system that switches between FMCW for range detection and interferometry for physiological motion monitoring, with high isolation antennas and mechanical rotation for 360° scanning, enabling differentiation of living organisms from stationary clutter based on phase history and Doppler information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high frequency and wide bandwidth are used to improve range resolution, then range detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar operation into two distinct modes: FMCW mode for range detection and interferometry mode for displacement monitoring. This segmentation allows each mode to use optimized frequency and bandwidth settings, avoiding the need for continuously high frequency and wide bandwidth operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high measurement precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system periodically switches between FMCW and interferometry modes in a time-division manner. During FMCW mode, the system uses wide bandwidth for range detection; during interferometry mode, it uses continuous wave for displacement monitoring. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high range resolution when required without maintaining high complexity continuously.
2Measurement precision
If Doppler radar is used to improve displacement measurement precision, then displacement monitoring accuracy is improved, but range detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring functions into two separate radar modes: interferometry mode specifically for displacement monitoring with high precision, and FMCW mode for range detection. This segmentation ensures that displacement monitoring accuracy is improved through interferometry while range information is preserved through FMCW operations, eliminating the trade-off present in pure Doppler radar systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both interferometry mode for displacement monitoring and FMCW mode for range detection. This universal design allows the single system to provide both high displacement monitoring accuracy and complete range information without requiring separate dedicated systems.
3Loss of information
If FMCW radar is used to improve range detection, then range information is provided, but displacement monitoring precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational modes to assign specific functions: FMCW mode is dedicated to range detection providing accurate range information, while interferometry mode is dedicated to displacement monitoring providing high precision measurements. This functional segmentation ensures that each measurement type is optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically alternates between FMCW mode for range information gathering and interferometry mode for precise displacement monitoring. This periodic switching ensures that both range information and displacement monitoring precision are maintained at optimal levels through dedicated operational phases for each function.
4Measurement precision
If interferometry mode is used to improve displacement measurement, then physiological motion monitoring is improved, but range detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar functionality into interferometry mode optimized for physiological motion monitoring with high precision, and FMCW mode optimized for range detection. This segmentation allows physiological motion monitoring to be improved through dedicated interferometry operations while range information is preserved through separate FMCW operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed as a multi-functional hybrid system that can operate in both interferometry mode for physiological motion monitoring and FMCW mode for range detection. This universal capability ensures that the system provides both high-precision physiological motion monitoring and complete range information without requiring separate dedicated systems.
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 system achieves precise two-dimensional positioning and life activities surveillance, providing accurate range and displacement information, recognizing gestures, and controlling devices non-contactually, while minimizing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW)
Implementation Method 2
Doppler and micro-Doppler characteristics reveal extra details of motion
Implementation Method 3
interferometry mode is for tiny physiological motion monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for a hybrid radar system that integrates frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) mode and interferometry mode. The radar works as a time division system that continuously switches between the FMCW mode and interferometry mode. The FMCW mode is responsible for absolute range detection and the interferometry mode takes cares of the weak physiological movement monitoring. The respective accuracies in range detection and displacement measurement complements the advantages of the two radar modes, providing versatile performance. By steering the antenna beam, the proposed radar system becomes an ideal solution for indoor health care, human localization, and human-computer interaction. Objects or human targets with or without stationary clutters can be precisely located. At the same time, the targets' vital signs and gestures can be monitored.