Mesh Network RF Sensing for Device-Free Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detection and presence detection technologies are susceptible to false hits due to factors like wind, temperature changes, obstructions, and small animals, and raise privacy concerns, especially when imaging is involved.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network RF sensing technology that uses a peer-to-peer mesh detection network with wireless nodes to detect and quantify motion and presence by measuring changes in signal strength, allowing for continuous aggregate statistics and intelligent alarm triggering without the need for predefined node locations or link configurations, and can self-form and self-heal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing motion detection technologies are used, then motion detection capability is provided, but false alarms increase due to environmental factors like wind, temperature changes, and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection space into multiple RF signal paths between pairs of nodes in a mesh network. Each signal path independently monitors for disturbances, and the system aggregates data from multiple paths to distinguish true motion from environmental interference, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines measurements from multiple RF signal paths and node pairs to create an aggregate view of the monitored space. By merging data from redundant measurement channels, the system can filter out environmental noise (wind, temperature changes) that affects individual paths differently, while true motion events consistently affect multiple paths, thus improving reliability and reducing false alarms
2Measurement precision
If imaging technologies are used for presence detection, then detection capability is improved, but privacy concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces imaging-based detection (optical/mechanical systems) with RF-based detection. RF signals penetrate obstacles and detect presence through changes in signal characteristics caused by human bodies, providing accurate presence detection without capturing visual images, thus eliminating privacy concerns associated with imaging technologies
3Ease of manufacture
If predefined node locations and link configurations are used, then system setup is simplified, but adaptability to dynamic environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic node discovery and automatic link configuration, where nodes autonomously discover each other and establish signal paths based on current environmental conditions. The mesh network dynamically adjusts its topology and signal paths in response to environmental changes, maintaining adaptability while keeping setup simple through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables nodes to self-configure and self-organize into a functional mesh network without manual intervention. Nodes automatically discover neighboring nodes, establish RF signal paths, and adapt the network topology to environmental conditions, providing both ease of deployment and continuous environmental adaptability through self-service mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If a mesh network with multiple nodes is deployed, then detection accuracy improves through aggregate statistics, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the mesh network is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can act as both transmitter and receiver, discover other nodes automatically, establish multiple signal paths, and participate in aggregate statistics calculation. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture despite having multiple nodes, as each node performs the same set of functions rather than requiring specialized roles
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
This solution reduces false alarms and privacy concerns by providing accurate motion and presence detection within an area of interest, filtering out predictable movements, and allowing for dynamic network adjustments, enhancing detection accuracy and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
A mesh network RF sensing technology that uses a peer-to-peer mesh detection network with wireless nodes to detect and quantify motion and presence by measuring changes in signal strength
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for device-free motion detection and presence detection within an area of interest. A plurality of nodes, configured to be arranged around the area of interest, form a wireless network. The plurality of nodes transmit wireless signals as radio waves and receive transmitted wireless signals. The received signal strength (RSS) of the transmitted wireless signals between the plurality of nodes are measured and a value is reported. A computing device receives the reported values for the measured RSS and tracks the reported values over time. The computing device processes the reported values using an aggregate disturbance calculation to detect motion and presence within the area of interest. The computing device may notify notification device of a detected disturbance within the area of interest.