Microwave Sensor Device Dual-Function Transceiver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart lighting systems require additional hardware for communication between microwave sensor devices, increasing complexity and cost, as they typically need separate units for activity detection and communication.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing the same microwave transmission and reception hardware for both activity detection and signal communication by mimicking activity detection signals for communication, allowing existing devices to be reused with minimal adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate RF communications system is added for communication between lighting devices, then communication capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microwave transceiver is designed to perform dual functions: activity detection (by receiving reflected microwave signals) and communication (by transmitting and receiving communication signals). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate RF communication hardware, resolving the contradiction between improving communication capability and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the communication function with the existing microwave sensor hardware by making the microwave transceiver serve both as an activity detector and a communication device. The control unit generates communication signals using the same transceiver that detects activity, merging previously separate functions into a single integrated component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If presence detector uses first signal frequency for activity detection and second sweeping frequency for communication, then communication function is added, but hardware requirements increase due to need for two monitoring units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own microwave transceiver to generate communication signals rather than requiring external communication hardware. The control unit generates communication signals that are transmitted through the same microwave transceiver used for activity detection, allowing the system to communicate with itself without additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach simplifies the hardware required for communication between microwave sensor devices, enabling efficient and cost-effective implementation while maintaining the original sensing function, and allowing for bidirectional communication without interfering with the sensing functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a microwave transceiver for transmitting a microwave transmit signal and for receiving a microwave receive signal which is a reflection of the microwave transmit signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

receiving a microwave receive signal which is a reflection of the microwave transmit signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a detector for processing the microwave transmit signal and the microwave receive signal thereby to detect activity based on a first characteristic difference between the microwave transmit signal and the microwave receive signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3837924B1Microwave sensor device, and sensing methods, and lighting system using the sensor device

Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

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AI summary

A microwave sensor device is for detecting activity and for sending and/or receiving a communications signal to/from a second microwave sensor device. A microwave transceiver is used for transmitting a microwave transmit signal and for receiving a microwave receive signal. For motion detection, the microwave receive signal is a reflected version of the microwave transmit signal and the signals are processed to identify first signal characteristics. For communication, the microwave transmit signal is a communications signal for detection at another sensor device. The transmit and microwave receive signals are processed to identify second characteristics. This sensor device detects motion and also transmits and/or receives a communications signal using the same transceiver. In particular, the communications signal is designed to be detected by a remote sensor device in the same way as for motion detection.