Microwave Sensor Device Sharing Transceiver for Motion Detection and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart lighting systems require additional RF communication systems for inter-device communication, increasing complexity and cost, while existing microwave sensor solutions often need separate hardware 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an extra RF communications system is required for inter-device communication, then communication functionality is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: activity detection (transmitting microwave signals and receiving reflections) and communication (transmitting communication signals to other sensor devices). By making the same hardware component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate RF communication systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing microwave transceiver hardware. Instead of adding a separate communication system, the communication signals are transmitted through the same microwave transceiver that is already used for activity detection, combining two functions into a single hardware component
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware is used for activity detection and communication, then both functions can be performed, but hardware requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: activity detection (transmitting microwave signals and receiving reflections) and communication (transmitting communication signals to other sensor devices). By making the same hardware component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate RF communication systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing microwave transceiver hardware. Instead of adding a separate communication system, the communication signals are transmitted through the same microwave transceiver that is already used for activity detection, combining two functions into a single hardware component
3Device complexity
If the same transceiver is used for both motion detection and communication, then hardware is simplified, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses time-division multiplexing where the microwave transceiver alternates between transmitting activity detection signals and communication signals in periodic time slots. This periodic switching allows the same hardware to perform different functions without simultaneous signal interference, maintaining both detection accuracy and communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational timeline into distinct periods for activity detection and communication functions. By dividing the time domain, the system prevents signal overlap and interference while using the same transceiver hardware for both purposes, thus maintaining signal detection accuracy
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, reduces system complexity and cost, and maintains the original sensing function of microwave sensor devices by using the same transceiver for both motion detection and communication, enabling efficient data transmission between sensor devices.
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
Implementation Method 2
receiving a microwave receive signal which is a reflection of the microwave transmit signal
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
Data Source
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.