Millimeter-Wave Beam Scanning for Low-Light Object Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in authenticating objects, particularly under varying brightness conditions, as existing methods using RGB cameras and depth cameras are vulnerable to spoofing attacks and require multiple camera modules, and ambient brightness affects their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device employing an antenna array and wireless communication module to transmit directional beams, scan regions, and receive reflected waves for object authentication, with a sensor module to adjust authentication methods based on brightness levels, using either millimeter-wave technology or camera images depending on ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple camera modules (RGB camera and depth camera) are used for object authentication, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of multiple camera modules with an electromagnetic wave-based antenna array system. The antenna array transmits and receives radio waves to perform authentication, eliminating the need for complex camera hardware while maintaining authentication reliability through signal processing and beamforming techniques.
2Ease of manufacture
If camera-based authentication is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different brightness conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameter from optical wavelength (camera) to radio wave wavelength (antenna array). This parameter change enables the system to operate independently of visible light conditions, allowing authentication to proceed reliably in both bright and dark environments without being constrained by ambient brightness levels.
3Speed
If wide beam width is used for scanning, then scanning speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct phases: a first phase using wide beams for rapid coarse scanning to locate potential target regions, and a second phase using narrow beams for precise measurement and authentication. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast scanning speed and high measurement precision by applying different beam widths appropriately at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam width based on the authentication stage. The beam width transitions from wide in the first phase to narrow in the second phase, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific task - rapid coverage initially, then precise measurement subsequently - rather than being constrained by a fixed beam width.
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 secure and efficient object authentication without the need for multiple camera modules, effectively handling low brightness scenarios through millimeter-wave technology and utilizing camera images when brightness is sufficient, thereby enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a sequence of first directional beams having a first beam width to scan first regions
Implementation Method 2
receiving a sequence of first reflected waves generated by reflection of the sequence of the first directional beams from an object
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises an antenna array, a wireless communication module electrically connected to the antenna array and configured to form directional beams through the antenna array, at least one processor operatively connected to the wireless communication module; and a memory operatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions causing the at least one processor to perform a plurality of operations comprising: transmitting a sequence of first directional beams having a first beam width to scan first regions having a first size through the antenna array, receiving a sequence of first reflected waves generated by reflection of the sequence of the first directional beams from an object through the antenna array, transmitting a sequence of second directional beams having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width to scan second regions, which are included in the first regions and have a second size smaller than the first size, through the antenna array based on at least a portion of the received sequence of the first reflected waves, receiving a sequence of second reflected waves generated by reflection of the sequence of the second directional beams from the object through the antenna array, and authenticating the object based on at least a portion of the sequence of the second reflected waves.