mmWave Radar Position Estimation Using Segmented Transmitter Receiver Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position estimation methods face challenges in accurately determining an object's position due to mutual coupling between transmitter and receiver antennas in mmWave signaling, which complicates the detection of reflected signals and results in position ambiguity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple transmitter/receiver pairs separated from each other to minimize mutual coupling, allowing for the determination of an object's position by calculating round-trip times and using ellipses or ellipsoids to resolve position ambiguity in two or three dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transmitter/receiver pair is used for position estimation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates due to position ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single transmitter/receiver unit into multiple segmented transmitter/receiver pairs positioned at different locations. Each pair provides an independent measurement, and the combination of multiple measurements eliminates the position ambiguity that plagues single-pair systems, thereby improving position determination accuracy without requiring a single overly complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-pair measurement (providing limited dimensional information) to multiple pairs positioned in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to resolve ambiguities by incorporating measurements from multiple angles and positions, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the position estimation process.
2Volume of moving object
If transmitter and receiver antennas are placed close together, then the device size is reduced, but mutual coupling between antennas increases, degrading signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the antenna functions across multiple transmitter/receiver pairs distributed throughout the device. By separating transmitters and receivers into distinct pairs positioned at different locations, the design reduces mutual coupling between co-located antennas while maintaining a compact overall device form factor through distributed rather than centralized antenna placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple intermediate transmitter and receiver elements as mediators between the signal source and the target object. These intermediate elements are spatially distributed to minimize direct mutual coupling while still enabling effective signal transmission and reception, thereby improving reflected signal detection capability without increasing device size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter/receiver pairs are used to resolve position ambiguity, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal architecture where multiple transmitter/receiver pairs share common control and processing resources. Each pair can independently perform position estimation, and the system selectively activates or combines pairs based on operational requirements, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for dedicated specialized components for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functionality of multiple transmitter/receiver pairs into a unified position estimation framework. By combining measurements from multiple pairs and processing them through a common control system, the patent achieves high position determination accuracy while managing device complexity through resource sharing and integrated processing rather than completely independent 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
This approach effectively minimizes the impact of mutual coupling, enabling accurate object position determination by resolving position ambiguity in multiple dimensions, and can be used for compliance with MPE requirements and 5G communication.
Implementation Method 1
a first round-trip time for a first reflection from an object proximate the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
obtaining, via a first transmitter/receiver pair, a first round-trip time for a first reflection from an object proximate the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Some disclosed devices include a plurality of transmitter/receiver pairs configured for transmitting and receiving millimeter wave (mmWave) radar and a control system configured for obtaining, via a first transmitter/receiver pair, a first round-trip time for a first reflection from an object proximate the apparatus. The control system may be configured for obtaining, via a second transmitter/receiver pair, a second round-trip time for a second reflection from the object and for determining a position of the object based, at least in part, on the first round-trip time and the second round-trip time.