Millimeter-Wave Object Sensing With Adaptive Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately recognizing the surrounding environment and identifying user gestures or faces due to limitations in signal transmission and processing, particularly when non-light transmissive materials obstruct light-based sensors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device utilizing a millimeter wave system with a first and second antenna array, a communication circuit, and processors to output signals, determine distances, and identify object attributes based on reflection signals, while adjusting signal output periods to balance information acquisition and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the signal output period decreases or the number of outputs increases to obtain more information about the surrounding environment, then the measurement precision and quantity of information improve, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of signal output parameters based on detected object distance. When an object is detected within a first threshold distance, the system increases signal output frequency and decreases output period to enhance recognition accuracy. When objects are beyond the threshold, the system reduces signal output to conserve power, creating a dynamic adaptation between measurement precision and energy consumption based on real-time environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operating parameters (signal output period, number of outputs, transmission power) based on detected distance thresholds. By monitoring object proximity and adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between obtaining sufficient reflection signals for accurate environment recognition and minimizing power consumption during different operational states
2Measurement precision
If light-based sensors (proximity sensor or ToF sensor) are covered with light transmissive material or exposed at the front top to function properly, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and design constraints increase due to the requirement for light transmissive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces light-based sensing mechanisms (proximity sensors and ToF sensors requiring light transmissive materials) with millimeter wave-based detection using antenna arrays. This substitution eliminates the need for light transmissive covers and complex sensor placement constraints, as millimeter waves can penetrate or reflect off non-light transmissive materials, simplifying the device structure while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces millimeter wave signals as an intermediary detection mechanism that can function through or around non-light transmissive materials. Instead of requiring direct optical paths, the system uses electromagnetic waves in the millimeter wave band that interact differently with materials, allowing sensors to be positioned behind displays or other non-transmissive structures while still achieving accurate object detection
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
The electronic device effectively recognizes surrounding objects and identifies user gestures or faces with enhanced accuracy and security, while optimizing power consumption by adjusting signal output periods based on object distance.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection signal of the first signal reflected by an object, is received through the second antenna array
Implementation Method 2
The electronic device may operate as a radar to recognize the surrounding environment. To recognize the surrounding environment, the electronic device may emit a signal, and detect the distance to an object positioned around, using the signal reflected by the object and received.
Implementation Method 3
A millimeter wave may include a signal using a broad bandwidth from a frequency band of 30 GHz to 300 GHz to several GHz. In general, a signal with a high frequency band (that is, a high frequency) has high transmissivity through an obstacle, high straightness and accuracy (in other words, time resolution or range resolution) and may thus be used as radar signal.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device using a millimeter wave comprises: a first antenna array; a second antenna array; a communication circuit; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to: control the communication circuit to output a first signal through the first antenna array; when a first reflected signal acquired from the first signal reflected by an object is received through the second antenna array, determine the range between the object and the electronic device on the basis of the first reflected signal; determine an output period of a second signal on the basis of the determined range; control the communication circuit to output the second signal through the first antenna array according to the determined output period; and when a second reflected signal acquired from the second signal reflected by the object is received through the second antenna array, identify an attribute of the object on the basis of the second reflected signal. Various other embodiments may be possible.