Portable mmWave Imaging Using Multipath ToF and AoA Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies using smartphones suffer from inaccuracies due to limited RF bandwidth and physical obstructions, leading to poor position location estimates, especially when objects or people move around, and there is a need for improved real-time imaging and position location using portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mmWave RF radiation for beam steering and frequency sweeping, combined with adaptive antenna arrays, to generate images or videos of the environment by analyzing reflections and scattering events, determining object positions, and tracking movements using phase, time of arrival, and angle of arrival information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF bandwidth is limited for portable device imaging, then device portability and power consumption are improved, but measurement precision and imaging accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into an array configuration, where each antenna element processes a portion of the wide bandwidth signal. This merging approach enables the system to achieve high measurement precision through coherent integration of signals across multiple antennas, while distributing the bandwidth processing load to manage device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wide bandwidth RF signal is segmented into multiple sub-bands, with each antenna element or antenna group processing a specific frequency range. This segmentation allows the system to handle wide bandwidth requirements by dividing the processing task across multiple channels, thereby maintaining measurement precision without overwhelming single-component complexity.
2Measurement precision
If directional multi-element antenna arrays are used to improve position location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform spacing between antenna elements, where the spacing varies locally across the array rather than being uniform. This local quality variation allows the system to achieve high angular resolution and measurement precision in specific directions of interest, while minimizing the overall physical footprint of the antenna array by concentrating elements where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are arranged in a nested or hierarchical configuration, where smaller antenna structures are integrated within or alongside larger ones. This nesting approach enables the system to achieve directional multi-element functionality with reduced overall area, as multiple antenna functions are packed into a compact spatial arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical obstructions are present in the environment, then imaging of hidden objects becomes possible, but signal strength and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to path loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of physical obstructions into a beneficial feature by utilizing multipath propagation. Instead of treating signal reflections and scatterings from obstructions as noise to be eliminated, the system processes these multipath components to extract spatial information about objects behind obstructions, thereby achieving imaging capability through walls and barriers while maintaining signal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing algorithms and beamforming techniques as intermediaries between the transmitted RF signals and the received multipath components. These intermediary processing steps enhance the weak reflected and scattered signals from obstructions, extracting usable imaging information while compensating for path loss and maintaining measurement reliability.
4Productivity
If objects or people move around in the environment, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but position location accuracy deteriorates due to dynamic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming and signal processing that adapts in real-time to moving objects. The system continuously adjusts beam directions and processing parameters based on detected object motion, enabling real-time tracking capability while maintaining measurement precision through adaptive compensation for dynamic environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detected object positions and motion patterns are fed back into the signal processing algorithm. This feedback loop allows the system to predict and compensate for motion-induced accuracy degradation, maintaining high position location accuracy even as objects and people move throughout the imaging environment.
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 accurate real-time imaging and position location of objects and people, even behind obstructions, by leveraging wide bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies, allowing for precise mapping and tracking of environments.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first radiofrequency (RF) radiation based on beam steering or frequency sweeping using a wireless transmitter
Implementation Method 2
generating a first radiofrequency (RF) radiation based on beam steering or frequency sweeping using a wireless transmitter
Implementation Method 3
The second mmWave RF radiation may be the result of the first mmWave RF radiation suffering one or more reflections or scattering events off materials in the environment
Implementation Method 4
The second mmWave RF radiation may be the result of the first mmWave RF radiation suffering one or more reflections or scattering events off materials in the environment
Implementation Method 5
A wireless receiver can be provided, which can include an adaptive antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for selecting at least one location of (i) at least one receiver or transceiver or (ii) at least one transmitter or transceiver can be provided. For example, it is possible to facilitate a receipt, from the at least one transmitter or transceiver, of a plurality of signals by the receiver(s) or transceiver(s). Each of the signals has a multipath component. Then, it is possible to determine time of flight (ToF) information and angle of arrival (AoA) information of the multipath components present in the signals. Further, it is possible to determine one or more possible locations of (i) the receiver(s) or transceiver(s) or (ii) the transmitter(s) or transceiver(s) based on the ToF information, the AoA information, and a model of physical surroundings. The location(s) of (i) the receiver(s) or transceiver(s), or (ii) the transmitter(s) or transceiver(s) can be selected based on the one or more possible locations and an extended Kalman filter (“EKF”).