Radar Occupant Counting with Region Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to accurately and economically monitor the number of people in specific regions of interest within a space, leading to inefficiencies in occupant-driven control measures and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
An occupant detection device comprising a radar detection circuit and a control circuit that determines the location of occupants in a space relative to a first coordinate system, converts it to a second coordinate system associated with a region of interest, and adjusts occupant counts based on entry or exit from that region, using an offset vector and rotation angle to align coordinate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional occupancy detection methods are used, then privacy concerns are raised, but the ability to accurately monitor specific regions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is divided into multiple regions of interest, each with its own coordinate system and detection parameters. This allows selective monitoring of specific areas while maintaining privacy in other zones, resolving the contradiction between accurate regional monitoring and privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection sensitivities and methods are applied to different regions based on their specific requirements. High-precision detection is used only where necessary, while other areas use less intrusive methods, achieving accurate monitoring where needed without compromising privacy elsewhere.
2Measurement precision
If multiple coordinate systems are implemented for region-specific monitoring, then regional occupancy accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A coordinate transformation module acts as an intermediary between different coordinate systems, automatically converting detection data from various regions to a unified reference frame. This mediator handles the complexity of multiple coordinate systems while presenting a simplified interface to the control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts coordinate system parameters and transformation matrices based on the specific region being monitored. By changing parameters rather than maintaining fixed complex structures, the system achieves regional precision while managing complexity through adaptive parameter configuration.
3Measurement precision
If real-time coordinate transformation is performed for each occupant, then regional monitoring accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Coordinate transformation matrices and region boundary data are pre-calculated and stored during system initialization. This preliminary preparation allows the system to perform simple lookups and straightforward transformations during real-time operation, maintaining accuracy while minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs coordinate transformations only when necessary - specifically when an occupant enters or exits a region of interest. For occupants remaining within a region, the system uses cached position data without repeated transformations, achieving sufficient accuracy while reducing processing overhead.
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 precise monitoring of occupant counts within specific regions, improving energy control, air quality management, and space utilization while minimizing privacy concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The occupant detection device may comprise an occupant detection circuit (e.g., a radar detection circuit)
Data Source
AI summary
A device (e.g., sensor) may include an occupant detection circuit (e.g., a radar occupant detection circuit) and a control circuit. The occupant detection circuit may determine the location of an occupant in a space with reference to a global coordinate associated with the detection circuit and the control circuit may transform the location of the occupant into a local coordinate system associated with a region of interest in the space. The control circuit may use the location information to determine whether the occupant has entered or left the region of interest and adjust an occupant count for the region of interest based on the determination. The control circuit may acquire knowledge about the region of interest during a configuration or commissioning procedure.