Patient Monitoring Radar Scheduling to Mitigate Multi-Device Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring systems are too expensive and intrusive for residential use, and privacy concerns arise from video or audio monitoring without consent.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive patient monitoring system using passive and active motion detection devices, such as passive infrared (PIR) and millimeter wave radar, along with sound classification, to determine the need for assistance without constant power consumption, ensuring privacy and effective monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple active radar devices are deployed to monitor patient activity, then monitoring coverage and detection capability are improved, but interference between devices increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic time-division multiplexing where radar devices alternate their operation in time slots. Each radar device is activated for a predetermined time period, then deactivated while another device becomes active. This periodic activation pattern eliminates continuous interference between multiple radar devices while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage through sequential detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns active and inactive states to different radar devices based on a coordinated scheduling mechanism. The controller dynamically switches which radar device is active at any given moment, optimizing the use of multiple devices without causing interference. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adaptively manage resource usage and maintain reliable operation.
2Reliability
If radar devices operate continuously to ensure constant monitoring, then patient safety is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, radar devices operate periodically in time-division multiplexed slots. Each device is activated only during its assigned time period and remains inactive during other periods. This periodic operation maintains patient safety through continuous monitoring capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to uninterrupted operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive infrared sensors to detect motion and automatically triggers radar activation only when motion is detected. This self-service mechanism allows the radar to remain inactive during periods of no activity, conserving power, while automatically becoming active when patient movement requires monitoring, thus maintaining safety without continuous power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive infrared devices are used for motion detection, then power consumption is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive infrared devices as intermediary sensors that detect motion and serve as triggers for activating the more precise radar devices. The infrared sensor acts as a low-power front-end detector that identifies when monitoring is needed, then activates the radar intermediary to perform precise measurement only when necessary, combining the advantages of both sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of passive infrared motion detection with active radar detection into a hybrid monitoring system. The infrared sensor provides continuous low-power motion detection, while the radar device provides high-precision activity monitoring when activated. This combination allows the system to maintain detection precision through radar while keeping average power consumption low through infrared-based triggering.
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
Effectively monitors patient activity and location while maintaining privacy, reducing power consumption, and providing timely alerts to caregivers when assistance is needed.
Implementation Method 1
employing a passive motion detection device to detect motion in the environment
Implementation Method 2
active motion detection device, such as passive infrared (PIR) and millimeter wave radar
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system has a plurality of wireless communication devices in communication with a central hub, and the central hub is connected over a network to a caregiver and a server. Each wireless communication device has passive and active motion detection functionality, a loudspeaker, microphone, and duplex audio communication functionality. When a passive motion detector on one of the wireless communication devices detects motion, that wireless communication devices transition from an inactive to an active state, and remains in the active state while motion is detected. While in the active state, the audio communications functionality is operational and the microphone starts to capture sound.