RF Antenna Object Detection via Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices, such as mobile phones, face physical and cost constraints when trying to incorporate new features like object detection without increasing their form factor or adding extra hardware components.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing existing RF antennas for both primary communication functions and secondary object detection purposes, using RF signals to create emission patterns that allow for the analysis of reflected radiation to determine object presence and properties, thereby enabling automated responses without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware components are added to enable object detection functionality, then the device's functionality is improved, but the device's form factor and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing RF antennas and transceivers originally designed for wireless communication to also perform object detection functions. By using the same hardware components for both communication and detection tasks, the patent avoids adding extra hardware while enabling new functionality. The RF signals transmitted for communication are analyzed to detect objects, their presence, size, and motion characteristics, thus making the existing components multi-functional.
2Device complexity
If existing RF antennas are repurposed for object detection, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of object detection measurements may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RF signals as an intermediary to bridge the gap between the existing communication infrastructure and object detection requirements. The transmitted RF signals serve dual purposes: maintaining communication functionality while providing the carrier waves necessary for detecting objects. By analyzing reflections and interference patterns of these RF signals, the system extracts object information without requiring dedicated detection hardware, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing complexity.
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 efficient object detection and property analysis within mobile devices, allowing for enhanced functionality without altering the device's form factor or increasing costs, by utilizing existing RF antennas for both communication and detection tasks.
Implementation Method 1
an emission pattern for the secondary purpose of enabling object detection. If an object is present, then the RF beam is reflected and can be received by the mobile device in the form of a reflected radiation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments transmit a radio-frequency ("RF") beam using two or more RF antennas of a mobile device, e.g. a mobile phone. The RF signals that make up the RF beam are selected to create an emission pattern associated with object detection. Some of the RF antennas can be multi-purpose, where in addition to transmitting the RF beam, the antennas are used for RF communications. Upon receiving a reflected radiation pattern of the RF beam from an object, the reflected radiation pattern is analyzed to identify characteristics of the object. Depending upon what characteristics have been identified, one or more actions can be automatically performed.