RF Antenna Array Occupancy Detection via Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupancy detection methods are inadequate in accurately determining changes in a predetermined area using radio frequency signals, as they fail to reliably differentiate between baseline and new signal characteristics, leading to incorrect occupancy assessments.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array is employed to receive and compare baseline and new radio frequency signals, measuring characteristics such as amplitude, origin, and frequency to detect changes exceeding a threshold, indicating a change in occupancy, and execute corresponding actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency signals are used for occupancy detection, then the detection can be performed remotely and non-invasively, but the system fails to reliably differentiate between baseline and new signal characteristics leading to incorrect occupancy assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the occupancy detection process into distinct phases: baseline signal characterization and new signal comparison. By dividing the signal analysis into separate measurable components (baseline amplitude, baseline frequency, new amplitude, new frequency), the system can systematically compare each parameter to determine occupancy changes, thereby improving both reliability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a baseline signal profile before occupancy detection begins. This baseline characterization (measuring amplitude, frequency, and other characteristics during an empty state) is performed in advance, allowing the system to later compare new signals against this pre-established reference to accurately detect occupancy changes
2Measurement precision
If the antenna array compares multiple signal characteristics to detect occupancy changes, then the detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array system performs multiple functions using the same hardware components: it measures amplitude, frequency, and other signal characteristics simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather comprehensive occupancy information without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each measurement type, thereby improving detection accuracy while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing radio frequency environment and natural signal reflections off objects as its detection mechanism. Rather than requiring complex active sensing hardware, the system passively monitors and compares RF signal characteristics that already exist in the environment, allowing accurate occupancy detection while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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
This method effectively detects changes in occupancy by accurately comparing signal characteristics, enabling reliable updates in content display or device operations based on the presence or absence of individuals within the monitored area.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array may be provided and configured to detect radio frequency (RF) signals within a predetermined area
Implementation Method 2
interference may be caused by an object that absorbs or reflects RF signals in the predetermined area
Implementation Method 3
interference may be caused by an object that absorbs or reflects RF signals in the predetermined area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to occupancy detection, and more particularly to detecting a change in the occupancy of a predetermined area using a passive antenna array. In certain embodiments, baseline signals may be received by an antenna array associated with a display device. The baseline signals may analyzed to detect a baseline of radio frequency signals present in a predetermined area. New radio frequency signals may be received at a later time. The new signals may be analyzed to reveal characteristics of the new signals. Characteristics of the new signals may be compare to characteristics of the baseline signals to determine if the new signals differ from the baselines signals by more than a threshold amount. One or more actions may be executed in response to determining that the new signals differ from the baseline signals by more than the threshold amount.