RF Environment Mapping from Body Trajectories Without Manual Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning technologies, such as RFID tags and radar systems, require the tracked body to carry a device and necessitate a manual setup phase to define environment boundaries, limiting their effectiveness in environments with shared dwelling units and providing limited information from single sensors.
Innovation Solution
Mapping a given environment by analyzing a body's localization habits and trajectory within it, using radio frequency signals and machine learning algorithms to define boundaries and zones without manual setup, allowing for 'drop-and-play' system usability and enhanced tracking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags or GPS devices are used for tracking, then body positioning can be achieved, but the tracked body must carry the tracking device which is inconvenient and renders the system useless if the device is not on the body
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables passive tracking where the environment itself provides the tracking infrastructure. The body is tracked by the environment (through radar signals reflected from the body) rather than the body carrying an active tracking device, making the system self-sufficient and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wearable tracking device approach with an electromagnetic field-based radar system. Instead of using physical tags or GPS devices attached to the body, the system uses radio frequency signals that passively detect and track the body's position through reflection.
2Measurement precision
If radar systems are used for detecting body position, then distance detection in three-dimensional space can be achieved, but triangulation requiring a plurality of units is needed for exact position which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single radar unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect distance, determine direction, and establish environment boundaries all through one device. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized units that would otherwise be required for triangulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reflected radio frequency signals as an intermediary to extract multiple pieces of information (position, boundaries, movement patterns) from a single radar unit's detection, rather than requiring multiple units to directly measure each parameter separately.
3Reliability
If manual setup phase is used to define environment boundaries and zones, then the zone within which tracking is required can be calibrated, but this is especially important in settings with shared dwelling units and requires significant configuration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the boundary definition and environment mapping actions that would otherwise require manual setup. By pre-establishing the environment map through automated detection of boundaries and zones, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration phase while maintaining reliable boundary definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system automatically maps the environment and defines boundaries and zones without human intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the physical space, identifying walls and boundaries, and creating the tracking zones autonomously, eliminating the need for manual setup.
4Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for body tracking, then the system is simpler to deploy, but limited information is available about the body's movement patterns and localization habits
Solution Approach 1:
The single radar unit continuously tracks the body's position and movement over time, accumulating data about movement patterns, localization habits, and trajectory. This continuous monitoring from one device provides comprehensive information that would otherwise require multiple sensors to capture simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from spatial distribution of multiple sensors to temporal dimension by using a single sensor that collects data over time. By analyzing the temporal sequence of detections, the system extracts rich information about movement patterns, speed, direction, and behavioral habits that compensates for using only one sensor.
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 tracking and monitoring of bodies within environments by defining boundaries and zones based on movement patterns, facilitating event detection and health monitoring, and assisting first responders without the need for manual setup or carried devices.
Implementation Method 1
Radar systems, such as those used in home surveillance, can detect an approximate distance of an object in a three-dimensional space by transmitting signals and detecting the reflected transmitted signals from the object. The transmitted and detected signals can be electromagnetic signals, such as signals within the radio frequency bandwidth.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for mapping boundaries of a given environment by a processor of a computer system, the method comprising: determining a trajectory of the body in the given environment over the given time period; and determining, based on the trajectory of the body in the given environment, one or more of an outer boundary of the given environment, and an inner boundary of the given environment. Methods and systems for mapping functionalities of a given environment executable by a processor of a computer system, the method comprising determining a pattern of movement of a body in the given environment in a given time period; and determining a functional identity of at least one zone in the given environment based on the pattern of movement of the body to obtain a mapped given environment.