RF In-Wall Imaging Using Position Markers for Material Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF imaging devices fail to accurately identify positions of objects behind surfaces and do not effectively characterize material composition, leading to increased labor and equipment costs in building maintenance and remodeling.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) imaging device equipped with an RF sensor assembly, position sensor, and processor that captures RF images and determines the device's position relative to a surface using position markers, allowing for the assembly of panoramic RF images and material differentiation based on unique RF signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercially available devices such as stud finders are used to identify positions behind walls, then the devices can detect objects behind surfaces, but the position identification accuracy is insufficient and material composition cannot be characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The RF sensor assembly is divided into multiple independently operable RF sensors that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple RF images from different positions and process them separately to determine both precise position information and material composition characteristics through angle of arrival calculations and RF signature analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes RF parameters by selectively operating different RF sensors at different positions and analyzing angle of arrival of RF signals. This parameter change approach enables the determination of both position coordinates and material composition by examining how RF signals interact with different materials behind the surface.
2Measurement precision
If multiple RF images are captured at different positions to improve positioning accuracy, then the position data becomes more accurate, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RF sensor assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an imaging device and a positioning system. The same RF sensors that capture images behind surfaces also detect angle of arrival information for position determination. This universal design eliminates the need for separate positioning hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging function and positioning function into a single integrated system. Multiple RF images captured at different positions are processed together with angle of arrival data to simultaneously determine both the location of objects behind surfaces and the material composition, thereby simplifying the system architecture compared to using separate imaging and positioning devices.
3Measurement precision
If position markers are used to determine device position, then positioning accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for marker placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing surface and objects behind it as the reference framework. By determining the angle of arrival of RF signals reflected from objects and surfaces, the system self-determines its position without requiring external markers or complex setup procedures. The surface itself serves as the reference, eliminating the need for additional positioning infrastructure.
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
The device provides accurate positioning and material characterization, reducing labor and equipment costs by enabling precise identification of objects and materials behind surfaces, enhancing construction and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor is configured to receive a plurality of signals respectively emitted by a plurality of position markers at known positions relative to the surface
Implementation Method 2
an RF sensor assembly configured to emit an RF wave in a direction relative to a surface, sense a reflection of the RF wave from one or more objects in a space behind the surface
Implementation Method 3
material differentiation based on unique RF signatures
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) imaging device comprises an RF sensor assembly, a position sensor, a processor, and a memory. The RF sensor assembly receives an RF signal for capturing an RF image of a portion of a space behind a surface. The position sensor receives a plurality of signals respectively emitted by a plurality of position markers at known positions relative to the surface. The processor determines a plurality of angles at which the plurality of signals respectively arrive at the position sensor and determines, based on the plurality of angles and the known positions of the plurality of position markers, a position of the RF imaging device relative to the surface. The memory stores the RF image in association with the determined position of the RF imaging device. A time-of-flight or triangulation of signal data may be used for position determination.