RF Imaging Signal Processing via Trusted Remote Classification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

RF-based imaging systems face security vulnerabilities as unauthorized parties can intercept and decode imaging information, such as user images or poses, due to potential data breaches and attacks on wireless devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where data analysis is performed by a trusted apparatus separate from the data collection device, using a ground truth classifier and external RF sources to create a controlled RF environment, ensuring that imaging information is processed securely and only on trusted systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RF-based imaging systems transmit and process imaging data locally on wireless devices, then imaging functionality and user experience are improved, but security vulnerabilities increase as unauthorized parties can intercept and decode imaging information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging functionalityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensitive imaging data processing function from the wireless device and relocates it to a remote server. The wireless device only collects raw RF signal data and transmits it to the server, where all imaging information extraction and processing occurs. This separation ensures that even if the wireless device is compromised, the sensitive imaging algorithms and processed images remain secure on the remote server, directly resolving the security vulnerability while preserving imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the wireless device and the final imaging output. The server acts as a trusted third party that receives raw signal data, processes it through secure imaging algorithms, and returns only necessary results to the wireless device. This intermediary architecture prevents unauthorized access to imaging information while maintaining the imaging functionality, as all sensitive processing occurs in the controlled environment of the remote server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If imaging data is processed and stored on wireless devices, then real-time processing capability is improved, but the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddata breach risk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the imaging data processing and storage functions from the wireless device and relocates them to a remote server. The wireless device performs only lightweight signal collection and transmission, while the server handles all computationally intensive imaging processing and secure data storage. This extraction eliminates the data breach risk on wireless devices while maintaining processing speed through the server's computational resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote server serves as an intermediary that centralizes all sensitive data processing and storage operations. By funneling all imaging data through this controlled intermediary, the system maintains processing efficiency while implementing centralized security measures, access controls, and encryption protocols that prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If RF signal reflections are used for imaging, then privacy protection through low resolution is achieved, but security against signal interception remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidsecurity against interception
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensitive signal processing function from the wireless device and moves it to a remote server. The wireless device transmits only raw RF signal reflection data without performing any imaging processing locally. This ensures that even though the signals are transmitted over the air and potentially interceptable, the actual imaging information and user identification data remain secure on the server, maintaining both privacy protection and security against interception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote server acts as a trusted intermediary that receives the RF signal reflections and performs the imaging processing in a secure environment. This intermediary architecture preserves the inherent privacy protection of low-resolution RF imaging while adding an additional layer of security, as the server controls the entire processing pipeline and can implement authentication, encryption, and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the extracted imaging information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enhances security by preventing unauthorized access to imaging information, even if the data collection device is compromised, while maintaining the ability to track user poses and locations effectively.

Implementation Method 1

Radio signals, for example on frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, reflect off human bodies, thereby enabling Radio Frequency, RF,-based imaging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3772662B1Secure radio frequency -based imaging
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3772662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3772662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3772662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising, transmitting by a wireless device, during a first phase, a first probe signal associated with a user and receiving a reflected version of the first probe signal, transmitting by the wireless device, during the first phase, the reflected version of the first probe signal to a ground truth classifier, transmitting by the wireless device, during a second phase, a second probe signal associated with the user and receiving a reflected version of the second probe signal and transmitting by the wireless device, during the second phase, the reflected version of the second probe signal to a trusted apparatus.