RF Reflection Sensing for Accurate 3D Indoor Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor mapping technologies rely solely on device location or trajectory, leading to inaccurate two-dimensional maps and require extensive coverage, failing to capture environmental data like walls, floors, and furniture, and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing radio frequency (RF) sensing with devices having dual antennas for simultaneous transmission and reception to gather channel state information (CSI) for calculating distances and angles of arrival, enabling generation of three-dimensional indoor maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing indoor mapping technologies use device location or trajectory data, then mapping functionality is provided, but map accuracy is poor and environmental details are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical movement-based mapping (trajectory tracking) with electromagnetic wave-based sensing (RF signals). Instead of relying on device motion to infer environment, the system uses RF wave reflections to directly detect environmental features, achieving higher accuracy without requiring extensive device movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary between the device and the environment. The RF waves act as mediators that carry information about environmental features (walls, furniture, etc.) back to the device through reflections, enabling indirect sensing of the environment without direct physical contact or extensive movement.
2Area of stationary object
If existing technologies rely on extensive device movement for mapping, then coverage is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary environmental sensing by transmitting RF signals that reflect off environmental features. This preliminary action captures environmental data without requiring the device to physically traverse the entire space, significantly reducing mapping time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical movement (device traversal) with electromagnetic sensing (RF signal transmission and reception). This replacement allows the system to gather environmental information instantaneously through wave propagation rather than requiring time-consuming physical exploration of the space.
3Device complexity
If existing technologies use two-dimensional mapping approaches, then simplicity is maintained, but environmental depth and spatial relationships are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mapping to three-dimensional mapping by utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions captured through RF signal reflections. The system processes reflection angles and time-of-flight data to reconstruct three-dimensional spatial relationships, adding depth information while maintaining computational feasibility.
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, efficient generation of three-dimensional indoor maps by directly capturing environmental data, reducing reliance on extensive device movement and improving map accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a set of radio frequency (RF) sensing data corresponding to a reflected signal that is a reflection of a transmitted signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are systems and techniques for performing mapping using radio frequency (RF) sensing. For instance, a server can obtain a first set of RF sensing data and orientation data corresponding to a first wireless device from a plurality of wireless devices. The first set of RF sensing data can be associated with at least one received waveform that is a reflection of a transmitted waveform from a first reflector. Based on the first set of RF sensing data, orientation data, and location data corresponding to the first wireless device, an indoor map can be generated that includes a reference to the reflector.