RF Physiological Sensing With Frequency Mixing for Precise Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF systems for detecting physiological parameters are bulky, require continuous physical contact, and suffer from interference and poor sensitivity, limiting their performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency sensor system utilizing a signal generator, transmitter, and receiver subsystems with frequency multipliers and mixers to process RF signals, allowing for non-contact detection of physiological parameters with improved sensitivity and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based sensors are used to detect physiological parameters, then detection capability is achieved, but device bulkiness and requirement for continuous physical contact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with electromagnetic field-based sensing. The sensor system uses RF signals to detect physiological parameters wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical contact and reducing device bulkiness while maintaining detection capability.
2Device complexity
If RF systems are used for non-contact detection, then device portability is improved, but sensitivity and signal detection performance deteriorate due to interference and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency conversion mechanism. The received RF signal is mixed with a local oscillator signal to convert it to an intermediate frequency, which is then processed further. This frequency conversion acts as an intermediary step that enhances signal detection sensitivity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the use of a local oscillator that generates a reference signal for mixing with the received signal. This feedback mechanism enables coherent detection and improves signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing sensitivity without compromising portability.
3Device complexity
If traditional RF detection methods are used, then system size is reduced, but signal detection accuracy deteriorates due to image frequency interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency mixing as an intermediary process. The received signal is mixed with a local oscillator signal at an intermediate frequency stage, which separates the desired signal from image frequency interference. This intermediary frequency conversion enables accurate signal detection while maintaining compact system size.
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 system enables precise detection of physiological parameters such as heart rate, temperature, and blood vessel changes with reduced size, power consumption, and cost, while minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter subsystem is coupled to the signal generator. The transmitter subsystem is configured to transmit an output signal based on the RF signal. The receiver subsystem is coupled to the signal generator. The receiver subsystem is configured to detect a reflected signal from a target
Implementation Method 2
The output signal has a second frequency greater than the first frequency
Implementation Method 3
The receiver subsystem is configured to detect a reflected signal from a target based on a first detection signal and a second detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system is described. The system includes a signal generator, a transmitter subsystem, and a receiver subsystem. The signal generator is configured to provide a radio frequency (RF) signal having a first frequency. The transmitter subsystem is coupled to the signal generator. The transmitter subsystem is configured to transmit an output signal based on the RF signal. The output signal has a second frequency greater than the first frequency. The receiver subsystem is coupled to the signal generator. The receiver subsystem is configured to detect a reflected signal from a target based on a first detection signal and a second detection signal. The first detection signal and the second detection signal are based on the RF signal.