Radiofrequency Sensing Node Switching Under Substance Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The quality of radiofrequency-based sensing is adversely affected by the presence of substances that interfere with the propagation of radiofrequency signals, leading to suboptimal performance in presence and location detection.

Innovation Solution

A method to reconfigure a radiofrequency-based sensing system by determining the level of accumulation and type of interfering elements near nodes, adjusting node roles (transmitter or receiver) based on thresholds, and dynamically adapting radiofrequency sensing parameters to maintain optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiofrequency signals are transmitted through a sensing volume, then presence and location detection can be performed, but the quality of detection is adversely affected by substances that interfere with signal propagation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterference from substances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the radiofrequency sensing system by switching transmitter and receiver roles between nodes based on real-time detection of interfering substances. The system continuously monitors signal quality and adapts node assignments to maintain optimal detection performance despite changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by identifying nodes with better signal quality and assigning them different roles (transmitter or receiver). This parameter switching allows the system to operate effectively despite the presence of interfering substances by selecting configurations that minimize their impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If nodes are fixed in their transmitter or receiver roles, then system configuration is simple, but performance deteriorates when substances accumulate near specific nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidsensing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static node configuration into a dynamic system where transmitter and receiver roles are reassigned based on environmental conditions. The control device monitors signal quality metrics and automatically reconfigures node roles to maintain performance, adding complexity only when and where needed to counteract interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting signal quality degradation and automatically reconfigures itself by switching node roles. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain optimal performance without external intervention, adapting to substance accumulation autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Improves radiofrequency-based sensing by dynamically adjusting node roles and parameters to counteract the effects of interfering substances, enhancing detection accuracy and network communication.

Implementation Method 1

The radiofrequency signals used for radio communication, when passing through a sensing volume, are affected by movement of a person within the sensing volume e.g., via reflection, absorption. etc. of the radiofrequency signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The radiofrequency signals used for radio communication, when passing through a sensing volume, are affected by movement of a person within the sensing volume e.g., via reflection, absorption. etc. of the radiofrequency signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4341720B1A control device for reconfiguring a radiofrequency-based sensing system and a method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4341720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4341720B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4341720B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of reconfiguring a radiofrequency-based sensing system comprising at least two nodes, wherein the at least two nodes are arranged for transmitting and/or receiving a radiofrequency signal for presence and/or location detection and for performing network communication in an environment; wherein the method comprises the steps of:obtaining a signal indicative of a level of accumulation of radiofrequency transmission affecting elements in proximity of at least one of the at least two nodes; determining whether the level of accumulation exceeds a threshold; and wherein if the level of accumulation exceeds the threshold; determining, based on the obtained signal, which one of the at least two nodes to act as a transmitter to transmit the radiofrequency signal for presence and/or location detection and which one of the at least two nodes to act as a receiver to receive the transmitted radiofrequency signal for presence and/or location detection, and instructing the determined one of the at least two nodes to act as a transmitter and the determined one of the at least two nodes to act as a receiver.