Range-Gated RF Physiology Sensor With Stable Pulsed Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency (RF) motion sensors face challenges such as false triggers due to high sensitivity at close ranges, difficulty in sensing objects at medium ranges, and lack of global RF regulatory acceptance, which affects their effectiveness in detecting physiological characteristics like breathing and heart rate.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency motion sensor with a circuit configuration that includes a dielectric resonator oscillator and a switched wideband oscillator for improved frequency stability and fast switching characteristics, enabling range gating and compliance with RF regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous wave Doppler radar is used for motion sensing, then the sensor can detect both near and far objects, but it produces false triggers due to high sensitivity at close range and cannot provide range gating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection range into specific zones using range gating, separating near-field, medium-range, and far-field detection regions. This segmentation allows the sensor to focus on specific distance ranges and exclude unwanted signals from other ranges, eliminating false triggers while maintaining detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection characteristics to different spatial regions by implementing range-gated sensing zones. Each zone can be optimized for specific detection requirements, with adjustable sensitivity and range parameters tailored to local detection needs rather than uniform detection across all distances.
2Measurement precision
If pulse Doppler radar with narrow sensing region is used, then range gating is achieved, but difficulty in sensing objects at medium ranges occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional radar system that can detect objects across multiple range zones (near-field, medium-range, and far-field) simultaneously by implementing multiple adjustable sensing zones. The system adapts its detection parameters based on the target range, providing both precise range resolution and reliable detection across diverse distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable range gates and sensing zones that can be modified in real-time based on detection requirements. The sensing region parameters are not fixed but can be adjusted to optimize detection for different scenarios, allowing the system to transition between narrow and wide sensing regions as needed.
3Measurement precision
If impulse radar or UWB radar is used for narrow sensing region, then range gating is improved, but RF regulatory acceptance and interference resistance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key operational parameters including pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, and frequency modulation characteristics to achieve compliant RF emissions while maintaining effective range gating. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both precise range resolution and adherence to RF regulatory requirements for intentional radiators.
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 solution provides a sensor that effectively detects physiological characteristics with improved range gating capabilities and regulatory compliance, reducing false triggers and enhancing sensitivity across various ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric resonator oscillator configured to generate a stable radio frequency oscillating signal
Implementation Method 2
a switched circuit coupled to the pulse generator and the dielectric resonator oscillator. The switch circuit is configured to generate a pulsed radio frequency oscillating signal
Implementation Method 3
A radio frequency transmitter may include a pulse generator configured to generate signal pulses; a dielectric resonator oscillator configured to generate a stable radio frequency oscillating signal
Implementation Method 4
a receiver configured to receive reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency pulses
Implementation Method 5
Continuous wave (CW) Doppler radar motion sensors emit a continuous wave radio frequency (RF) carrier and mix the transmitted RF with the return echoes to produce a difference frequency equal to the Doppler shift produced by a moving target
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for physiology sensing may be configured to generate oscillation signals for emitting radio frequency pulses for range gated sensing. The sensor may include a radio frequency transmitter configured to emit the pulses and a receiver configured to receive reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency pulses. The received pulses may be processed to detect physiology characteristics such as motion, sleep, respiration and/or heartbeat. In some embodiments, the sensor may employ a circuit including a pulse generator configured to generate signal pulses. The circuit may also include a dielectric resonator oscillator configured to generate a radio frequency oscillating signal. A switched oscillation circuit may be coupled to the pulse generator and the dielectric resonator oscillator. The switched circuit may be configured to generate a pulsed radio frequency oscillating signal for emitting the radio frequency pulses.