Rotatable Reference Object for Radar Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring mmWave radar object counters for accurate people counting in retail environments is challenging due to inaccuracies in setting reference points for electronic article surveillance pedestals and count lines, often requiring two people and being prone to errors from radar unit placement and high-frequency signal propagation issues.
Innovation Solution
A system using a rotatable object controlled by a drive motor assembly, which serves as a detectable reference point within the radar field, allowing for single-person, static configuration of the radar unit by providing a visual representation on a graphical user interface to accurately set the location of pedestals and count lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual configuration methods are used for radar units, then configuration can be performed without additional equipment, but configuration accuracy deteriorates due to placement errors and signal propagation issues
Solution Approach 1:
A rotatable reference object is introduced as an intermediary between the radar unit and the configuration process. This object provides a known, detectable reference that mediates the configuration process, enabling accurate determination of radar unit position and orientation without direct manual measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration methods with an automated detection system using the radar unit itself to detect the reference object. This substitution eliminates manual placement errors and signal propagation issues by using the radar's own detection capabilities to establish reference points, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If two people are required for configuration, then placement accuracy may improve through collaboration, but configuration time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar unit performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the rotatable reference object and determining its own position and orientation relative to the reference. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple operators, reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy through the automated detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference object is made rotatable rather than static, creating a dynamic reference that can be detected from multiple angular positions. This dynamic characteristic allows the single operator to configure the radar unit more efficiently by rotating the reference object to facilitate detection, reducing configuration time while maintaining reference point accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If radar unit placement is adjusted to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but configuration complexity increases due to high-frequency signal propagation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable reference object is positioned in advance at a known location within the radar's field of view before configuration begins. This preliminary action establishes a stable reference point that simplifies the configuration process, allowing the radar unit to automatically determine its position and orientation without dealing with signal propagation issues during the actual configuration operation.
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 precise and efficient configuration of mmWave radar object counters by a single technician, improving accuracy and speed compared to traditional methods, and reducing errors associated with radar unit placement and signal propagation.
Implementation Method 1
object counting radar unit
Implementation Method 2
mmWave radar object counters
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations include a system and method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display, wherein the GUI is operable for displaying a representation of a detection field of an object counting radar unit, wherein the GUI is operable for displaying a reference point that represents a rotatable object as detected by the object counting radar unit when the rotatable object is located in a field-of-view of the object counting radar unit and is rotated by a drive motor assembly.