UWB Backscatter Antenna Arrays for Reliable Fall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for monitoring individuals in home or building environments, such as cameras and wearable devices, fail to provide reliable and high-quality signals for detecting falls or life activities, as they are often forgotten or not worn due to user reluctance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of antenna arrays configured to process ultra-wide band signals in an omni-directional manner, including a receiving antenna array and a transmitting antenna array, to detect and track human targets with high accuracy, using techniques like beam forming and sensor fusion to enhance signal quality and reduce false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras or wearable devices are used for monitoring, then detection capability is provided, but user acceptance and reliability deteriorate due to being forgotten or not worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/wearable monitoring devices with a wireless backscatter-based electromagnetic sensing system. The system uses transmitted radio frequency signals that reflect off the human body to detect presence, movement, and vital signs without requiring any physical contact or wearable components, thereby eliminating user acceptance issues while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium between the monitoring system and the person being monitored. The backscatter signals serve as a mediator that carries information about the person's presence and physiological state without requiring direct interaction or wearable devices, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and user acceptance
2Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring techniques are used, then some detection capability is provided, but signal quality and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function into multiple independent detection channels using antenna arrays that can separately transmit and receive signals. This segmentation allows for sophisticated signal processing techniques such as beamforming and spatial filtering, which enhance measurement precision and detection accuracy by isolating and processing signals from different spatial directions independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the detection system through the use of antenna arrays arranged in specific geometries. This dimensional expansion enables three-dimensional localization, directional signal reception, and spatial filtering, dramatically improving both measurement precision and signal quality by utilizing angular and positional information that conventional single-point sensors cannot provide
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 provides reliable and accurate detection of human activities and vital signs without the need for wearable devices, offering improved coverage and reduced user resistance, while maintaining privacy and reducing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antenna arrays, including a receiving antenna array and a transmitting antenna array configured to capture and transmit signals in an omni-directional manner
Implementation Method 2
System and method for processing multi-directional ultra wide band wireless backscattered signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-wide band rf sensing apparatus or module. In an example, the apparatus has at least three antenna arrays configured to sense a back scatter of electromagnetic energy from spatial location of a zero degree location in relation to a mid point of the device through a 360 degrees range where each antenna array is configured to sense a 120 degree range. As shown, each of the three antenna arrays comprises a support member, a plurality of transmitting antenna spatially configured on a first portion of the support member. The support member also has a transmitting integrated circuit coupled to each of the plurality of transmitting antenna and configured to transmit an outgoing UWC signal. Each of the antenna array also has a plurality of receiving antenna spatially configured on second portion of the support member. The support member also has a receiving integrated circuit coupled to each of the plurality of receiving antenna and configured to receive an incoming UWB signal and configured to convert the UWC signal into a base band.