UWB Radar Headcount Prediction via Probability Density Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UWB radar systems for counting people lack accuracy due to environmental factors influencing peak values, leading to unreliable headcount measurements, especially when threshold values are incorrectly set.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using probability density functions computed from sample radar-received signals for each headcount, calculating likelihood values to determine the most accurate headcount without requiring a threshold value, by analyzing peak distribution patterns and incorporating signal properties from both people and objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threshold-based peak counting is used to determine headcount, then the counting process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental factors and incorrect threshold settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the headcount determination from a simple threshold-based peak counting method to a statistical parameter analysis method. Instead of comparing peak values against a fixed threshold, the system computes probability density functions from sample signals and calculates likelihood values based on statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation) derived from multiple samples. This parameter transformation enables accurate headcount measurement by leveraging statistical properties rather than simple amplitude thresholds.
2Measurement precision
If probability density function computation is used to improve headcount accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional computational units and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing probability density functions from sample radar-received signals before actual headcount measurement. The system collects sample signals during a calibration phase, computes statistical parameters (mean and standard deviation) for each headcount scenario, and stores these as reference data. During actual operation, the system only needs to compare new signals against the pre-computed likelihood values, significantly reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If sample data generation for each headcount is performed, then reliability improves through better statistical modeling, but loss of time increases due to extensive sampling and computation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the time-reliability tradeoff by performing the time-consuming sample data generation, probability density function computation, and statistical parameter calculation as preliminary actions during an offline calibration phase. The system generates sample signals for various headcount scenarios, computes their statistical properties, and stores these as pre-computed likelihood values. During actual headcount measurement, the system only performs lightweight likelihood comparison against the pre-computed data, achieving both high reliability and fast real-time performance.
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
This approach enables more accurate people counting by generating sample data reflecting peak distribution patterns, reducing errors caused by environmental factors and eliminating the need for threshold setting, resulting in reliable headcount measurements.
Implementation Method 1
UWB radar technology utilizes a system that combines a radar with such UWB technology and refers to radar technology in which impulse signals of a very short duration having wideband properties are transmitted, reflected off objects and persons, and returned
Implementation Method 2
The emitted signals may be reflected off various objects or persons in the environment, and the reflected signals may pass through the receiver antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for measuring a headcount by using a peak value distribution pattern of a radar reception signal according to the headcount. The method for counting people by using a UWB radar disclosed herein comprises: a step of computing, for each predetermined headcount, an amplitude probability density function based on the distance between a reflection point and a radar, by using a sample radar reception signal for the headcount; a step of calculating likelihood values with respect to the headcounts from a measured radio reception signal by using the probability density function; and a step of determining a headcount corresponding to the largest likelihood value among the calculated likelihood values, as a final headcount with respect to the measured radar reception signal.