Concurrent Wi-Fi and UWB Object Detection Under RF Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target detection systems face challenges in achieving an acceptable overall performance, trading off detection range with sensitivity, and providing flexibility in avoiding congested frequency bands when using RF communication technologies like Wi-Fi and radar-based UWB independently.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that concurrently operates multiple communication units, such as UWB radar and Wi-Fi, allowing them to share information for enhanced detection, and switches between detection modes to avoid congested channels, while operating at different or same frequencies with gaps or time slots to mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single RF communication technology (Wi-Fi or UWB radar) is used for target detection, then the system complexity is low, but the overall detection performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication technologies (Wi-Fi and UWB radar) into a single target detection system. The controller integrates signals from both communication units to perform joint detection, merging their respective strengths to achieve superior detection performance compared to using either technology alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a Wi-Fi communication unit, a UWB radar unit, or both simultaneously. The controller adapts the operating mode based on detection requirements, enabling the system to function as different types of detection systems depending on the situation.
2Length of stationary object
If detection range is increased, then sensitivity decreases, and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the long-range detection capability of UWB radar with the high sensitivity of Wi-Fi detection. By combining signals from both communication units, the system achieves both extended detection range and maintained sensitivity, resolving the trade-off between these two parameters.
3Reliability
If multiple communication units operate concurrently at the same frequency, then detection performance is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operating frequencies of the communication units based on detected interference levels. When interference is detected, the controller shifts frequencies to avoid congested channels, allowing concurrent operation without harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (frequency) to optimize performance. The controller monitors the radio frequency environment and adjusts the operating frequencies of the communication units to maintain optimal detection performance while avoiding interference from other devices.
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
Enhances target detection performance by leveraging the strengths of both systems, improving range, velocity, and angle determination, while reducing interference and maintaining sensitivity across distances.
Implementation Method 1
a radar-based RF communication technology, for example an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit operating in a radar mode
Implementation Method 2
a common radio frequency (RF) communication technology, for example Wi-Fi communication technology
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided for facilitating detecting an external object, the system comprising: at least one first communication unit configured to transmit and receive one or more first signals; at least one second communication unit configured to transmit and receive one or more second signals; a controller configured to control the first communication unit and the second communication unit, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first communication unit and the second communication unit to operate concurrently and to use the first signals received by the first communication unit and the second signals received by the second communication unit while said first communication unit and second communication unit are operating concurrently for detecting the external object. In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, a corresponding method for facilitating detecting an external object is conceived, as well as a computer program for carrying out said method.