Wireless Gait Recognition via Multipath Channel Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gait recognition and outdoor target localization systems face limitations in convenience, accuracy, and cost, with wireless systems requiring specialized hardware and being unsuitable for unrestricted areas, and existing localization methods struggling with non-line-of-sight conditions and accuracy in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system to monitor rhythmic motions like gait through wireless channel information, enabling gait recognition and outdoor target localization by processing time series of channel information from wireless multipath channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless systems with specialized hardware are used for gait recognition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegait recognition accuracyVSAvoidhardware specialization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling standard wireless communication devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) to perform gait recognition and outdoor localization functions that traditionally required specialized hardware. The system uses existing wireless channel information from these universal devices to extract gait features and compute position, eliminating the need for dedicated gait analysis equipment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs copying by creating a virtual replica of specialized measurement capability through software processing. Instead of using physical specialized sensors, the system copies the measurement function by processing wireless channel state information (CSI) data from standard devices to derive gait parameters and position information, achieving equivalent functionality with simpler hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If wireless systems are used for gait monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of specialized hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring convenienceVSAvoidgait measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the measurement approach from direct physical sensing to wireless signal-based indirect measurement. By changing the measurement parameter from mechanical/biological direct detection to electromagnetic signal analysis, the system achieves both ease of operation (no specialized hardware needed) and maintained precision (through sophisticated signal processing of wireless channel information).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical sensing systems with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication systems. Instead of using mechanical sensors or specialized hardware to detect gait, the system uses wireless signals (radio frequency) to capture motion information, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through advanced signal processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing localization methods are used outdoors, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in non-line-of-sight conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accessibilityVSAvoidposition accuracy in NLOS
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless channel state information as an intermediary to bridge the gap between transmitter and receiver in non-line-of-sight conditions. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight for accurate positioning, the system uses the modulated wireless signals (which can propagate through obstacles) as an intermediary carrier to transmit position information, enabling accurate outdoor localization even when direct sight is blocked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by making the wireless communication system serve dual purposes: both data transmission and positioning. The same wireless channel information used for communication is also utilized for gait recognition and outdoor localization, providing universal functionality that works in various conditions including non-line-of-sight environments without requiring specialized localization hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If massive MIMO systems are deployed for outdoor localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutdoor localization accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the wireless communication system to automatically utilize its own channel state information for positioning and gait recognition functions. The system self-serves by processing the wireless signals it already transmits and receives, eliminating the need for separate complex massive MIMO infrastructure. Standard wireless devices can perform these functions autonomously using their existing communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for accurate and convenient monitoring of gait in various environments without the need for specialized hardware, improving gait recognition and outdoor localization accuracy, especially in 5G networks, and enabling continuous health monitoring and efficient navigation.

Implementation Method 1

The second wireless signal differs from the first wireless signal due to the wireless multipath channel which is impacted by a rhythmic motion of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3695783A1Method, apparatus, and system for wireless gait recognition
Publication Date: 2020.08.19
  • EP3695783A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3695783A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3695783A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Methods, apparatus and systems for wireless gait recognition are described. In one example, a described system comprises: a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The transmitter is configured for transmitting a first wireless signal towards an object in a venue through a wireless multipath channel of the venue. The receiver is configured for: receiving a second wireless signal through the wireless multipath channel between the transmitter and the receiver. The second wireless signal differs from the first wireless signal due to the wireless multipath channel which is impacted by a rhythmic motion of the object. The processor is configured for: obtaining a time series of channel information (CI) of the wireless multipath channel based on the second wireless signal, monitoring the rhythmic motion of the object based on the time series of CI (TSCI), and triggering a response action based on a result of the monitoring.