Patent Description:
Conventional radar detection systems for area security rely on virtual fences or other borders to define a designated protected region. However, this approach may lack accuracy in the case of irregularly shaped regions, structures within the protected region such as walls, or other obstacles within the protected region. Additionally, this approach may not be easily tailored by a user to a particular protected region.

<CIT> relates to an occupant detection device comprising an occupant detection circuit and a control circuit and being for determining the location of an occupant in a space and adjusting an occupant count for a region of interest.

According to one aspect, a method of calibrating a radar detection system includes selecting location indicators. A radar signal is emitted with a transmitter of a sensor to a location of each of the plurality of the location indicators. The radar signal is reflected off of a target at the location of each of the plurality of location indicators. The radar signal which has been reflected off of the target at the location of each of the plurality of location indicators is received with a receiver of the sensor. The location of the target at each of the plurality of location indicators is communicated between the sensor and a controller. At least one plurality of locations is selected with the controller. The at least one plurality of locations selected with the controller defines a protected region. The protected region is designated with the controller. This method calibrates the radar detection system such that the radar detection system is capable of detecting an object in the protected region.

Each of the plurality of location indicators may have at least one location range and each location range may define a protected subregion such that the protected region is defined by the plurality of protected subregions.

The plurality of location indicators may comprise a vector of points and the at least one location range of each of the vector of points may be a plurality of radii about the point.

Selecting, with the controller, at least one plurality of locations may comprise calculating, with the controller, a plurality of radii associated with each of the vector of points.

The plurality of location indicators may comprise a vector of angles and the at least one location range of each of the vector of angles may be a radius range.

The method may further comprise calculating, with the controller, a radius range associated with each of the vector of angles.

Each of the plurality of location indicators may have an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate, and the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of each of the plurality of location indicators may define each of the protected subregions.

Selecting the plurality of location indicators comprises moving the target to each of the plurality of location indicators. Selecting the plurality of location indicators comprises performing at least one calibration signal associated with each of the plurality of location indicators. The at least one calibration signal is selected from the group consisting of: a stop in movement, a movement, and an acoustic emission. The target performs the calibration signal and is a user.

A method of detecting an object in a protected region with a calibrated radar detection system includes emitting, with a transmitter of a sensor, a radar signal to a location of each of a plurality of location indicators. A receiver of the sensor detects if the radar signal has been reflected off of a target at the location of at least one of each of the plurality of location indicators. The sensor communicates to a controller if the radar signal has been reflected off of a target at the location of the at least one of each of the plurality of location indicators. The controller determines that an object is present within the protected region based upon detection of the radar signal being reflected off of the target. The protected region is defined by a plurality of protected subregions, and each of the plurality of protected subregions is defined by a location of each of the plurality of location indicators.

The method may further comprise triggering, with the controller, an alarm if the controller determines an object is present within the protected region.

The location of each of the plurality of location indicators may be defined by at least one plurality of radii.

According to another aspect, a radar detector for a security system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a converter. The transmitter is configured to emit a radar signal to a plurality of location indicators. The receiver is configured to receive a reflection of the radar signal from the transmitter that is reflected off of a target. The controller is configured to communicate with the sensor to record a location of each of the plurality of location indicators. The controller is further configured to select at least one plurality of locations, designate a protected region which is defined by the at least one plurality of locations and thereby calibrate the radar detector, and determine if an object is present in the protected region. The controller is configured to select the plurality of location indicators by detecting a target moving to each of the plurality of location indicators. The target is a user that performs at least one calibration signal associated with each of the plurality of location indicators. The at least one calibration signal is selected from the group consisting of: a stop in movement, a movement, and an acoustic emission.

The protected region may be defined by a plurality of protected subregions and each of the plurality of protected subregions may be defined by each of the locations of the location indicators.

The controller may comprise a memory unit, at least one processor and at least one communication device.

The controller may be further configured to trigger an alarm if an object is detected in the protected region.

The sensor may be further configured to detect at least one calibration signal, and the controller may be configured to communicate with the sensor to record a calibration location for each of the at least one calibration signals.

The controller may be further configured to record at least one plurality of location ranges associated with the calibration location of each of the at least one calibration signals, and each of the protected subregions may be defined by each of the at least one plurality of location ranges.

The following descriptions of the drawings should not be considered limiting in any way.

A protected region is made up of protected subregions. Each protected subregion is defined by location indicators, such as points each surrounded by a plurality of radii or angles each having a selected radius range. A radar detection system can be calibrated by gestures performed at the location of the location indicators, or by selecting the location indicators with a controller. The radar detection system is used to monitor the defined protected subregions and detect objects inside the protected region.

<FIG> is a schematic depiction of exemplary radar detection system <NUM>. As shown, radar detection system <NUM> may include sensor <NUM> and controller <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may include transmitter <NUM>, receiver <NUM>, and converter <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensor <NUM> can include multiple transmitters <NUM> and/or receivers <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may include memory unit <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and communication device <NUM>.

Transmitter <NUM> is configured to emit a radar signal, such as emitted radar signal Se (shown in <FIG>), which can be reflected off of a target to create a reflected radar signal Sr (shown in <FIG>). Receiver <NUM> is configured to receive a reflected radar signal, such as reflected radar signal Sr, when the reflected radar signal returns to the sensor <NUM>. In this manner, receiver <NUM> can detect a reflected radar signal Sr from a target. Transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> can be connected to one or more antennae (not shown), and can in some examples be integrated into one chip. The emitted radar signal Se can be pulsed, and transmitter <NUM> can be configured to emit a radar signal Se at suitable frequencies in microwave (<NUM> to <NUM>) or millimeter wave (greater than <NUM>) bands. For example, the transmitter <NUM> can be configured to emit emitted radar signal Se at <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Transmitter <NUM> can additionally and/or optionally be configured to use a wide spectrum of frequencies, such <NUM>-<NUM>. Converter <NUM> is an analog/digital converter, and is configured to convert the received reflected radar signal Sr, including positional data about the reflected radar signal Sr, into a digital signal which can be communicated to controller <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> can additionally include other hardware, software, or firmware components.

As described above, controller <NUM> may include memory unit <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and communication device <NUM>. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> can include multiple processors <NUM> and/or communication devices <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can additionally include more components, such as an input device, output device, alarm, and/or power source. An input device can include a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera device, a presence-sensitive and/or touch-sensitive display, or other type of device configured to receive input from a user. An output device can include a display device, a sound card, a video graphics card, a speaker, a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or other type of device for outputting information in a form understandable to users or machines. In examples where controller <NUM> is configured to transfer and store data via the cloud, the input device and/or output device can be a host computing system off-site and can use applications to, for example, define protected regions or receive information about detected objects.

Processor <NUM> may be configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within controller <NUM>. For instance, processor <NUM> can be capable of processing instructions stored in memory unit <NUM>. Examples of processor <NUM> can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry.

Memory unit <NUM> can be configured to store information within controller <NUM> during operation. Memory unit <NUM>, in some examples, is described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, memory unit <NUM> is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory unit <NUM> is not long-term storage. Memory unit <NUM>, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory unit <NUM> does not maintain stored contents when power to controller <NUM> is turned off. Examples of volatile memories can include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories. In some examples, memory unit <NUM> is used to store program instructions for execution by processor <NUM>.

Memory unit <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory unit <NUM> can further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory unit <NUM> includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.

Controller <NUM> may also include communication device <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can utilize communication device <NUM> to communicate with external devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless or wired networks or both. Communication device <NUM> can be a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. For example, communication device <NUM> can be a radio frequency transmitter dedicated to Bluetooth or WiFi bands or commercial networks such as GSM, UMTS, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and others. Alternately, communication device <NUM> can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Radar detection system <NUM> can be, for example, configured to detect targets over any area consistent with the range of the transmitter <NUM> and sensitivity of the receiver <NUM>. For example, the radar detection system <NUM> can detect targets at a distance of up to <NUM> meters from the radar detection system <NUM>, and in some embodiments can be configured to detect targets at a distance of up to <NUM> meters from the radar detection system <NUM>. It will be appreciated that distances greater than <NUM> meters may be possible in certain instances. In some embodiments, radar detection system <NUM> can be configured to detect targets over an angular range of <NUM> degrees. For a radar detection system <NUM> with a <NUM> degree field of view, the radar detection system <NUM> can detect targets over an area equal to one-quarter the area of a circle with a radius equal to the maximum distance at which the radar detection system <NUM> can detect targets. It will be appreciated that angular ranges greater than or less than <NUM> degrees may be possible in certain instances. In an embodiment where the radar detection system <NUM> is configured to detect targets at a distance of up to <NUM> meters and over an angular range of <NUM> degrees, the radar detection system <NUM> can detect targets over an area of approximately <NUM> square meters. In an embodiment where the radar detection system <NUM> is configured to detect targets at a distance of up to <NUM> meters and over an angular range of <NUM> degrees, the radar detection system <NUM> can detect targets over an area of approximately <NUM> square meters.

Radar detection system <NUM> may be configured to allow a user to select a set of location indicators in order to designate a set of protected subregions. This set of protected subregions defines a protected region. The protected subregions can be discrete areas, and each protected subregion can overlap with other protected subregions as needed to most accurately define the protected region. As described in detail below, the set of location indicators can be, for example, a vector of points with corresponding radius ranges, a vector of angles with corresponding angle ranges, or a vector of points with corresponding x- and y-coordinates.

Processor <NUM> can be configured to control transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM>. Processor <NUM> can process positional data of each emitted and reflected radar signal. Memory unit <NUM> can store positional data of the radar signals and thereby store positional data of the location indicators. Communication device <NUM> can communicate and network with sensor <NUM> to communicate positional data of the emitted radar signal Se and reflected radar signal Sr. Sensor <NUM> may be configured to communicate with controller <NUM> via communication device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some or all parts of controller <NUM> can be included within sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of exemplary radar detection system <NUM> which is calibrated to use point vector [(x,y)<NUM>. (x,y)N] and corresponding vector of radii [r<NUM>. rN] to define protected region <NUM>. It should be understood that (x,y)n denotes any of the points in point vector [(x,y)<NUM>. (x,y)N], and rn denotes any of the radii in vector of radii [r<NUM>. Each point (x,y)n can have a corresponding location range, such as radii rn, such that point vector [(x,y)<NUM>. (x,y)N] has a corresponding vector of radii [r<NUM>. Radii rn about each point (x,y)n can form circular areas about points (x,y)n with a radius of rn. Each set of radii rn defines a protected subregion <NUM>.

Radar detection system <NUM> may be configured to allow a user to select location indicators which make up a vector of points, such as point vector [(x,y)<NUM>. Protected region <NUM> may be defined by the set of protected subregions <NUM>, such that protected region <NUM> is made up of a set of circular areas. The radii rn of each point (x,y)n can be varied as desired to achieve coverage of protected region <NUM>.

During operation, radar detection system <NUM> can detect the presence of an object within any of protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>. If sensor <NUM> detects the presence of object <NUM> within radii rn of any of points (x,y)n, controller <NUM> can, for example, trigger an alarm. Controller <NUM> can be further configured to not trigger an alarm if an object is detected outside of any protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of exemplary radar detection system <NUM> which is calibrated to use angle vector [φ<NUM>. φN] and corresponding vector of radius ranges [r<NUM>. rN] and [R<NUM>. RN] to define protected region <NUM>. As discussed above, φn denotes any of the angles in angle vector [ϕ<NUM>. φN], rn denotes any of the radius ranges in [r<NUM>. rN], and Rn denotes any of the radius ranges in [R<NUM>. Each angle φn can have a corresponding location range, such as the radius range between rn and Rn, such that angle vector [ϕ<NUM>. φN] has a corresponding vector of radius ranges [r<NUM>. rN] and [R<NUM>. Radius range rn defines a minimum radius and radius range Rn defines a maximum radius along each angle φn. Radius ranges rn and Rn along each angle φn can form a linear segment with a selected length equal to Rn-rn. Each linear segment extends along angle φn from radius rn to radius Rn. Each linear segment defined by radius ranges rn and Rn defines a protected subregion <NUM>. The length of a protected subregion <NUM> can be zero if, for example, Rn = rn, indicating a corner of the protected region <NUM>. For a given angle φn, points that are outside the corresponding linear segment defined by radius ranges rn and Rn are outside the protected region <NUM>. Similarly, for a given angle φn for which neither rn nor Rn are defined, i.e., both rn and Rn are null, none of the region which the user desires to protect is within the signal path of sensor <NUM> along the angle φn.

Radar detection system <NUM> may be configured to allow a user to select location indicators which make up a vector of angles, such as angle vector [φ<NUM>. Protected region <NUM> is defined by the set of protected subregions <NUM>, such that protected region <NUM> is made up of a set of linear segments which each extend along an angle φn from rn to Rn. The radius ranges rn and Rn of each angle φn can be varied as desired to achieve coverage of protected region <NUM>. Additional radius ranges (such as, for example, [s<NUM>. sN] and [S<NUM>. SN]) can be selected to define more than one protected subregion <NUM> along an angle φn. While an outline of protected region <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> for ease of viewing, it should be understood that only protected subregions <NUM> make up protected region <NUM>.

During operation, radar detection system <NUM> can detect the presence of an object within any of protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>. If sensor <NUM> detects the presence of object <NUM> along any of angles φn between the defined radius ranges (i.e. between Rn and rn), controller <NUM> can, for example, trigger an alarm. Controller <NUM> can be further configured to not trigger an alarm if an object is detected outside of any protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of exemplary radar detection system <NUM> which is calibrated to use grid point vector [P<NUM>. PK] and corresponding grid vector [(X<NUM>,Y<NUM>). (XN,YM)] to define protected region <NUM>. As discussed above, Pk denotes any of the points in grid point vector [P<NUM>. PK] and (Xn,Ym) denotes any of the coordinates in grid vector [(X<NUM>,Y<NUM>). Each grid point Pk can have a corresponding location, given by coordinates (Xn,Ym). Each location as defined by coordinates (Xn,Ym) defines a protected subregion <NUM>.

Radar detection system <NUM> may be configured to allow a user to select locations indicators which make up a vector of grid points which have x- and y-coordinates, such as grid point vector [P<NUM>. Protected region <NUM> is defined by the set of protected subregions <NUM>, such that protected region <NUM> is made up of a set of x- and y-coordinates.

During operation, radar detection system <NUM> can detect the presence of an object within any of protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>. If sensor <NUM> detects the presence of object <NUM> at coordinates (Xn,Ym) of any of grid points Pk, controller <NUM> can, for example, trigger an alarm. Controller <NUM> can be further configured to not trigger an alarm if an object is detected outside of any protected subregions <NUM>, such as object <NUM>.

As described above with respect to <FIG>, the components of radar detection system <NUM> can calculate and interpret positional data about each emitted radar signal Se and reflected radar signal Sr. Positional data can be calculated from the time of flight of the radar signal as it travels from the transmitter, reflects off of the target, and travels to the receiver. Radar detection system <NUM> can determine the coordinate at which an emitted radar signal Se was reflected based on the angle and time at which the emitted radar signal Se is emitted and the time at which the reflected radar signal Sr is received. For calibrations such as the one depicted in <FIG>, this positional data can be decomposed into x- and y-coordinates using well-known mathematical techniques to determine at which point Pk emitted radar signal Se was reflected.

While <FIG> illustrate protected subregions which are in close proximity to each other, resulting in an approximately contiguous protected region, it should be understood that a designated protected region can have any suitable shape and can be made up of discrete protected subregions which do not overlap. This can, for example, result in a protected region which partially or entirely surrounds an area which is not designated as protected, as well as various other configurations.

<FIG> illustrates exemplary method <NUM> of calibrating a radar detection system. Method <NUM> includes selecting location indicators and a corresponding location range for each location indicator (step <NUM>), emitting a radar signal with a transmitter to the location range of each location indicator and reflecting the radar signal off of a target (step <NUM>), receiving the reflected radar signal with a receiver (step <NUM>), communicating the location of the target at each location indicator (step <NUM>), and designating a protected region with the controller (step <NUM>).

In step <NUM>, a set of location indicators is selected. As described above with respect to <FIG>, this set of location indicators can be, for example, a vector of points or a vector of angles. An appropriate quantity of location indicators can be selected to provide coverage to the desired protected region. The selection of the set of location indicators can be achieved by a target moving through the area. The target may be a human, a robot, a drone, a vehicle, or some other moveable target. This selection can also be performed using a program stored in a memory unit of the radar detection system, and can be performed while the user is on location or remotely. A corresponding location range for each location indicator is also selected. As described above with respect to <FIG>, this set of location ranges can be, for example, a vector of radii, a vector of minimum and maximum radius ranges, or a grid of x- and y-coordinates. Each selected location range defines a protected subregion. The set of location ranges can be selected, for example, using a program stored in the memory unit. This selection can occur at any time during the calibration process after the location indicators are selected.

In step <NUM>, a radar signal is emitted by a transmitter to each location indicator. In step <NUM>, the radar signal is reflected off of a target and the reflected radar signal is detected by a receiver. Steps <NUM> and <NUM> will be discussed together. The target can be moved to each location indicator. The target can be, for example, a user performing calibration signals by moving and performing gestures that can be detected by the receiver. The calibration signals can be visible gestures or acoustic emissions. Visible gestures can be detected with the receiver using radar signals. The target can also be a user-directed device, such as a vehicle, drone, or other moveable target, which performs similar calibration signals. Visible gestures can include, for example, a stop in the target's movement for a selected period of time and/or a brief movement. A user can perform calibration signals in the form of visible gestures including a hand movement, a stop in movement such as a pause while walking, and/or a hand clap. A user can perform different visible gestures to designate different locations within the region. Acoustic emissions can include, for example, a noise emitted by the user, such as a hand clap or a voice command, and/or a noise emitted by a user-directed device. If acoustic emissions are used to signal that the target is at a desired location, the sensor <NUM> should include an acoustic detector (not shown) configured to detect the acoustic emissions. Any such acoustic emissions may be of any detectible wavelength suitable for the environment in which they are used. Any other calibration signals that are readily detectible by the receiver may also be used. During calibration, the receiver can detect the calibration location of each calibration signal which is performed, and the controller can record the calibration location associated with each location indicator and corresponding location range.

In step <NUM>, positional data about the reflected radar signal for each location indicator is communicated between the sensor and a controller. Positional data can be calculated from the time of flight of the radar signal as it travels from the transmitter, reflects off of the target, and travels to the receiver.

In step <NUM>, the controller designates a protected region based on input from the sensor and/or the user. Each location range of a location indicator defines a protected subregion. The protected region is defined by the sum of protected subregions. Once the controller has designated the protected region, the radar detection system has been calibrated and can detect the presence of objects within any of the protected subregions.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of calibrating a radar detection system (<NUM>), the method comprising:
selecting (<NUM>) a plurality of location indicators, wherein each of the plurality of location indicators has a location;
emitting (<NUM>), with a transmitter (<NUM>) of a sensor (<NUM>), a radar signal (Se) to the location of each of the plurality of location indicators;
reflecting the radar signal off of a target at the location of each of the plurality of location indicators;
receiving (<NUM>), with a receiver (<NUM>) of the sensor (<NUM>), the radar signal (Sr) which has been reflected off of the target at the location of each of the plurality of location indicators;
communicating (<NUM>), between the sensor (<NUM>) and a controller (<NUM>), the location of the target at each of the plurality of location indicators;
selecting, with the controller (<NUM>), at least one plurality of locations received from the sensor (<NUM>), wherein the at least one plurality of locations selected with the controller (<NUM>) defines a protected region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
designating (<NUM>), with the controller (<NUM>), the protected region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), thereby calibrating the radar detection system (<NUM>) such that the radar detection system (<NUM>) is capable of detecting an object (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the protected region (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein selecting (<NUM>) the plurality of location indicators comprises moving the target to each of the plurality of location indicators; and wherein selecting (<NUM>) the plurality of location indicators comprises performing at least one calibration signal associated with each of the plurality of location indicators,
characterised in that:
the target performs the calibrations signal;
the target is a user; and
the at least one calibration signal is selected from the group consisting of: a stop in movement, a movement, and an acoustic emission.