Wireless Movement-Tracking System Uses Low-Power Radio Frequency Signals

摘要

A system called Marko uses signal reflections to provide scientists and caregivers with valuable insights into people's behavior and health. Marko transmits a low-power radio-frequency (RF) signal into an environment. The signal will return to the system with certain changes if it has bounced off a moving human. Novel algorithms then analyze those changed reflections and associate them with specific individuals. The system then traces each individual's movement around a digital floorplan. Matching these movement patterns with other data can provide insights about how people interact with each other and the environment. The system was tested in real-world use in six locations: two assisted living facilities, three apartments inhabited by couples, and one townhouse with four residents. The case studies demonstrated the system's ability to distinguish individuals based solely on wireless signals - and revealed some useful behavioral patterns.