Human Sensing by Using Radio Frequency Signals: A Survey on Occupancy and Activity Detection

Abstract

Applications for human sensing, also known as (human) occupancy detection, include energy management systems for intelligent buildings, intruder detection, e-health systems, the identification of everyday activity, and the monitoring of vital signs. These applications require intelligent decision-making that relies on human sensing. Multiple technologies based on vision, sensors, or radio signals can be used to detect occupancy. Vision-based systems use a multitude of cameras to recognize the human presence, but they are restricted by light availability, line-of-sight coverage, expensive equipment, and privacy concerns. Sensor-based techniques refer to a prospective method that employs various combinations of sensors. These solutions are static and necessitate costly equipment installation and maintenance. Due to technical advancements, radio-based signals, such as WiFi, have been integrated into various forms of infrastructure, including homes, offices, and constructions. Due to how human body movements affect wireless signal propagation, it is possible to detect human motions by analyzing the received wireless signals (such as reflection, diffraction, and scattering). Due to its low cost and non-intrusive nature, wireless-based human activity detection has received substantial attention and become a key topic of study. This article reviews the underlying principles, methodologies, and system architectures of radio-frequency-based occupancy detection systems. We classify the reviewed research studies based on the technical measures and applications they employ. In addition to focusing on the security aspects of occupancy detection and discussing future trends and difficulties, we also discuss practical considerations.