The problem
A motion return is not a person, and presence is not intent. Radar reflections depend on target motion, geometry, obstacles and environmental clutter.
Analytical approach
Calibrate against controlled human and non-human movement, document false alarms and minimize data retention.
Falsifiable test
If an empty environment routinely triggers the same classification, redesign the sensor model.
Operational implications
A defensible workflow should record the exact input, collection method, version, context, counter-explanation and reason for the conclusion. Reviewers should be able to disagree with the inference without losing the underlying observation. When this topic is applied to a real investigation, safety, lawful authority and domain-qualified professional guidance take precedence over a generic article.
Next research step
Publish a small case study with a documented baseline, an adversarial or failure-mode control, outcome criteria and enough data to reproduce the result. Report inconclusive findings alongside successes. This page is a research primer, not a claim that the proposed test has already been performed.
Source and revision record
Original editorial analysis and definitions. For background reference, consult the source catalog.