System and method for facilitating ticket and weapon evaluation

Abstract

A system includes a weapon detection system an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar, at least one metal detector or at least one magnetometer configured to detect metal in a scanning area, a pattern recognition device having a processor and configured to identify the presence of a weapon within the scanning area via the at least one UWB radar, the at least one metal detector, or the at least one magnetometer. A signaling device may be configured to send an alert if a weapon is detected within the scanning area, and / or a ticket detection system may be configured to communicate with the weapon detection system to determine if a valid ticket has been scanned via a ticket scanning device. A patron is permitted to exit the scanning area upon the ticket detection system sensing a valid ticket and no weapon is detected by the weapon detection system within the scanning area.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TICKET AND WEAPON EVALUTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 537,929, filed on September 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a security screening system and method to monitor entry into a venue / area, and additionally, a ticket and weapon detection system that can provide real-time advanced weapon / object detection while validating entry of individuals for improved security and accuracy.BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, the reliable and efficient detection of objects such as tickets and weapons, has become a critical interest for enhancing security, ensuring proper access control, and streamlining operational processes. The accurate identification and differentiation between these objects have posed challenges that necessitate innovative sensor technologies to address the limitations of the current state of the art.

[0004] For instance, conventional ticket detection methods primarily rely on visual inspection by human personnel, which can be time-consuming, error-prone, and susceptible to variations in lighting conditions and operator fatigue. Additionally, traditional barcode and QR code scanners, while widely used, may encounter difficulties in reading damaged or poorly printed codes, potentially leading to delays and disruptions in various applications such as public transportation, event access, and parking management.

[0005] Moreover, existing automated ticket sensors often lack the versatility to accommodate different ticket formats and materials, limiting their adaptability to changing industry requirements. This calls for a novel approach to ticket sensing that overcomes these limitationsand provides enhanced accuracy, speed, and robustness in ticket detection and validation processes.

[0006] Moreover, the accurate and timely detection of weapons, both metallic and non-metallic, is a critical component of security systems in diverse environments, including airports, public venues, and high-security facilities. Current weapon detection systems primarily rely on metal detectors and X-ray scanners, which may have limitations in detecting non-metallic weapons or concealed threats. Moreover, the existing technologies may lead to false positives, increasing the operational burden on security personnel and potentially causing unnecessary disruptions.

[0007] The current state of the art in ticket and weapons sensors underscores the necessity for innovative solutions that transcend the limitations of existing technologies. There is a clear demand for sensor systems that offer increased accuracy, reliability, and versatility in detecting and differentiating between objects, while minimizing false positives and operational inefficiencies.

[0008] In light of these challenges, the present patent application aims to introduce a novel sensor technology that addresses the shortcomings of the current state of the art. The proposed technology leverages cutting-edge advancements in sensor design, signal processing, and data analysis to provide a comprehensive and effective solution for accurate and efficient ticket and weapons detection. By combining innovative sensor modalities and intelligent algorithms, the technology described herein seeks to revolutionize the field of object sensing and contribute to enhanced security and operational efficiency across various applications.

[0009] Furthermore, the deployment of current weapon sensors can be cumbersome, requiring significant infrastructure and space, which can hinder their integration into various settings. Thus, there is a compelling need for advanced weapon sensor technologies that can offer improved accuracy, sensitivity, and adaptability to a wide range of weapon types and concealment methods.

[0010] The use of detection equipment to detect weapons or other contraband is carried out in many contexts. Often, detection equipment is deployed at public gathering areas to detect concealed weapons and / or other contraband. Public gathering areas include, for example, airports, voting lines, sports stadiums, entrances to government buildings, and the like.

[0011] Traditionally, detection equipment includes, for example, a metal detector, radiofrequency (RF) system, or an x-ray system to scan for weapons or contraband. However, as effective as each may be, each system may include shortcomings that need to be addressed.

[0012] For instance, metal detection equipment typically is set up at a security checkpoint, where individuals remove metal-based materials that then pass through an x-ray screening system. These checkpoints can be expensive to run and can cause bottlenecks in the amount of people that may pass through a given area. One known example is in airports. A staff of security people control passage of travelers through a walk-through metal detector. When a positive indicator is triggered by the presence of metal on a traveler, screening staff may stop the traveler for further inspection. For example, the traveler may be stopped and a detection wand may be passed over the traveler to detect and identify the item that triggered the indicator.

[0013] These types of security protocols can be staff intensive and may not always be practical, especially when executed in combination with ticket validation. For example, sporting events and musical concerts may have many thousands of people that pass-through security in a very short period of time, that can additionally be slowed by ticket validation processes that are not integrated with security. A large number of staff deployed at one or more entrances may be needed to carry out airport- style security protocols in an efficient manner. Due in part to the number of staff needed, these types of ticket validations and security protocols can be expensive and timeconsuming. Generally, many public events and locations open to the public have similar or related challenges.

[0014] Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods that overcome the difficulty in detecting weapons and / or other contraband on individuals as well as efficiently validating / checking tickets in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a pose estimation system, as set forth in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shownin the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

[0017] FIG. 1A is a block diagram system view of the exemplary detection system according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 1B-1D are block diagram system views of the exemplary detection system illustrating techniques for detecting an object of interest according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram system view of the exemplary detection system showing hardware configurations according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary detection system according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3B is a diagram view illustrating an exemplary region-of-interest (ROI) as scanned by the exemplary detection system according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary technique for object-of-interest (OOI) detection according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 5-8 are block diagram system views illustrating exemplary techniques for ticket and weapon detection according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of the exemplary detection system according to teachings of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating exemplary radar data of the exemplary detection system according to teachings of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the drawings, where like numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. The various features of the exemplary approaches illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures, as it will be understood that alternative illustrations that may not be explicitly illustrated or described may be able to be produced. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative approaches for typicalapplications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, an exemplary detection system 10 may include at least one of a weapon detection system 20 and / or a ticket detection system 22, each may be configured to detect a ticket information and / or a weapon information. The weapon detection system 20 may be communicatively integrated with the ticket detection system 22 such that communications can be transmitted and received therebetween. The weapons detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22 may be communicatively connected with any number and / or variety of secondary weapon detection system(s) 24 that may each specialize in a type of scan and / or detection (e.g., detecting for a variety of materials, weapons, and / or illegal substances). Secondary weapon detection system(s) 24 may be disposed proximate to and / or at any distance from the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22. In further embodiments, the exemplary detection system 10 may be connected to other components / applications / devices connected via one or more network(s) 26 (e.g., which can be internal or external security systems and / or personnel). For example and without limitation, the exemplary detection system 10 may employ one or more of a variety of radar detection systems / methods via the weapon detection system 20 in determining whether a weapon is present within a scanning area prior to entering a venue / area. In embodiments, the ticket detection system 22 may be connected with a camera 30, which may be configured to record a series of images (e.g., of persons passing through the entrance area to a venue) used for facial recognition, which may be integrated and / or connected with an Artificial Intelligence (Al) system 28. The camera 30 may be mounted with any components of the ticket detection system 22, the weapon detection system 20, and / or the secondary weapon detection system 24 (e.g., which may be attached to the same or different fixtures, which may further be proximate an area of entry).

[0028] With embodiments, an exemplary detection system 10 may include a weapon detection system 20 (e.g., and a secondary weapon detection system(s) 24) to evaluate if a weapon is present within the scanning area. The weapon detection system 20 may include at least one ultra-wideband (UWB) radar and / or at least one metal detector and / or magnetometer (not shown), each configured to detect contraband moving through a region-of-interest (ROI) or the scanning area (as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. The weapon detection system 20 and / or the secondary weapon detection system(s) 24 may employ the UWB radar to detect contraband that may be present on or near anindividual’s torso as the individual moves through the ROI (e.g., the scanning area), while the at least one metal detector or magnetometer is employed to detect any contraband that may be present below the individual’s torso as the individual moves through the ROI.

[0029] Systems and techniques discussed herein often refer to employing one or more metal detectors. These systems and techniques, however, may employ either metal detectors or magnetometers or a combination of both. As such, when the term “metal detector” is used herein, it is understood that one or more magnetometers, or some combination of magnetometer(s) and metal detector(s), could instead be employed.

[0030] With examples, the ticket detection system 22 may perform facial recognition operations and / or methods on the series of images captured by the camera 30 of the ticket detection system 22. For example, the camera 30 can be disposed substantially proximate the weapon detection system 20 and components thereof (e.g., camera, radar sensors, ticket scanners, and the magnetometer sensors can be mounted together proximate an entrance to the venue.). The series of images can be transmitted over the internet to process facial recognition operations, for example, via cloud computing. Cloud computing can include, but is not limited to, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, among other things. In further embodiments, the ticket detection system 22 facilitating facial recognition can be connected to one or more network(s) 26 (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1A), that can include and / or be connected with a facial profile database 32. The ticket detection system 22 can use the facial profile database 32 to verify identities (and / or associated tickets) instead of scanning a ticket (e.g., a physical ticket, a digital ticket, a paper ticket, a QR code, a barcode, or the like, etc.).

[0031] In embodiments, the exemplary detection system 10 may be disposed substantially proximate to one or more of a variety of venues to monitor persons (e.g., or any employees, attendees, patrons, etc.). For example and without limitation, venues can include stadiums, arenas, concerts venues, sports venues, and / or buildings of any type hosting an event and / or maintaining an operation. Moreover, the exemplary detection system 10 can be configured to identify individuals via facial recognition as an alternative to presenting a ticket for ticket-type events (e.g., sports, concerts, etc.) and / or to identify employees (e.g., allowing employees to enter, keeping out people as identified as potentially dangerous, sending guests to security check-in, etc.) for office buildings. Additionally, the exemplary detection systems 10 can determine admission / non-admission using facial recognition in addition, or as an alternative to, ticket scanning at any variety of venue / location such as office buildings, hospitals, prisons, etc.).

[0032] In further embodiments, the ticket detection system 22 may be configured to generate an identification signal that identifies one or more persons. The identification signal may include one or more of a variety of information types about one or more persons. For example and without limitation, the identification signal may include identification information, ticket sales information, prior security information, clothing information, and / or history of attendance information. Further, the identification information may also include observations regarding height, weight, approximate size, gender, muscle mass, clothing type, possession of bags and / or backpacks, locations of arms of a patron, locations / motions of legs of a patron, locations / motions of the head of a patron, locations / motions of the torso of the patron, BMI, walking speed, length of hair, among other things. Such identification information can be transmitted to displays and one or more gates to facilitate admission processes either restricting or permitting access to the venue. For example, a process associated with checking tickets via the camera can include verifying a ticket, scanning a ticket, and verifying that the name associated with the ticket is indeed the person being examined via facial recognition (e.g., for a security check). Use of the camera 30 and facial recognition may facilitate a reduction in the time expended to scan / read / process a ticket scan (e.g., as compared to scanning a ticket barcode with a code scanner where persons approach a scanner for verification).

[0033] With embodiments, the camera 30 of the ticket detection system 22 may be configured to identify persons that are not permitted to be present at the venue. For example, if a person is identified as “not permitted” from entering the venue, a signal may be transmitted to the network(s) 26, which may include a security system or facility (e.g., or an alert to a display interface). Upon receiving a “not permitted” signal, the security system may act to assess the security risk. Additionally, the ticket detection system 22 can be communicatively connected with a network / database (e.g., the facial profile database 32) that includes a list of persons that are not permitted to enter the venue. Such list can include one or more of a variety of information sources, such as former employees, individuals with pending lawsuits, FBI affiliated list for high-risk (e.g., most wanted lists), registered sex offenders, among other things. In additional embodiments, the ticket detection system 22 can be communicatively connected with a network / database (e.g., the facial profile database 32) that includes a listing of important persons. Important persons caninclude VIPs, employees of the venue, operators of venue equipment, among other things. For persons that are identified as “important persons”, the detection system can deactivate the weapon detection system. Further, upon the camera 30 identifying an important person, the exemplary detection system 10 may transmit a signal to one or more components, to one or more gates of the venue, and / or to one or more displays and / or security systems / teams.

[0034] In examples, the identification information, which may be collected from the camera 30, may be integrated with the Al system 28 such that the weapon detection system 20 may utilize advanced learning to detect the presence of weapons. The identification information may additionally include clothing types and associated risks (e.g., backpacks may provide means to hide / store non-permitted items and can be higher risk than a smaller handbag). Clothing types may include jackets, sweaters, long sleeves, short sleeves, long pants, short pants, dresses, size of shoes, steel toe shoes, high heels, type of shoe, baby carriages, and / or wagons. Further, the identification information may include object information that indicates if an object is present in a person’s hand. For example and without limitation, the object information may identify water bottles, purses, bags, jackets, sweaters, blankets, babies, children, walking canes, computers, laptops, phones, and / or weapons. The identification information (e.g., in the form of an identification signal) may be used by the Al system 28 to determine if weapons are present on persons entering a venue / area.

[0035] With embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. IB, an exemplary technique 100 may be employed by the weapon detection system 20 to generate an alert when a potential object-of- interest (e.g., a weapon) on or near an individual is detected via at least one ultra-wideband (UWB) radar 204 of the object / weapon detection system 22. Technique 100 may include defining a region- of-interest (ROI) at block 102. The ROI may include, for example, a walkway or passageway where individuals pass, or any other area where individuals may move through or around.

[0036] Once the ROI is defined, process control moves to block 104, where the exemplary detection system 10 may be deployed or otherwise arranged to screen individuals moving through the ROI. After set-up or deployment of the exemplary detection system 10, process control proceeds to block 106 where calibration occurs. Calibration may include scanning the ROI via the UWB radar(s) 204 when no individuals are present so that the “background” can be identified (i.e., creation of background scanning data).

[0037] Further, calibration may include the creation of calibration scanning data. The calibration scanning data may be generated by scanning, via the UWB radar(s) 204, 208, an individual carrying an object-of-interest (OOI) such as a weapon or any other item the user would like to identify as an OOI to be detected (e.g., as weapon detection may be synonymous with object detection). This may be repeated using different OOIs each time. For example, one set of calibration scanning data may represent an individual in the ROI carrying a gun, another may represent the individual carrying a knife, and / or yet another may represent the individual carrying an alcohol flask.

[0038] Next, the individual may again be scanned via the UWB radars 204, 208, but this time without any OOI. It is contemplated that the same individual need not be used for each. Regardless, the calibration scanning data now includes two data sets: one with OOI data and another without OOI data. To rephrase, the calibration data may be said to include ‘ground truth’ data patterns consistent with the following two primary conditions: i) an OOI present on an individual and ii) no OOI present on the individual.

[0039] This calibration scanning data (a.k.a. training dataset) may be fed into a pattern recognition device. The pattern recognition device may run the calibration data through a calibration heuristic, based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. The calibration heuristic may be a multi-layered heuristic that performs a convolution process on the calibration scanning datasets, ultimately yielding a ‘prediction function.’

[0040] Once the weapon detection system (e.g., the object detection system) is calibrated, process control proceeds to block 108 and ROI scanning data is obtained via the UWB radar(s) 204, 208. The scanning data is analyzed and at decision block 110 it is determined if an event is triggered. A change in data patterns may trigger an event. For example, when no individuals or objects are moving through the ROI, patterns in the received scanning data do not significantly differ from the background patterns identified during calibration. As such, an event may not be triggered. Alternatively, when an object or individual moves through the ROI, patterns in the received scanning data differ from the background patterns in the calibration data and an event may be triggered.

[0041] One or more thresholds may be employed to determine if an event is triggered. As such, by employing one or more thresholds, the exemplary detection system 10 can avoid having background events or other “noise” from triggering an event. That is, threshold(s) can beemployed to ensure that individuals moving through the ROI trigger an event, but another object (e.g., a plant) in the ROI that may be rustling in a breeze does not trigger an event.

[0042] If an event is not triggered 112, process control proceeds back to block 108 as ROI scanning data continues to be received.

[0043] Alternatively, if an event is triggered 114 (e.g., a person moves through the ROI), process control moves to block 116 where the scanning data may be further analyzed. This further analysis of the scanning data includes searching the scanning data for OO1 patterns using the prediction function generated during calibration. At decision block 118, it is determined whether or not an OOI pattern is identified in the scanning data. If an OOI pattern is not identified 120, process control proceeds back to block 108 where scanning data continues to be obtained.

[0044] On the other hand, if one or more OOI patterns are identified 122, process control proceeds to block 124 where an alert may be sent. The alert may be sent to an operator or other person so that further action can be taken if needed.

[0045] The latency between receiving the radar signals and processing the radar signals when tracking individuals is generally less than the same latencies that occur in other systems using lidar, cameras, or depth cameras. As such, the exemplary detection system 10 discussed herein is generally more efficient than these other systems.

[0046] With reference now to FIG. 1C, an exemplary technique 150 as employed by the weapon / object detection system 20 for identifying a potential object-of-interest (e.g., a weapon) below an individual’s torso using at least one metal detector or magnetometer of the weapon / object detection system 20 is shown. While systems and techniques discussed herein refer to employing one or more metal detectors or magnetometers, these systems and techniques may employ either metal detectors or magnetometers or a combination of both (as can be included within one or more connected secondary weapon system(s)). As such, when the term “metal detector” is used herein, it is understood that it instead could be replaced with the term magnetometer.

[0047] Technique 150 begins at block 152 where at least one metal detector is positioned to scan a ROI. The ROI may be the same as, similar to, or different than the ROI of technique 100. Regardless of how the ROI of technique 150 is defined, the at least one metal detector may be positioned and / or focused such that it primarily scans the legs (i.e., an area below a person’s torso) of individuals passing through the ROI. In other words, the metal detector(s) may be focused on an area in the ROI where an individual’s legs will likely be found. Testing may be carried out onsite to ensure proper positioning and focusing of the metal detector(s). Once positioned, process control proceeds to block 154 where the at least one metal detector is activated such that scanning by the metal detector(s) begins.

[0048] At block 156, the weapon / object detection system 20 processes scanning data received via the metal detector(s). To keep track of the data in a temporal sense, the scanning data may be stored in a driver that feeds the data into a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer. The processing of the metal detector scanning data may include comparing one or more thresholds with the metal detector scanning data. The one or more thresholds may be employed to minimize “false positives.” That is, one or more thresholds may be set so that items such as a shoe zipper or eyelets do not trigger an alert, but a weapon such as, for example, a gun or knife will trigger an alert. As such, false positives may be minimized. In other instances, thresholds may be employed to create slots. That is, the detection system may only produce an alert if the signal received via the metal detector(s) is greater than one threshold and less than another threshold (i.e., within a slot). Regardless of how many thresholds are employed, they can be determined based on the type of objects that are to be identified.

[0049] By comparing the scanning data to the one or more thresholds, the exemplary detection system 10 can determine whether or not to send an alert at decision block 158. If, through comparison of the metal detector scanning data to the threshold(s), an alert is not triggered 160, process control proceeds back to block 156, where metal detector scanning data continues to be processed. Alternatively, if the comparison of the scanning data with the threshold(s) leads to an alert being triggered 162, process control proceeds to block 164 and an alert may be provided or sent to a user.

[0050] Technique 100 of FIG. IB and technique 150 of FIG. 1C run concurrently. As such, an alert will be triggered if an OOI is identified via the UWB radar(s) and / or if the metal detector(s) identify a metal exceeding one or more thresholds. For example, FIG. 1C represents a technique 170 for detecting objects of interest using a system or device that employs at least one UWB radar as well as at least one magnetometer or metal detector. As mentioned above, for the sake of simplicity, the term metal detector will be employed herein to refer to magnetometer(s) as well.

[0051] Technique 170 of FIG. ID begins at block 172 where scanning a ROI concurrently with at least one UWB radar and at least one metal detector is carried about. The system or device (e.g.,the exemplary detection system 10 may be configured to initiate the scanning when motion is detected in the ROI.

[0052] The UWB radar(s) (as shown in FIG. 2) may be focused on the entire ROI and / or an upper region of the ROI, while the metal detector(s) may be focused on a lower region of the ROI. It has been found that, in some instances, identifying an OOI using UWB radar may not be as effective when the OOI is located on, for example, an individual’s leg. This may be due, for example, to the non-linear motion of an individual’s legs as they walk through the ROI. While an object on an individual’s torso generally has a linear motion as it moves from one end of the ROI to the opposite end of the ROI, an object on an individual’s leg moving through the ROI does not have the same general linear motion since its position varies more in the xv-plane due to the motion of the leg. As such, by “focusing” the metal detector(s) on the lower region of the ROI, the capabilities of the metal detector(s) may be leveraged to increase the accuracy of OOI detection in the lower region of the ROI.

[0053] With continued reference to FIG. ID, as scanning continues, process control may determine if an OOI is identified by either or both of the radar(s) and metal detector(s) at block 174. If an OOI is identified 176, process control proceeds to block 178 where an alert may be provided or sent to a user (e.g., a security technician). The alert may take a variety of forms. For example, the alert may visually identify the individual with the OOI or the alert may visually identify the individual with the ROI while also identifying where on the individual’s body the OOI was detected. It is noted that scanning continues even when an alert is sent to a user. Accordingly, it is possible that if multiple individuals have an OOI and are moving through the ROI at the same time, multiple alerts may be sent to the user(s).

[0054] Regardless of whether an OOI is detected 176 or not 180, scanning via the UWB radar(s) and the metal detector(s) continues until the session is ended. For example, at decision block 182 process control determines whether or not to end the scanning session. If, for example, the scanning system or device is employed to scan individuals at a sporting or political event, the user may decide to end the scanning session after the event ends. As such, the user may simply provide an input to the system to end 184 the session. If an end-input is not provided 186, the session continues.

[0055] As mentioned above, UWB radar excels at identifying OOIs on or near the torso area of an individual. This is at least partially because an OOI positioned in this region generally movesthrough the ROI in a horizontally linear fashion. In contrast, however, an OOI on a person’s leg (e.g. calf) does not generally move through the ROI in a horizontally linear fashion. As such, it may be time consuming for the pattern recognition device of the detection system to learn to identify OOIs on an individual’s legs. Since it is important to identify an OOI as quickly as possible, the metal detector(s) serve as an effective back-up for the weapon / object detection system 20 in case the pattern recognition system does not identify an OOI on a person’s legs.

[0056] As also mentioned above, the metal detector(s) may be positioned and focused in such a manner that they may primarily scan the legs, and / or at least calves, of individuals. As such, if an individual is carrying, for example, keys in their hip pocket, an alert is unlikely to be triggered by the metal detector(s). Further, since one or more thresholds can be employed, smaller metal items on a person’ s shoes or legs are also less likely to trigger a false positive. Together, the UWB radar system and the metal detector system of the weapon / object detection system 20 are effective at providing alerts when an OOI is on a person moving through the ROI.

[0057] With reference now FIG. 2, an exemplary detection system 200 utilized by a user 202 (e.g., security personnel) to detect weapons or other contraband on moving subjects or objects is shown. While one or more configurations of the weapon / object detecting system 200 are discussed below, other configurations not discussed may instead be employed.

[0058] For data collection or data generation activities, the exemplary detection system 200 includes at least a first UWB radar 204 and at least a first metal detector 206. One or more Additional UWB radars 208 and metal detector(s) 210 may also be included. While the additional UWB radars 208 and metal detector(s) 210 may be beneficial to provide additional or redundant coverage of one or more regions-of-interest, or to enlarge coverage in one or more regions-of- interest, a single UWB radar and metal detector may be sufficient to detect contraband of interest (e.g., weapons such as guns and / or knives).

[0059] Each UWB radar may include a transmit (Tx) antenna and at least one receive (Rx) antenna (see, e.g., the transmit antenna 212 and receive antenna 214 of the first UWB radar 204). In other examples, however, one or more of the UWB radars may include more than one receiving antenna to allow for beam steering.

[0060] With regard to the one or more UWB radars 204, 208 (referred to by some as radar arrays), each may be operated independently of the others, and therefore may be operated in a nonsynchronized manner. That is, each UWB radar 204, 208 may be independently operated and in astand-alone arrangement to detect contraband, and does not include or require information from another UWB radar. Further, each may not require additional information from other imaging systems. Similarly, the metal detectors 206, 210 may also operate independently from one another and may not require information from other imaging systems.

[0061] Whether or not additional UWB radars are employed, the weapon / object detection system 200 may be configured to direct or reposition the one or more UWB radar(s) 204, 208 via actuators or the like toward a RO1, or even to define an RO1. Similarly, the weapon / object detection system 200 may also be configured to direct or reposition position the one or more metal detectors 206, 210 via actuators or the like to different areas in a ROI.

[0062] For computing activities, the exemplary detection system 200 may include a first compute device 216, a second compute device 218, a server 220, a database 222, and / or a hub or network 224.

[0063] To carry out computing activities related to pattern recognition, the server 220 may be employed carry out pattern recognition heuristics. The server 220 may include one or more processors 226, memory 228, and one or more programs 230. The pattern recognition heuristics carried out by the server 220 may be capable of learning from data, enhancing its learning through heuristics or other ‘rules of thumb’ that may be present or identified based on its learning ability, and writing its own heuristics or predictive functions.

[0064] For additional computing activities, the first compute device 216 may include one or more processors 232, memory 234, one or more programs 236, one or more transceivers 238, and a user interface 240. In a similar manner, the second compute device 218 (e.g., phone or tablet) may include one or more processors 242, memory 244, one or more programs 246, one or more transceivers 248, and a user interface 250.

[0065] With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary detection system 300 is illustrated. The exemplary detection system 300 may include a first tower 302 and / or a second tower 304, that may be disposed on opposites sides of a ROI 305, which may further include a walkway 306. The towers 302, 304 may be positioned such that a subject / person / individual 308 may pass therebetween as they move through the ROI 305 and / or the walkway 306. While one subject 308 is illustrated in FIG. 3A, the exemplary detection system 300 may be capable of concurrently scanning multiple moving individuals. As such, the exemplary detection system 300 may be employed to scan the ROI 305 having crowds of individuals passing therethrough.

[0066] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first tower 302 may include any number of UWB radars. For example and without limitation, the first tower may include six UWB radars 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320. In a similar manner, the second tower 304 may include six UWB radars 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332. Each UWB radar 310-332 may be aligned and / or positioned in such a manner that each may send and / or receive signals to and from at least a subject’s torso area 334.

[0067] With respect to energy emission, the UWB radars 310-332 may emit short duration low energy (e.g., less than 200 microwatts) bi-phase pulses over a large bandwidth. Further, the UWB radar data may, for example, be captured at 40 frames per second.

[0068] While FIG. 3A illustrates each tower 302, 304 including six UWB radars 310-320, 322- 332, other exemplary systems may include just one radar on each tower, or two or more radars on each tower. In yet another example, only one radar on one tower may be employed

[0069] Though not shown in FIG. 3A, the UWB radars 310-332 may include a transmit antenna and / or at least one receive antenna (see, e.g., Tx antenna 212 and Rx antenna 214 of the UWB radar 204 as illustrated in FIG. 2). If each UWB radar includes more than one receive antenna, beam steering may be employed.

[0070] With reference back to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exemplary detection system 300 may also include a first metal detector 336 on the first tower 302 and / or a second metal detector 338 on the second tower 304. Metal detectors can do a good job of detecting weapons along or near the feet and legs of subjects, but may have a high false alarm rate with objects at least partially metal (e.g., keys, backpacks, phones, and / or purses) placed at waist level or higher. As such, the metal detectors 336, 338 may be positioned and / or focused such that they may send and / or receive signals to and from the general leg region 340 (e.g., calf) of the subject 308. Testing may be carried on site to ensure proper positioning and / or focus so that the metal detectors do not inadvertently send false positives if the subject 308 has non-001 metal objects on their torso region.

[0071] A distance 342 between the metal detectors 336, 338 may ensure one metal detector does not interfere with the other. This distance 342 may be dependent on the type of metal detector(s) (or magnetometer) employed and, as such, may vary depending on implementations.

[0072] While exemplary detection system 300 employs two metal detectors 336, 338, other exemplary systems may employ one metal detector or more than two metal detectors. Still further,other exemplary systems may include only one tower with one or more UWB radars 310-332 and one or more metal detectors.

[0073] Systems discussed herein, such as the exemplary detection system 300 of FIG. 3A, is capable of being hidden from view from, for example, attendees of an event. For example, the towers 302, 304 of FIG. 3A may be placed behind a barrier opaque or partially transparent to visible light, thus obscuring the towers 302, 304 from attendees. Any barriers that do not interfere with operation of the exemplary detection system 300 may be employed. For example, barriers transparent to the UWB radar(s) 310-332 and to the type of metal detector or magnetometer employed may be used. Further, the barrier may be comprised of one or more materials. For example, an upper portion of the barrier may be comprised of a material transparent (or mostly transparent) to UWB radar 310-332 and / or a bottom portion of the barrier may be comprised of a material transparent (or mostly transparent) to the metal detector or magnetometer employed.

[0074] Once deployed, the exemplary detection system 300 may engage in a training process (i.e., calibration) so that the system may properly predict the presence of OOI patterns, or objects- of-interest. For example, see the above training or calibration process set forth with respect to FIG. 1A.

[0075] In one example, each UWB radar 310-332 of FIG. 3A may operate having up to a 10 meter range to the ROI 306. Other ranges, however, may be employed. The exemplary detection system 300 may provide the ability to detect objects, such as weapon on persons 308, through walls, clothing, bags, luggage, and the like. Very low loss of signals through common materials such as drywall, glass, and the like may be obtained. In one example the exemplary detection system 300 may provide about 1 mm resolution or less in object identification.

[0076] According to one example, the UWB radars 310-332 may have a 7.3 GHz center frequency with a 1.5 GHz bandwidth. Other examples, however, may employ a different center frequency (e.g., between 6 and 8 GHz) and / or a different bandwidth. Differential RF terminals may be used for low noise and distortion, thus yielding high sensitivity in both static and dynamic applications. In general, the exemplary detection system 300 may utilize very low power levels significantly below Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Class B limits for electronic devices designated for residential space, enabling its use in most worldwide markets. In one example, bi-phase, or binary phase, coding may be used for transmitting pulses via the UWB radar(s) 310-332 for spectrum spreading. Also, a master / slave Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)may be employed, where a synchronous serial communication interface may be used for shortdistance communication, with Quad SPI mode employed for higher data rates. Digital downconversion may convert digitized, band limited signal, to a lower frequency signal and a lower sampling rate, while further filtering may also be applied.

[0077] A small footprint Chip Scale Packaging may be used for high density integration. In one example, a 3” x 1.5” x 0.375” board may be used having low power requirements to facilitate battery operation of each UWB radar 310-332. An impulse Radar Transceiver System on a Chip (SoC) may also be used with a commercially available UWB chips.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary technique 400 for object detection is shown. The technique 400 begins at block 402 where signals (e.g., UWB radar signals and metal detector signals) pass in and out of an exemplary detection system 300 (see, e.g., the system 300 of FIG. 3). The signals may be stored in one or more drivers and then placed in a first- in and first-out (FIFO) buffer at block 404 to gather and monitor data until an event trigger occurs at block 406. An event trigger occurs when, for instance, the ROI is disrupted by passage of, for instance, a person. RF and broadband data are captured at block 408, and the data is filtered at block 410 using pass and other known filters to remove background, and the like. Motion compensation may be applied at block 412, and factors may be determined or calculated and applied to account for gait and stride artifacts. Processed data may then be fed to a pattern recognition heuristic at block 414, and contrasted with previously obtained ‘ground truth’ data patterns, and an object-of-interest prediction is made at block 416. That is, the previously obtained ‘prediction function’ may be used to identify possible OOIs via their OOI patterns, based on the learning performed as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A. The process ends, and control continually passes back to the start and monitoring continues until another event trigger occurs at block 406.

[0079] In various embodiments, the exemplary detection system 300 can be employed to scan for patrons’ tickets via the ticket detection system 22, while using the weapons detection system(s) 20 to monitor / detect for weapons. The ticket detection system 22 may be installed at one or more of a variety of venues to improve security and / or admission processes. For example and without limitation, the variety of venues may include music venues, sports arenas, amusement parks, stadiums, and / or any venue where it can be desirable to have a ticket scanning process and a security processes.

[0080] Generally, when at the foregoing one or more venues, patrons (e.g., individuals, customers, attendees, persons) may be asked to stand in two separate lines for successful admission: (1) a first line that detects for weapons; and (2) a second line that scans for weapons. It can be undesirable for a variety of reasons to stand in two separate lines and / or to knowingly experience a weapons search and / or scan. For example and without limitation, the flow of patron traffic can be improved in terms of admission time further improving the patron experience. Patron experiences may be improved by the reduction in admission and / or security time. In one or more of a variety of manners, it may be beneficial to improve admission (e.g., ticket) and security (e.g., weapons) systems.

[0081] Turning next to FIG. 5, an exemplary detection system 300 can include an exemplary technique 500A as executed via the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22 (e.g., the detection system 300). Technique 500’ begins at block 500 where the ticket detection system 22 may scan for a patron’s ticket. Such may occur as a patron may encounter a ticket scanner at the entrance to one or more of a variety of venues. Upon the patron scanning the ticket, the exemplary detection system 300 can determine whether the ticket is a valid ticket, as shown in block 502. A “valid ticket” may be one that sufficiently meets necessary or defined criteria or established conditions. In response to a successful ticket scan (e.g., scan of a valid ticket), the exemplary detection system 300 can open a gate allowing the patron to proceed forwards. Alternatively, in response to an unsuccessful ticket scan, the gate may not open for the patron; and further, the ticket detection system may continue to search for a ticket to scan again (e.g., returning to block 500). Once the gate is open, at block 504, the patron may proceed into a scanning area where the weapon detection system 20 may be executed to determine whether the patron (e.g., individual, person, attendee) is in possession of a weapon (e.g., or substance, or any object not permitted to enter the venue). Once within the scanning area, the exemplary detection system 300 can close the gate and proceed to execute weapon detection techniques to determine if a weapon is present within the scanning area, at block 512.

[0082] Further, if a weapon is detected by the weapon detection system 20 as shown in block 514, a signal may be transmitted to activate one or more security measures to address the presence of a weapon at the venue. Such actions may include alerting a security team to arrive at the scanning area and / or closing one or more gates to isolate the patron in possession of the weapon (e.g., which can include audio and / or visual alerts). In response to the weapon detection system20 not detecting any weapon on the patron within the scanning area, the patron may be allowed to exit the scanning area as in block 516.

[0083] Turning next to FIG. 6, an exemplary detection system 300 may include an exemplary technique 500B as executed via the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22 (e.g., the detection system 300). Technique 600’ begins at block 600 where the ticket detection system 22 may scan for a patron’s ticket. Further, the patron can encounter a ticket scanner at the entrance or prior to entering a venue. Upon approaching an interactive portion (e.g., where a ticket may be scanned at a scanner) of the ticket detection system 22, the exemplary detection system 300 may determine whether the ticket is a valid ticket, as shown in block 602. At block 604, if the ticket is not a valid ticket, the ticket detection system 22 may display a negative indication (e.g., a negative indicator light) and may continue to scan for a valid ticket. If the ticket is a valid ticket (e.g., a successful ticket scan), the ticket detection system 22 may display a positive indicator light, at block 606. The ticket detection system 22 may further direct the patron / individual to proceed past the positive indicator light and into a scanning area for the weapon detection system 20 to make a weapon determination as shown in block 608. Additionally, the exemplary detection system 300 may activate an indicator light instructing the patron / individual to “stop” upon occupying the scanning area for the weapon detection system 20 at block 610. At the same time, the ticket detection system 22 may continuously scan for the next patron’s ticket (e.g., thus advancing patrons in a ticket / security line) while a security / weapons check may be executed on another patron at block 612.

[0084] The exemplary detection system 300 (e.g., the weapon detection system 20) may scan the individual / patron for a weapon at block 612. In response to the weapon detection system 20 detecting no weapons, the exemplary detection system 300 may permit and / or instruct the individual / patron to exit the scanning area and proceed to the venue at block 616. Conversely, at block 618, in response to detecting a weapon, the weapon detection system 20 may transmit a warning and / or an alert to a security system / team such as to sufficiently manage the detected threat in any number of manners.

[0085] Turning next to FIG. 7, in alternative embodiments, the weapon detection system 20 may be activated and / or engaged prior to activating / engaging the ticket detection system 22. Further, other variations and operations of the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22 that comprise the exemplary detection system 300 may be considered (e.g., suchexamples may involve additional steps integrated with ticket and weapon detection that do not limit the venue experience for patrons that can be related to long wait time and / or inconvenience). Technique 700’ begins at block 700 where the exemplary detection system 300 may move a first gate (e.g., as later shown in FIGS. 9A-11) to an open position allowing an individual to enter. At block 702, the exemplary detection system 300 may display an indication directing the individual into the scanning area. Once the individual occupies the scanning area, the exemplary detection system 300 may move the gate to a closed position (e.g., limiting movement of the individual from an area outside the scanning area) at block 704. Next, as in block 706, the exemplary detection system 300 (e.g., the weapon detection system 20) may scan the scanning area for the presence of weapon and / or may determine whether a weapon is present (block 708).

[0086] Upon a determination that a weapon is present within the scanning area, the exemplary detection system 300 can transmit a waming / alert signal from the weapon detection system 20 indicating a threat or risk, which can be handled in any number of appropriate manners as decided by a related security team (e.g., for the venue) at block 710. If a weapon is not detected by the weapon detection system 20, the individual may proceed to the ticket detection system 22 where the ticket may be scanned for validation at 714. In response to scanning an invalid ticket, the exemplary detection system 300 can continuously rescan for validation. In response to scanning a valid ticket, the exemplary detection system 300 may open a second gate allowing the individual to enter the venue at block 716.

[0087] Turning next to FIG. 8, in alternative embodiments, an exemplary technique 800’ may be employed by the exemplary detection system 300. At block 800, the exemplary detection system 300 may activate an indicator light to direct an individual to enter the scanning area for the weapon detection system 20 to evaluate the presence of a weapon. The weapon detection system 20 may scan for weapons upon the individual entering the scanning area at block 802. Further, at block 804, the exemplary detection system 300 may close a gate once the individual is within the scanning area, thus limiting the movement of the individual. At block 806, the weapon detection system 20 may determine the presence of a weapon; and further, at block 808, upon detecting a weapon, the exemplary detection system 300 may transmit an alert / signal to any variety of mediums for further security assessment / management (e.g., which can include alerting additional people and / or systems). In response to situations where a weapon is not detected, the individual may be directed to stop at a ticket scanning medium such that the ticket detection system 22 canreceive a ticket scan from the individual, at block 810. Upon sensing an invalid ticket scan, the ticket detection system 22 may continuously scan for a valid ticket. In response to a valid ticket scan at block 814, the ticket detection system 22 may transmit a signal to open the gate, activate a notification, and / or any variety of other related actions to the security of a venue (e.g., transmitting an audio signal to an earpiece worn by a security guard).

[0088] With various embodiments, the weapon detection system 20 may be designed to detect any variety of weapon, such as guns and / or knives. Further in additional embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the exemplary detection system 300 may be communicatively connected with an Al system 28 such that the exemplary detection system 300 may learn via the Al system. The Al system 28 may be implemented to learn the tendencies, movement patterns, weight distributions, and / or locations of weapons and weapon handlers as they pass through the exemplary detection system 300 (e.g., the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket detection system 22). Allowing the Al system 28 to learn from observations of the weapon detection system 20 and / or ticket detection system 22 may improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting weapons, especially within densely populated venues.

[0089] Turning next to FIGS. 9A and 9B, exemplary detection systems are shown in embodiments 900 and 902. As shown in FIG. 9A, the exemplary detection system 900 may include a gate 2005 that may open after a ticket has been successfully scanned via the ticket detection system 22 (e.g., a ticket scanner 2004, which may be a camera / scanner). After the gate 2005 opens, a person / individual / patron may walk down a walkway 2006 and / or may be scanned for weapons via the weapon detection system 20. The weapon detection system 20 may comprise towers 2001 and 2003, which may include one or more UWB radars 2002 that may scan the scanning area (e.g., the walkway 2006) for weapons. The scanning area may be disposed between the towers 2001, 2003 and within the walkway 2006.

[0090] Further, in embodiment 902, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the exemplary detection system 902 may include a display 2105 that may signal to a person standing in front of the display 2105 whether a ticket has been scanned by the ticket scanner (e.g., the ticket detection system 22), and / or the status of the ticket scan (e.g., whether invalid or valid). Further, display 2105 may provide instructions to a person directing the person through the venue (e.g., to walk down the scanning area / walkway 2106). A person may be scanned for weapons while walking down the walkway2106. In examples, the weapon detection system 20 may include a first tower 2101 and a second tower 2103 that can include any number of UWB radars 2102.

[0091] Turning next to FIG. 10A and 10B, exemplary detection systems are shown in embodiments 1000 and 1002. As shown in FIG. 10A, the exemplary detection system 1000 may include a first gate 2205 and a second gate 2204. Further, the detection system may include a ticket scanning device 2207 (e.g., the ticket detection system 22). The first gate 2205 may be configured to open after the exemplary detection system 1000 is ready to scan an individual for a weapon, such that the individual can proceed to the walkway / scanning area 2206. As the individual is approaching the ticket scanning device 2207 to scan a ticket, the weapon detection system 20 may search for a weapon. The weapon detection system 20 may comprise a first tower 2201 and / or a second tower 2203 that may include any number of UWB radars 2202. The second gate 2204 may be configured to open after a successful ticket scan and weapon scan.

[0092] Further, in embodiment 1002, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the exemplary detection system 1002 may include a display 2305 that may be configured to signal, to a person standing in front of the display 2305, that the weapon detection system 20 is ready to scan for weapons and the person may proceed to enter the scanning area / walkway 2306. The gate 2304 may open after a successful ticket scan and weapons scan.

[0093] Turning next to FIG. 11, an exemplary detection system is shown in embodiment 1100. As shown, the detection system 1100 may include a display 2405 that may signal to a person standing in front of it that the weapon detection system 20 is ready for the person to enter to begin detecting weapons. Display 2405 may instruct the person to proceed down the walkway / scanning area 2406. The person may scan a ticket using the ticket scanning device 2407. While the person is walking down the walkway 2406, the weapon detection system 20 (including towers 2401, 2403, and UWB radars 2402) may scan for the presence of weapons.

[0094] With embodiments, FIG. 12 illustrates radar data from a single radar after a threshold may be applied as a person walks by the radar. The y-axis shows the range bins which is proportional to the distance from the radar. The x-axis shows each sample frame, where each frame may be a different point in time. Further, the shaded portion shows the signal becoming stronger and closer as the person approaches the radar, and the reverse may be observed as the person passes the radar. The single line curve fit of FIG. 12 shows a parabola that has been fitted to the threshold data. Curve fitting a “V” may also be a good fit to the data. If it is determinedthat 80 frames of data provide the best performance, then 40 frames before the minimum value of the curve fit and 40 frames after the minimum value of the curve fit may be used to send to the pattern recognition device (e.g., the Al system 28). The radar may include a field of view that is severely attenuated on the side not facing the walkway.

[0095] An exemplary detection system 300 may comprise at least one ultra-wideband radar that may be able to transmit a series of pulses towards a region of interest and / or able to receive data of transmitted pulses, at least one magnetometer able to generate a signal based upon sensing a magnetic field, a pattern recognition device (e.g., the Al system 28) able to operate on the radar data and generate a signal, and / or a device able to generate an alert based upon at least one of the signals of the pattern recognition device and / or the signal of the magnetometer. The pattern recognition device (e.g., the Al system 28) may contain an apparatus able to operate on radar data to generate the signal based detecting an object of interest in the radar data. In such embodiments, the object of interest may be a weapon, which may further be a gun or a knife, among other things. The ultra-wideband radar may be configured to transmit a bi-phase pulse. Additionally, in embodiments, the magnetometers may be positioned to focus on the legs and feet of where a person would pass by.

[0096] An exemplary detection system 300 may comprise at least one ultra- wideband radar that may be able to transmit a series of pulses towards a region of interest and may be able to receive data of transmitted pulses, an apparatus that may determine a set of radar data based upon features of radar data, a pattern recognition device able (e.g., the Al system 28) to operate on the set of radar data determined by said apparatus and generate a signal, and / or a device able to generate an alert based upon the signal of the pattern recognition device. In embodiments, the features of the apparatus may include signal level and range bins of the radar data. The radar used for the time range computation may be at least one of the radars used for pattern recognition.

[0097] With embodiments, the region of interest may include the area over a walkway that is bounded to prevent individuals from avoiding the region of interest. Additionally, the walkway may be bounded by a physical barrier that may opaque to visible light. The pattern recognition device (e.g., the Al system 28) may be calibrated using received data of transmitted pulses. Further, weapons may be used as part of the calibration and / or humans without weapons may be used as part of the calibration.

[0098] In examples, the pattern recognition device (e.g., the Al system 28) may contain an apparatus able to operate on radar data to generate the signal based detecting an object of interest in the radar data. The pattern recognition device may be previously calibrated using received data of transmitted pulses.

[0099] With embodiments, the exemplary detection system 300 may comprise a ticket scanner, a walkway, and / or a weapon detection system 20. The ticket scanner may be disposed in front of the weapon detection system 20 and / or the ticket scanner (e.g., the ticket detection system 22) may be disposed after the weapon detection system 20 in the direction of travel. In examples, as described and shown previously in FIGS. 9A-11, a gate may be located at the entrance of the weapon detection system 20, and the gate may open after the system has completed scanning for weapons associated with a different person. At least one gate may be located after the weapon detection system 20. The gate may be signaled to open after scanning a valid ticket and / or after completing a scan for weapons.

[0100] In embodiments, the gate may be signaled to close based on the weapon system scanning a single person for a weapon. Additionally, a light may be disposed in front of (e.g., or after) the weapon detection system 20, and / or the light can indicate a walk signal when a valid ticket has been scanned.

[0101] According to the disclosure there are several options for ticket scanning / gate integration using: RFID scanners (access cards used by corporate prospects); QR scanners (used by venues and sporting events); and / or bar code scanners (legacy scanners used by some venues).

[0102] Further, in embodiments, the gate may include and / or be constructed from a variety of gates and / or gate materials. For example, the gate may include: a bridge three-roll braker with single / double movement, a bridge arc three-roll braker with single / double movement; a bridge octagonal wing gate (304 material) with single / double movement; a bridge arc wing gate (304 material) with single / double movement; a bridge octagonal swing brake (304 material with brushless collision avoidance) with single / double movement; a bridge circular arc swing brake (304 material with brushless collision avoidance) with single / double movement; a bridge circular arc / octagonal fully enclosed swing brake with single / double movement; a panda swing gate with single / double movement; any other single / double movement gate; a Darth Vader series speed through door gate with single / double movement; a starfish oval wing gate with single / double movement; a luxury swing brake (304 material with brushless collision avoidance) withsingle / double movement; a deluxe plane arc swing brake (with brushless collision avoidance) with single / double movement; a flat right angle swing brake with single / double movement; and / or any variety of Sirian wing brake with single / double movement (e.g., with electroplating paint).

[0103] Thus, according to the disclosure, an exemplary detection system 300 may include an ultra- wideband (UWB) radar having a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves toward a region-of-interest (ROI), and having a receiver that receives reflected electromagnetic waves coming from the ROI. The system 300 may also include i) at least one metal detector or at least one magnetometer configured to detect metal in a lower region of the ROI; ii) a pattern recognition device having a processor and configured to identify at least one object-of-interest (OOI) that is moving through the ROI, wherein the pattern recognition device may search for object-of-interest (OOI) patterns in scanning data to identify the at least one OOI, and wherein the scanning data is derived from the reflected electromagnetic waves; and iii) a signaling device configured to send an alert when a) at least one OOI pattern of the OOI patterns is identified in the scanning data by the pattern recognition device and b) metal is detected by the at least one metal detector or the at least one magnetometer.

[0104] Also according to the disclosure, a method may include i) transmitting electromagnetic ultra-wideband (UWB) waves, via a UWB transmitter of an object detection system, towards a region-of-interest (ROI); receiving reflected UWB waves, via a UWB receiver, from the ROI; ii) generating UWB scanning data from the reflected UWB waves when there is movement in the ROI; iii) utilizing a pattern recognition device to identify object-of interest (OOI) patterns in the scanning data, wherein the pattern recognition device may be configured to identify an OOI moving through the reflected UWB waves; iv) detecting metal, via at least one of a metal detector and a magnetometer, moving through a lower region of the ROI; and / or v) producing an alert when at least one of a) the pattern recognition device identifies at least one OOI pattern in the scanning data and b) metal is detected by at least one of the metal detector and the magnetometer.

[0105] Further, according to the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium tangibly embodies computer-executable instructions of a program being executable by at least one hardware processor of an exemplary detection system 300. The instructions may be configured to cause the object detection system to do the following: transmit ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses, via at least one UWB radar, toward a region-of-interest (ROI); create operational scanning data from reflected UWB pulses; identify at least one object-of-interest (OOI) that is moving through theROI, wherein identification of the at least one OOI comprises identification of at least one 001 pattern in the operational scanning data; scan, via at least one of a metal detector and a magnetometer, a lower region of the ROI; and / or create an alert when the at least one OOI is identified and when metal is detected in the lower region of the ROI by at least one of the metal detector and the magnetometer.

[0106] With regal’d to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain examples, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

[0107] Accordingly, with reference now back to FIGS. 1A-13 as discussed above, exemplary system(s) and devices may be any computing system and / or device that includes a processor (e.g., processors 226, 232, 242 of FIG. 2) and a memory (e.g., memory 228, 234, 244). Computing systems and / or devices generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (216-220) such as those listed above and below. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, including, without limitation, and either alone or in combination, lava™, C, C++, Visual Basic, lava Script, Perl, etc. The exemplary system(s), device(s), and items therein may take many different forms and include multiple and / or alternate components. While exemplary systems, devices, and modules are shown in the Figures, the exemplary components illustrated in the Figures are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and / or implementations may be used, and thus the above examples should not be construed as limiting.

[0108] In general, computing systems and / or devices may employ any of a number of computer operating systems, including, but by no means limited to, versions and / or varieties of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, the Unix operating system (e.g., the Solaris® operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California), the AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines of Armonk, New York, the Linux operatingsystem, the Mac OS X and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, the BlackBerry OS distributed by Research In Motion of Waterloo, Canada, and the Android operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance. Examples of computing systems and / or devices include, without limitation, personal computers, cellphones, smart-phones, super-phones, tablet computers, next generation portable devices, handheld computers, secure voice communication equipment, or some other computing system and / or device.

[0109] Further, the processor or the microprocessor of computing systems and / or devices receives instructions from the memory and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable mediums (e.g., memory 228, 234, 244).

[0110] A CPU or processor may include processes comprised from any hardware, software, or combination of hardware or software that carries out instructions of a computer programs by performing logical and arithmetical calculations, such as adding or subtracting two or more numbers, comparing numbers, or jumping to a different pail of the instructions. For example, the processors 226, 232, 242 of FIG. 2 may be any one of, but not limited to single, dual, triple, or quad core processors (on one single chip), graphics processing units, visual processing units, and virtual processors.

[0111] Memory (e.g., memory 228, 234, 244) may be, in general, any computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) that may include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes a main memory. Such instructions may be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including radio waves, metal wire, fiber optics, and the like, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, aPROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0112] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0113] The non-transitory computer-readable media includes all types of computer-readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, and solid-state storage media and specifically excludes signals. It should be understood that the software can be installed in and sold with the device. Alternatively, the software can be obtained and loaded into the device, including obtaining the software via a disc medium or from any manner of network or distribution system, including, for example, from a server owned by the software creator or from a server not owned but used by the software creator. The software can be stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

[0114] Computer-readable storage media (medium) exclude (excludes) propagated signals per se, can be accessed by a computer and / or processor(s), and include volatile and non-volatile internal and / or external media that is removable and / or non-removable. For the computer, the various types of storage media accommodate the storage of data in any suitable digital format. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the ail that other types of computer readable medium can be employed such as zip drives, solid state drives, magnetic tape, flash memory cards, flash drives, cartridges, and the like, for storing computer executable instructions for performing the novel methods (acts) of the disclosed architecture.

[0115] It should be understood that a computer, a system, and / or a processor as described herein may include a conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performing inaccordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that any software may be stored and yet allow storage and processing of dynamically produced data and / or signals.

[0116] It will be appreciated that references to machine learning means a model that uses algorithms to learn from data and make predictions, which may be implemented as a specific processing unit (e.g., a dedicated processing unit) configured to perform one or more specialized operations for the computer system or configured to perform any of the disclosed method acts or other functionalities.

[0117] It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, such as multiple processors that are integrated into a single system or are distributed over and connected together through a communications network, and the communications network may be wired and / or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and / or code.

[0118] For purposes of this document, each process associated with the disclosed technology may be performed continuously and by one or more computing devices. Each step in a process may be performed by the same or different computing devices as those used in other steps, and each step need not necessarily be performed by a single computing device.

[0119] Various examples / embodiments are described herein for various articles and / or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples / embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are nonlimiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0120] Accordingly, even though the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated that the various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed article, device and / or method will be incorporated into such future developments. Thus, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded as an illustrative thought instead of merely restrictive thought.

[0121] Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

[0122] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, ratios and the like, used in the specification and claims, are to be understood to encompass tolerances and other deviations as represented by the term “about” or “approximately.”

[0123] Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, among others. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and / or”). For example, and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.

[0124] All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

[0125] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Further, the use of “at least one of’ is intended to be inclusive, analogous to the term and / or. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g. AB, AC, BC or ABC). Additionally, use of adjectives such as first, second, etc. should be read to be interchangeable unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A ticket and weapon detection system comprising: a weapon detection system comprising: an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar; at least one metal detector or at least one magnetometer configured to detect metal in a scanning area; and a pattern recognition device having a processor and configured to identify a weapon within the scanning area via at least one of the UWB radar, the at least one metal detector, and the at least one magnetometer; and a ticket detection system configured to communicate with the weapon detection system to determine if a valid ticket has been scanned via a ticket scanning device; wherein a person is permitted to exit the scanning area upon the ticket detection system sensing a valid ticket and no weapon is detected by the weapon detection system within the scanning area.

2. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the UWB radar transmits a series of pulses towards the scanning area, and the UWB radar receives data of the transmitted series of pulses in determining if a weapon is present in the scanning area.

3. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 2, wherein the scanning area is proximate at least one of a torso region and a leg region of said person.

4. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 2, wherein the scanning area is a walkway that said person is limited to traverse along.

5. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, further comprising a signaling device configured to send an alert if a weapon is detected within the scanning area.

6. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the ticket scanning device is a camera.

7. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the ticket detection system generates an identification signal including information about a purchase history of said person.

8. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the ticket detection system evaluates whether a name on a valid ticket scan matches with an identity of said person within the scanning area.

9. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the weapon detection system is calibrated via calibration data including one or more ground truth patterns associated with a weapon present on said person.

10. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 9, wherein calibration data includes one or more ground truth patterns associated without a weapon present on said person.

11. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 10, wherein the calibration data is received via the pattern recognition device, and the pattern recognition device runs the calibration data through a calibration heuristic.

12. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 11, wherein an event is triggered if the pattern recognition device determines that one or more patterns in a received scan of said person differ from one or more patterns in the calibration data.

13. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 12, wherein a threshold is employed to filter out other movements not related to a movement of said person.

14. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one metal detector or the at least one magnetometer is configured to scan a leg region of said person.

15. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one UWB radar is configured to scan a torso region of said person.

16. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 4, wherein the at least one UWB radar is configured to scan a leg region of said person.

17. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the weapon detection system and the ticket detection system are communicatively connected with an Al system to identify weapons and identities associated with one or more said person traversing through the scanning area.

18. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1 , wherein the weapon detection system is disposed within a housing proximate the scanning area; and the scanning area is a walkway.

19. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 18, wherein said person is unable to enter a venue without passing through the walkway and adjacent to the housing.

20. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 18, wherein a first portion of the housing is disposed on a first side of the scanning area, and a second portion of the housing is disposed on a second side of the scanning area.

21. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein the UWB radar includes a plurality of receiving antennas to facilitate beam steering.

22. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, comprising one or more additional UWB radars; and the UWB radar and the one or more additional UWB radars are operated non- synchronously.

23. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 1, wherein an actuator is connected with the UWB radar such that actuation of the actuator repositions the UWB radar.

24. The ticket and weapon detection system of claim 23, wherein actuation of the actuator shifts the scanning area.

25. A method of ticket and weapon detection, the method comprising: transmitting one or more electromagnetic ultra-wideband (UWB) waves via a UWB radar toward a scanning area; receiving reflected UWB waves within the scanning area; generating UWB scanning data from the reflected UWB waves; utilizing a pattern recognition device to identify if a weapon is within the scanning area via the UWB scanning data; detecting metal via at least one of a metal detector and a magnetometer within the scanning area; and providing an alert if at least one of the UWB radar, the metal detector, and the magnetometer detects a weapon.

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