Adaptive Sensing System Using Passive Active Sensor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic sensing systems face challenges in minimizing discomfort and exposure to individuals, particularly in active scanning methods that require individuals to stand still and may emit harmful radiation, violating safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive sensing system combining passive and active sensors, where passive sensors detect human presence and allow individuals to move freely, while active sensors emit radiation only when necessary, using optical or infrared cameras and temperature sensors for detection, and controlling electromagnetic radiation exposure to comply with safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active sensors are used to scan individuals, then detection capabilities are improved, but individuals are exposed to harmful electromagnetic radiation and must stand still
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between passive and active sensing modes based on real-time detection needs. Passive sensors continuously monitor for human presence without radiation, while active sensors are activated only when specific detection is required, minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive sensors serve as intermediaries that first detect human presence and trigger active sensing only when necessary. This intermediary layer filters when active radiation-emitting sensors should operate, reducing overall exposure while preserving detection capabilities for security-critical moments.
2Measurement precision
If active sensors continuously scan the region, then detection precision is improved, but individuals experience discomfort and must remain stationary
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous active scanning, the system uses periodic activation of active sensors triggered by passive sensor detection. This allows high detection precision when needed while permitting individuals to move freely during passive monitoring intervals, greatly improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive sensors perform preliminary detection of human presence before activating active sensors. This preliminary action identifies when precise active scanning is necessary, allowing individuals to move freely during the preliminary passive monitoring phase while maintaining security through targeted active scanning.
3Ease of operation
If passive sensors are used alone, then individual comfort is improved by allowing free movement, but detection capability for all objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges passive and active sensors into a hybrid architecture where passive sensors provide continuous monitoring for comfort and active sensors provide enhanced detection capability when triggered. This combination achieves both individual comfort through free movement and reliable detection for security purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces individual discomfort and exposure to electromagnetic radiation by allowing individuals to roam freely and optimizing radiation emission, enhancing detection capabilities and security while adhering to safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
mm-wave radiation is emitted by every object as part of the black body radiation (Planck spectrum)
Implementation Method 2
The active sensor generates radiation or an electromagnetic field which interacts (e.g. by means of reflection, absorption, modulation and phase change) with an object to be scanned
Implementation Method 3
The active sensor generates radiation or an electromagnetic field which interacts (e.g. by means of reflection, absorption, modulation and phase change) with an object to be scanned
Implementation Method 4
The active sensor generates radiation or an electromagnetic field which interacts (e.g. by means of reflection, absorption, modulation and phase change) with an object to be scanned
Implementation Method 5
The active sensor generates radiation or an electromagnetic field which interacts (e.g. by means of reflection, absorption, modulation and phase change) with an object to be scanned
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive sensing system including a passive sensor that receives electromagnetic radiation, an active sensor that emits and receives electromagnetic radiation, a detection unit that detects the presence of human beings and objects other than human beings in a region of observation, and a control unit that controls the active sensor and the passive sensor based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.