Antenna-Integrated Automatic Door for Unobtrusive mm-Wave Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mm-wave based security systems for screening people in public places are bulky and require dedicated portal systems, making them conspicuous and inefficient in terms of space and staff usage.
Innovation Solution
A security system utilizing a line array of antenna elements integrated into automatically moving elements like doors, which transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation, allowing for scanning without the need for additional motors or actuators, and enabling the generation of 2D and 3D images using algorithms like beamforming and Synthetic Aperture Radar, while being optically transparent to avoid detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated portal systems are used for security scanning, then scanning capability is achieved, but device size and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security scanning function with existing automatic door systems by integrating antenna elements into the door structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated portal systems, reducing space requirements while maintaining scanning capability through the repurposed door movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic door system is given dual functionality: it continues to perform its primary function of automatic door operation while simultaneously serving as a security scanning platform. The antenna elements integrated into the door enable security scanning without requiring additional dedicated infrastructure.
2Reliability
If dedicated portal systems are used for security scanning, then scanning function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security scanning system with the existing automatic door control system. By utilizing the door's inherent movement and control mechanisms, the patent eliminates the need for separate motors, actuators, and control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic door system serves itself by performing security scanning during its normal operation cycles. The door's existing movement mechanisms are utilized to position the antenna elements, eliminating the need for additional dedicated scanning mechanisms and reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional antenna systems are used, then scanning capability is achieved, but optical transparency and stealth are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the antenna elements themselves optically transparent or translucent while maintaining their electromagnetic radiation capabilities. This localized modification of the antenna material properties allows the system to maintain scanning capability while achieving optical transparency for stealth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that combine the electromagnetic conductivity required for antenna function with optical transparency. These composite materials enable the antenna elements to perform their scanning function while being visually imperceptible, achieving both scanning capability and stealth characteristics.
4Reliability
If additional portal systems are deployed, then scanning coverage is improved, but space efficiency and staff utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the automatic door system multi-functional by integrating security scanning capabilities into it. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated portal systems to achieve scanning coverage, thereby improving space efficiency and staff utilization as the existing door infrastructure serves dual 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
This solution reduces the complexity and cost of hardware, saves space, and allows for unobtrusive scanning, as the antenna elements are integrated into existing movement elements, such as doors, without the need for additional portal systems, enhancing security without the need for dedicated scanning areas.
Implementation Method 1
a line array of antenna elements configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation and to receive scattered electromagnetic radiation scattered back from an object
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured to process scattered electromagnetic radiation received at a plurality of positions of the automatic movement element and to generate image information of the screening area
Implementation Method 3
enabling the generation of 2D and 3D images using algorithms like beamforming and Synthetic Aperture Radar
Data Source
AI summary
A security system comprises a line array of antenna elements configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation and to receive scattered electromagnetic radiation scattered back from an object and an automatic movement element that automatically moves between at least two positions to perform a predetermined function. Said line array is mounted to said automatic movement element to transmit electromagnetic radiation to and receive scattered electromagnetic radiation from a screening area in front of and/or behind the automatic movement element. A controller controls said antenna elements to transmit electromagnetic radiation and to receive scattered electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of positions of the automatic movement element. A processor processes scattered electromagnetic radiation received at a plurality of positions of the automatic movement element and generates image information of the screening area using position information about the plurality of positions of the automatic movement element at which scattered electromagnetic radiation is received and used for processing. The automatic movement element is an automatic door that automatically opens and closes or an advertisement board that automatically changes between two or more advertisements. The automatic movement element is an automatic door that automatically opens and closes or an advertisement board that automatically changes between two or more advertisements.