Body Scanner Object Detection with Doppler Masts and Light Curtains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact screening technologies struggle to accurately detect the presence of contraband or hazardous items being carried by individuals entering or leaving restricted areas, particularly when multiple individuals or objects attempt to circumvent the screening process.
Innovation Solution
The system employs imaging masts that emit electromagnetic waves to detect objects using the Doppler effect, combined with light curtains to control traffic flow and verify detections, and optionally uses linear transceiver arrays or cameras for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received by imaging masts to detect objects, then detection capability is improved, but false detections from multiple individuals or objects may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light curtains as intermediary detection elements that work in conjunction with electromagnetic wave imaging masts. The light curtains create virtual barriers at entrance and exit points, providing an additional layer of verification to distinguish between authorized passage and contraband smuggling attempts, thereby reducing false detections while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detection results from imaging masts are cross-verified with light curtain data. When the imaging mast detects an object, the system checks whether light curtains were properly triggered, providing feedback validation that reduces false positives from multiple individuals or objects passing through simultaneously
2Reliability
If light curtains are used to control traffic flow, then security control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light curtains serve multiple functions: they act as virtual barriers for traffic control, provide detection verification for the imaging masts, and enable the corrective action sequence (closing barriers, activating alarms). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with light-based virtual barriers (light curtains). This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving security control, as the light curtains can be rapidly activated and deactivated without mechanical wear or physical obstruction
3Reliability
If corrective actions are implemented upon detecting objects, then security prevention is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning corrective measures (closable barriers, alarm systems) before they are needed. When an object is detected, the barriers can be quickly closed and alarms activated without requiring complex real-time decision-making or assembly, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with implementing security prevention
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 effectively detects objects entering or leaving the scanner, improving security by preventing contraband from entering restricted areas and enhancing user experience through non-intrusive traffic control.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs imaging masts that emit electromagnetic waves to detect objects using the Doppler effect
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide for detecting an object in a body scanner system. The body scanner system includes a first imaging mast, a second imaging mast, and a processing system. The processing system includes a memory having computer readable instructions and a processing device for executing the computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions control the processing device to perform operations. The operations include transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves by the first imaging mast or the second imaging mast while stationary. The operations further include detecting an object entering the body scanner system based on the electromagnetic waves received by the first imaging mast or the second imaging mast. The operations further include, responsive to detecting the object entering the body scanner system, implementing a corrective action.