Dual-Column Security Scanner for Rapid Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detection systems for unauthorized objects or materials in protected areas, such as metal detectors and body scanners, face challenges in efficiently processing high volumes of individuals, particularly in public places like stadiums or large theaters, where the flow rate is insufficient due to the need for prolonged scanning times.

Innovation Solution

A dual-column system with inductive and microwave detection technology that uses the movement of individuals through a channel to emit and detect magnetic and microwave fields, allowing for simultaneous analysis of metallic and dielectric objects, enabling rapid and precise identification of objects regardless of their location on the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If body scanners use microwave transducers to detect objects on individuals, then detection precision is improved, but scanning time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static scanning (where individuals must remain stationary for several seconds) to dynamic scanning (where individuals walk through the channel at normal speed). The microwave transducers continuously track and analyze objects during movement, maintaining detection precision while reducing scanning time from several seconds to a rapid pass-through process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary spatial mapping of the channel and establishes tracking algorithms before individuals enter. As individuals move through the channel, the system has pre-configured transducer arrays and processing routines ready to immediately detect and track objects, eliminating the need for prolonged stationary scanning and enabling rapid sequential processing of multiple individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If body scanners perform detailed analysis of each individual, then detection reliability is improved, but throughput decreases to a level insufficient for high-traffic areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple independent stages: initial object detection, spatial location determination, material classification, and threat assessment. Each stage processes specific aspects of the scan independently, allowing parallel computation and reducing the total time required for complete analysis while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous detection and analysis throughout the individual's passage through the channel, rather than performing discrete sequential scans. Multiple microwave transducers continuously emit and receive signals as the individual moves, enabling uninterrupted object tracking and real-time analysis, which increases throughput while maintaining detection reliability through constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system significantly increases the throughput by using the movement of individuals to sweep their perimeter, allowing for rapid detection of metallic and dielectric objects, improving the efficiency and accuracy of security screening without the need for prolonged individual scanning.

Implementation Method 1

reels distributed in the two columns, adapted to emit a magnetic detection field and adapted to detect the disturbances of the magnetic detection field induced during the passage of an individual

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

reels distributed in the two columns, adapted to emit a magnetic detection field and adapted to detect the disturbances of the magnetic detection field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the microwave emitting means/receptors arranged in the two columns, and the means of analysis adapted to analyze the signals from the receptor coils to detect the presence of metallic object carried by An individual passing through the said channel formed between the two columns, to analyze signals from microwave receptors corresponding to the signals transmitted from a column to the column opposite and to the reflected signals from a column towards This same column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation transmission and reflection: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 4

to analyze signals from microwave receptors corresponding to the signals transmitted from a column to the column opposite and to the reflected signals from a column towards This same column to detect the presence of dielectric material carried the individual

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric detection: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3470890B1Device and method for detecting unauthorised objects or materials carried by an individual in an access-protected area
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 MANNESCHI ALESSANDRO
  • EP3470890B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3470890B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3470890B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for detecting unauthorized objects or materials carried by an individual in a restricted access area, characterized in that it comprises at least two columns (10, 20) defining between them a channel (30) through which individuals to be monitored may pass, coils (110, 120) distributed in the two columns (10, 20), adapted to emit a detection magnetic field and adapted to detect disturbances in the detection magnetic field induced when an individual passes through the channel between the two columns, microwave transmitting/receiving means (210, 220) arranged in the two columns (10, 20), and analysis means (40) adapted to analyze the signals from the receiving coils (110, 120) to detect the presence of a metallic object carried by an individual passing through said channel formed between the two columns (10, 20), and to analyze signals from microwave receivers. (210Rx,220Rx) corresponding to the signals transmitted from one column to the opposite column and to the signals reflected from one column to that same column to detect the presence of dielectric material carried by the individual passing through said channel and to establish the spatial correlations existing between the metallic objects and the dielectric materials detected.