Electric Field Imaging for Remote Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote object identification technologies, such as ultrasonic, eddy current, x-ray radiography, and microwave-based methods, are inadequate for detecting subtle changes in dielectric or electric properties, particularly when objects and their surroundings have similar densities or are hidden by complex structures, and fail to address electric charge tagging.

Innovation Solution

The use of electric charge distributions generated by charge tunneling, injection, and induction to create electrostatic potential differences, measured through electric field imaging (EFI), for identifying and characterizing remote objects, including selective electrostatic charging and imaging of electric potential and field components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional inspection technologies (ultrasonic, eddy current, x-ray radiography) are used, then detection capability for voids, inclusions, and large density changes is improved, but detection capability for subtle dielectric changes and objects with similar densities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from density-based (traditional methods) to electrostatic charge-based detection. By applying electrostatic fields and measuring charge distributions, the system can detect subtle dielectric property changes that density-based methods miss, resolving the contradiction between detecting large changes vs. subtle changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical inspection methods (ultrasonic waves, eddy currents, x-ray radiation) with electrostatic field-based detection. This substitution enables detection of objects with similar densities by measuring their electrostatic charge characteristics rather than relying on density contrasts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If electrostatic field imaging is used to detect subtle dielectric changes, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into modular components: electrostatic field generation system, object placement chamber, and electric field imaging system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system sensitivity, reducing the impact of complexity on detection performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If electric charge tagging is implemented for object identification, then object characterization capability is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject characterizationVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrostatic charging to objects before the actual inspection process. By pre-tagging objects with characteristic charge distributions, the subsequent detection process becomes faster and more efficient, as the charge patterns are already established and can be read directly without requiring complex real-time characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables the detection and characterization of hidden objects, including non-metallic weapons, even when they are concealed by materials of similar densities or complex structures, and allows for electric charge tagging, providing enhanced sensitivity to triboelectric properties.

Implementation Method 1

generating an electrostatic field between two electrodes held at different electrical potentials while a container holding the object of interest is between the two electrodes to generate unbound charges on the container and the object of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

measuring an electric potential of the container holding the object of interest in response to removing the electrostatic field to generate electric potential measurement data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field imaging: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10281430B2Identification and characterization of remote objects by electric charge tunneling, injection, and induction, and an erasable organic molecular memory

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

Various embodiments provide methods to identify and characterize remote objects by use of electric charge distributions generated by charge tunneling, charge injection, and charge induction. Various embodiments may use selective electrostatic charging to change the electrostatic potential throughout volumes for identification and characterization. In various embodiments, objects of interest may be selectively charged by tunneling, injection, and induction of electrical charges or free carriers. Tunneled, injected, and induced charges may migrate to sites or locations internal to volumes to yield electrostatic potential differences and electrostatic fields. In various embodiments, variations in the electrostatic potential created by the presence of the tunneled, injected, and induced charges may be quantitatively measured to identify and characterize remote objects.