Electromagnetic Body Scanning System Synthetic Data Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic body scanning systems face limitations in achieving high resolution without increasing scanning time, particularly in penetrating clothing and optically opaque materials, and struggle with accuracy due to restricted frequency ranges.

Innovation Solution

The system generates synthetic scattered data in a frequency range outside the measured subbands, combining it with measured data to construct improved images, using a human model for matching and parameterization to enhance resolution and accuracy, thereby increasing the effective bandwidth without additional physical measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the scanning system uses a limited frequency range to reduce scanning time, then scanning time is reduced, but image resolution and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning timeVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs measurements at multiple distinct radio subbands before image reconstruction. By collecting scattered data across multiple frequency subbands in advance, the system prepares a comprehensive dataset that enables high-resolution image reconstruction without requiring extended scanning time during the actual imaging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system reconstructs images by creating computational representations (copies) of the body from scattered data collected at multiple subbands. The computer system processes the measured scattered data to generate image representations, effectively copying the physical measurement information into visual form that can be analyzed without requiring additional physical scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the system increases the frequency range to improve resolution, then image resolution improves, but scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the frequency spectrum into multiple distinct radio subbands and performs measurements at each subband separately. By segmenting the frequency range into manageable subbands (e.g., 24 GHz, 38 GHz, 76 GHz), the system can collect comprehensive frequency data while maintaining efficient scanning through parallel or sequential subband measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds the frequency dimension to the spatial measurement process. By measuring scattered data not only across spatial positions but also across multiple frequency subbands, the system creates a multi-dimensional dataset that enhances image resolution through frequency diversity without proportionally increasing scanning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the system performs measurements at multiple distinct radio subbands to improve accuracy, then image accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computer system is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures scattered data at multiple subbands, processes the frequency-diverse data, reconstructs images, and enables both security screening and biometric identification. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex operations into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the measured scattered data from multiple subbands as feedback to iteratively improve image reconstruction accuracy. The computer system processes the frequency-dependent scattered data and adjusts the reconstructed image to match the measured data across all subbands, creating a feedback loop that enhances accuracy while managing processing complexity through algorithmic optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach results in higher resolution and accuracy images without extending scanning time, implicitly incorporating body model information to stabilize the imaging process and improve convergence, allowing for effective detection of concealed objects and biometric identification.

Implementation Method 1

measuring system for measuring data of radio waves scattered by a body in two, three or more distinct subbands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

generating synthetic scattered data of the body in a frequency range outside the subbands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency extrapolation:

Implementation Method 3

These waves readily penetrate through clothing and reflect off water in the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave penetration: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

reflect off water in the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2313871B1An electromagnetic body scanning system, a method and a computer program product
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
  • EP2313871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313871B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromagnetic body scanning system that comprises a measuring system for measuring data of radio waves scattered by a body in two distinct subbands; and a computer system. The computer system is arranged for constructing a first image of the body using the measured data, generating synthetic scattered data of the body in a frequency range outside the subbands, and constructing a second image of the body using both the measured data and the synthetic data. The step of constructing a first image comprises matching an image to a human model.