Handheld Terahertz Radar for Contactless Concealed Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security screening methods, such as Terry Frisks and consensual searches, are invasive, costly, and prone to errors, posing risks to both security personnel and individuals, while temporary event security setups are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld device using a radar system on a chip (RSOC) that emits non-visible electromagnetic radiation to detect concealed objects, employing a phased array antenna and voltage controlled oscillator to steer the beam, and processes the reflected signals for high-resolution imaging and pattern matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Terry Frisk or consensual search methods are used, then security personnel can detect concealed objects, but the process requires physical contact which increases danger to officers and causes public dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical contact system (hand frisking) with an electromagnetic field-based radar system. The handheld device emits electromagnetic waves that penetrate clothing and detect concealed objects without requiring physical contact between the officer and the subject, thereby eliminating the physical contact risks while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary between the detection system and the concealed objects. Instead of direct physical contact, the radar system uses electromagnetic radiation to probe for objects, with the waves serving as the mediator that carries information about concealed items back to the detector without requiring tactile interaction
2Reliability
If metal detectors and physical pat downs are used for consensual searches, then concealed objects can be detected, but the process is slow and requires expensive manpower and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical search methods (manual pat downs and metal detector scanning) with an electronic radar system that can scan and process data much faster. The handheld device can rapidly emit electromagnetic waves and process reflected signals to identify concealed objects in real-time, significantly increasing search throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electromagnetic copy or representation of the subject's concealed space by analyzing reflected electromagnetic waves. Instead of physically examining each area, the radar system builds a data model of what is hidden beneath clothing, allowing rapid identification of objects without methodical physical inspection
3Measurement precision
If phased array antennas and beam steering technology are implemented, then detection accuracy and resolution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a phased array configuration within the handheld device. By merging several simple antenna elements with electronic phase control, the system achieves sophisticated beam steering and focusing capabilities that would be impossible with a single antenna, while keeping individual components relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase and amplitude parameters of electromagnetic signals fed to different antenna elements in the array. By electronically adjusting these parameters, the system can steer the beam direction and focus energy without mechanically moving parts, achieving high-resolution detection capability through parameter modulation rather than physical reconfiguration
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 contactless, accurate, and efficient detection of hidden objects, reducing physical contact risks and operational costs, while providing real-time alerts and data processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A portable, handheld device using a radar system on a chip (RSOC) that emits non-visible electromagnetic radiation to detect concealed objects
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises scanning a subject with a coherent radar beam from a single chip operating in the terahertz range, and executing instructions, on a processor, to create one or more digital images based said scanning. One or more digital images are combined at the processor to form a super image, and based on the super image, the processor determines whether the subject is carrying a concealed object. If the subject is determined to be carrying a concealed object, and certain alert-generating rules are met, an alert is generated.