Handheld Thermal Imager for Concealed Object Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concealed object detection systems are bulky, difficult to transport, and require extensive setup and infrastructure, limiting their portability and rapid deployment capabilities, especially in varied environments and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable thermal imager system that uses a processor and sensors to analyze infrared images, excluding non-motion and skin pixels, and comparing pixel temperatures to defined thresholds to detect concealed objects, with a modular design for quick setup and operation without external power or infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional concealed object detection systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate due to large size and heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld thermal imager for scanning, a processor for analyzing thermal images, and a display device for showing results. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling portable deployment while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core detection function from bulky traditional systems by using a handheld thermal imager that can be easily carried. The thermal imaging capability is separated from heavy support infrastructure, allowing the detection function to be performed portably.
2Reliability
If traditional concealed object detection systems are deployed, then detection function is provided, but deployment time and complexity increase due to extensive setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing and calibration through automated processor analysis of thermal images. The processor automatically compares thermal data against stored profiles and identifies concealed objects without requiring manual setup or adjustment, enabling rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores thermal profiles of normal body conditions and concealed objects in the processor. This preliminary preparation allows immediate comparison and detection upon scanning, eliminating the need for on-site calibration or extensive setup procedures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional concealed object detection systems are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but infrastructure requirements increase due to need for external power and support systems
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld thermal imager serves multiple functions: it scans thermal images, the processor analyzes the images for concealed objects, and the display device presents results. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment and infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the power and processing functions into a portable handheld unit that operates independently. The thermal imager and processor can function without external power infrastructure, removing the complexity of support systems while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 rapid, flexible, and cost-effective concealed object detection in diverse environments and conditions, reducing deployment time and costs by allowing one-man operation and self-powered, self-contained system deployment.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared, millimeter wave, terahertz and x-ray based security systems have the benefit of being able to image concealed objects under the clothing of subjects by imaging the contrast difference between the human body and the concealed object that may attenuate the imagery of the body's natural energy. For example, the human body emits, absorbs and reflects thermal, millimeter wave and terahertz energy in a sensor-observable fashion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting concealed objects using a thermal imager includes obtaining an output comprising a plurality of pixels representing a person, analyzing each pixel matching a contour of the person and excluding any pixel within a blob bounding box of the person, and determining whether a pixel address is represented in a pixel map. In addition, the method includes comparing a value of each remaining pixel to an allowable minimum threshold value representing a lower pre-defined body temperature, and comparing the value of each remaining pixel greater than or equal to the allowable minimum threshold value to an upper allowable threshold value representing an upper pre-defined body temperature. The method also includes excluding any of the remaining pixels within a range between the lower and upper pre-defined body temperatures to define final set of pixels and calculating a pixel difference to indicate a severity of the difference.