Infrared Detection of Hidden Foreign Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security screening technologies, such as metal detectors and x-ray scanners, are invasive, unreliable, and costly, as they fail to distinguish between dangerous and benign objects, particularly when objects are hidden under clothing, and cannot identify non-metallic threats like explosives or biological agents.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method that measures infrared radiation emitted by a human body and detects anomalies caused by hidden foreign objects using a differential measure of radiation intensity, combining integral and spectral analysis to identify the object's location, size, and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray and microwave scanners are used to detect hidden objects, then detection precision and reliability are improved, but harmful factors increase due to exposure to high-energy radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active x-ray and microwave radiation systems with passive infrared detection. Instead of using high-energy electromagnetic radiation to illuminate and detect objects, the system uses infrared sensors to detect thermal radiation naturally emitted by the human body and objects. This substitution eliminates harmful radiation exposure while maintaining detection capability through thermal signature analysis.
2Reliability
If metal detectors are used for security screening, then safety is improved by detecting metallic objects, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to identify non-metallic threats and distinguish weapons from benign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical conductivity (metal detection) to thermal radiation characteristics (infrared detection). By measuring temperature distributions and thermal signatures in the infrared spectrum, the system can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects. The spectral analysis of infrared radiation provides material-specific thermal signatures that enable identification of object composition and differentiation between weapons and benign items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary between the object and the detector. Instead of directly detecting electrical properties or using penetrating radiation, the system uses infrared thermal radiation as a mediator that carries information about the object's temperature, material composition, and thermal characteristics. This intermediary enables non-contact, non-invasive detection and identification.
3Reliability
If secondary screening methods are used to differentiate detected objects, then reliability is improved by identifying threats, but loss of time increases due to lengthy examination procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of objects during the initial detection phase. By capturing and analyzing the infrared spectral signature and thermal distribution pattern of detected objects in real-time, the system pre-identifies the object type and threat level before any secondary screening is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming follow-up examinations for clearly identified benign objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: detection, localization, characterization, and identification of objects. The infrared imaging and spectral analysis apparatus can identify various object types (metallic, non-metallic, organic, inorganic) and assess their threat level in a single operation, replacing the need for multiple separate screening stages.
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 allows for the reliable detection and identification of a wide range of hidden threats, including metallic and non-metallic objects, even when they are obscured by clothing, providing a safer and more efficient security screening process.
Implementation Method 1
due to its elevated temperature, a human body emits black body radiation in the infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the object affects the radiation field around the person
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device are revealed to non-invasively identify hidden foreign objects in proximity of living tissue. More specifically to a method and device find a foreign object hidden under the clothes of a person by measuring an anomaly in an infrared radiation signal emitted by the human subject; the anomaly caused by the presence of the foreign object. A spectral scan at the identified location is used to identify the object. Even when the object is hidden behind clothes, the object is positively identified based on the interaction of optical radiation naturally emitted by the human body in the infrared frequency spectrum with every component of the examined object.