Integrated Security Scanner for Footwear Detection Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security scanner systems require separate screening steps for items like footwear, creating bottlenecks, necessitating multiple pieces of equipment, additional space, and personnel, and slowing down the overall screening process.
Innovation Solution
An integrated security scanner system that combines a millimeter wave scanner with additional sensors, such as a metal detector or camera, within a single platform, allowing simultaneous multi-directional scanning and sophisticated data fusion to enhance detection accuracy and reduce operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate screening equipment and procedures are used for footwear detection, then detection capability for specific items is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (millimeter wave radar, metal detectors, cameras, pressure sensors) into a single integrated screening system. The millimeter wave radar unit, metal detector unit, camera unit, and pressure sensor unit are all integrated within one system structure, eliminating the need for separate screening equipment while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities for both general objects and specific items like footwear.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated screening system performs multiple functions simultaneously: general object detection via millimeter wave radar, metal object detection via metal detectors, visual recording via cameras, and footwear-specific detection via pressure sensors and algorithmic analysis. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized devices with a single universal system that handles various screening requirements.
2Measurement precision
If separate screening steps are implemented for footwear, then detection accuracy for concealed objects is improved, but screening time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous multi-modal sensing simultaneously rather than in sequential steps. The millimeter wave radar, metal detectors, cameras, and pressure sensors operate concurrently during a single passing of the subject through the screening area. The evaluation unit processes all sensor data in real-time, eliminating the need for separate screening steps and maintaining continuous detection without interrupting the screening flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor array detects footwear presence and positioning before detailed analysis is performed. The system preliminarily identifies areas of interest (such as shoe locations) using pressure distribution patterns, then focuses computational resources on analyzing those specific regions using millimeter wave radar and metal detector data, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring additional screening time.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors and data fusion are implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operational procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit serves as an intelligent intermediary that automatically fuses data from multiple sensors (millimeter wave radar, metal detectors, cameras, pressure sensors). Rather than requiring complex manual coordination of multiple devices, the evaluation unit integrates all sensor inputs and applies detection algorithms to produce unified screening results, simplifying operational procedures while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors to dynamically adjust the evaluation process. When pressure patterns indicate footwear presence, the evaluation unit activates specific detection algorithms and focuses analysis on relevant sensor data from millimeter wave radar and metal detectors. This feedback-driven approach optimizes resource allocation and simplifies the operational complexity by automatically adapting the detection strategy based on real-time sensor inputs.
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
The integrated system improves detection accuracy by correlating data from multiple sensors, reduces false alarms, and optimizes resource utilization by eliminating the need for separate screening equipment and procedures.
Implementation Method 1
These scanners generate millimeter wave signals that penetrate clothing but reflect off the human body and concealed objects, allowing for the detection of potentially dangerous items
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor is orientated with regard to its detection field towards the scan volume so as to sense the scan volume from below
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a security scanner system (10). The security scanner system (10) has platform (20) with a standing surface (22) for the person (12) to be scanned and at least one panel (16, 18). The scanner system (10) comprises a millimeter wave scanner (24) located in the at least one panel (16, 18) that provides scanner data. The scanner system (10) has at least one sensor (30) in addition to the millimeter wave scanner (24), wherein the at least one sensor (30) is located in the platform (20) and provides sensor data. The scanner system (10) comprises an evaluation circuit (32) that is configured to evaluate both the scanner data and the sensor data during an evaluation process. The evaluation circuit (32) is configured to apply at least one predefined criterion on the data to verify whether an alarm is set. The scanner system (10) has an alarm device (34) that outputs an alarm in case the evaluation circuit (32) has set the alarm during the evaluation process. Further, a method of detecting an object (11) of interest at a person (12) to be scanned by using a security scanner system (10) is described.