Magnetic Inductive Sensor Grid for Security Screening Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive magnetic detection systems for security screening face challenges due to high sensitivity requirements, environmental interference, and the need for multiple sensors, which increases system size and cost, making them impractical for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A passive magnetic detection and discrimination system utilizing customized magnetic induction sensors with AC coupling and active noise cancellation, combined with a processor and AI/ML modules, to enhance sensitivity and reduce noise interference, allowing for a smaller, more cost-effective setup with fewer sensors, and incorporating a video camera for object identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a gradiometer configuration with two calibrated sensors is used to isolate environmental interference, then noise isolation is improved, but system size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent magnetic induction sensors arranged in a grid pattern, where each sensor independently detects magnetic field changes. This segmentation allows the system to process spatial information and distinguish between environmental noise and target objects without requiring a rigid gradiometer configuration, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining noise isolation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple magnetic induction sensors and uses signal processing algorithms to distinguish between environmental interference and target objects. This computational intermediary replaces the need for complex mechanical gradiometer structures, achieving noise isolation through software-based signal differentiation rather than hardware-based geometric configuration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to achieve high sensitivity and noise isolation, then detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple magnetic induction sensors into a unified detection system where sensors are arranged in a grid pattern and processed collectively. By combining the outputs of multiple sensors and using spatial information to distinguish signals, the system achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring as many sensors as traditional gradiometer approaches, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs magnetic induction sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting magnetic field changes, providing spatial information through their grid arrangement, and contributing to noise isolation through differential signaling. This multi-functionality allows each sensor to contribute more effectively to the overall detection capability, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are rigidly connected to move as a common unit, then noise isolation is improved, but the system becomes too large for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing system into independently mounted magnetic induction sensors distributed throughout a grid structure. Each sensor can be independently positioned and mounted without requiring rigid connection to others, allowing the system to maintain compact dimensions while still achieving noise isolation through the distributed array configuration and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rigid connection requirement with an electronic signal processing approach. Instead of physically binding sensors together to reject vibration noise, the system uses digital signal processing algorithms that analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of signals from distributed sensors to distinguish between vibration interference and target objects, thereby eliminating mechanical constraints on sensor positioning.
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 system achieves improved sensitivity and reduced noise interference, enabling detection of small objects and reducing the number of sensors needed, allowing for a wider screening area and covert operation while effectively discriminating between different types of magnetized objects.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic inductive sensors configured to respond to a magnetized object passing thereby
Data Source
AI summary
A passive magnetic detection and discrimination system and method having at least one sensing structure with a plurality of magnetic inductive sensors arranged on a rigid framework; at least one screening area defined by one or more sensing structures, including a plurality of magnetic inductive sensors structured to respond to a magnetized object passing thereby; and a processor and a memory operatively connected to the plurality of sensors and configured to receive data corresponding to amplitude waveforms created in each of the plurality of sensors by the magnetized object. Based on characteristic waveforms, the system detects and discriminates the magnetized object, alternatively or in addition the system utilizes an artificial intelligence or machine learning module to improve identification of a magnetized object based on the characteristic waveforms created by the magnetized object.