Millimeter Wave Detection Prism for Continuous Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter wave detection systems face inefficiencies in scanning large areas due to manual operation and increased dead time when using multiple beams, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio and algorithm reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A detection device utilizing a transmissive prism with a continuously variable angle surface, allowing for a continuous linear scan of millimeter-wave radiation, which reduces dead time and maintains high signal quality by effectively creating an infinite number of zones with a smoothly varying surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple beams are used to scan the scene vertically, then scanning efficiency is improved, but dead time increases and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by implementing a single beam that continuously scans across the entire scene without interruption. The optical scanning element enables the beam to move smoothly from one position to another, eliminating the dead time that occurs when switching between multiple discrete beams. This continuous scanning maintains constant measurement activity while covering the full vertical field of view, thereby improving scanning efficiency without increasing dead time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vertical scanning function into sequential positions of a single beam rather than using multiple simultaneous beams. The optical scanning element creates multiple beam positions in the vertical direction through sequential operation, allowing one beam to cover the entire vertical field of view by moving to different angular positions, thus avoiding the dead time associated with switching between multiple beams.
2Reliability
If the number of beams is increased to improve sampling, then detection reliability is improved, but integration time decreases and signal-to-noise ratio worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by using a single beam that continuously scans across all vertical positions without interruption. This continuous operation allows for sufficient integration time at each measurement point while still achieving complete scene coverage, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision while ensuring detection reliability through comprehensive scene scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the oscillating motion of the optical scanning element, which periodically moves the single beam across different vertical positions. This periodic scanning pattern ensures that each position in the vertical field of view is systematically covered with adequate integration time, achieving both detection reliability and high signal-to-noise ratio through rhythmic, continuous measurement cycles.
3Measurement precision
If manual scanning is used to interpret sensor response, then detection accuracy is maintained, but scanning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual mechanical scanning with an automated optical scanning system. The optical scanning element automatically positions and moves the beam across the scene according to a predetermined pattern, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining measurement precision. This automation significantly increases scanning speed while preserving detection accuracy through systematic, repeatable scanning patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the detection system to automatically perform the scanning function without human intervention. The optical scanning element autonomously moves the beam through the required positions and the system automatically processes the sensor responses, allowing rapid scanning while maintaining detection accuracy through built-in systematic scanning patterns and automated data processing.
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 solution enables efficient scanning of large areas with reduced dead time and improved signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing detection reliability and performance by minimizing the need for multiple beams and maintaining high signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical scanning element which is a transmissive prism, and has a first surface having a region with a continuously variable angle with respect to a second surface of the optical scanning element, opposite to the first surface, wherein the continuously variable angle acts to provide a continuously variable scan of the scene
Implementation Method 2
an optical system having at least one optical focussing element, an optical scanning element and a receiving element, wherein the receiving element is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, preferentially radiation in the millimetre wave band, and where the optical system arranged to focus incident energy from a scene onto the receiving element
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5f
AI summary
The present invention discloses a detection device for discriminating between different materials, and a method for doing so. The device comprises an optical system having at least one optical focussing element and a receiving element. The receiving element is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, typically in the millimetre wave band, and the optical system being arranged to focus incident energy from a scene onto the receiving element. The optical system comprises a prism element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being opposite the second surface. At least a portion of the first surface is positioned at an angle θ to the second surface. The angle θ varies between a minimum at a first position on the first surface and a maximum at a second position on the first surface.