Millimeter-Wave Image Reconstruction Using Antenna Subgroups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter-wave imaging systems experience significant image blurring due to object movement during scanning, particularly in walk-through scenarios, as they require objects to remain still, and existing optimizations such as mechanical focusing and high-performance electronic components are costly and not readily available.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing transmitting antennas into subgroups for sequential or parallel measurement, using coherent processing to generate coherent subimages, and then adding magnitude values to minimize measurement times and reduce blurring, while allowing for cost-efficient implementation using existing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects are scanned with millimeter-wave imaging systems, then detection capability is improved, but image blurring occurs due to object movement during scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the array of transmitting antennas into multiple subarrays, where each subarray is responsible for illuminating a specific region of the object. This segmentation allows the system to process data from different spatial regions independently, reducing the impact of motion blurring while maintaining detection capability across the entire object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by establishing subarrays before the actual scanning process. Each subarray is pre-configured with specific transmitting antennas that will illuminate particular regions, allowing the system to prepare and organize data collection in advance to minimize motion effects during the actual imaging process.
2Loss of time
If measurement time is reduced to allow movement during scanning, then image blurring is reduced, but system complexity increases due to need for multiple subarrays and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmitting antenna array into multiple subarrays, each subarray can operate independently with reduced temporal duration, thereby reducing total measurement time. The segmentation strategy allows parallel operation of subarrays, decreasing overall scanning time while managing system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having each subarray illuminate only a portion of the object rather than the entire object simultaneously. This partial illumination approach reduces the time required for each subarray's measurement, and the cumulative effect of multiple subarrays provides complete object coverage, effectively reducing total measurement time without requiring full-system operation for the entire duration.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional imaging systems are used, then hardware requirements are met, but cost-efficient implementation is limited due to need for high-performance electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into multiple subarrays with standard hardware components, avoiding the need for expensive high-performance electronic components across the entire system. Each subarray can use conventional, cost-effective hardware, and the overall system achieves reliable image reconstruction through the coordinated operation of these standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of standard hardware components organized into subarrays, rather than requiring a single complex high-performance system. This replication of standard components allows for cost-efficient implementation while maintaining image reconstruction quality through the collective data from multiple subarrays.
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 significantly reduces image blurring during object movement, enabling efficient and cost-effective image reconstruction with minimal impact on resolution, allowing for uninterrupted scanning of moving objects.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the object by transmitting millimeter-wave and/or micrometer-wave radiation from an array of transmitting antennas
Implementation Method 2
detecting signals of radiation reflected by the object with a n array of receiving antennas
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a technique for millimeter-wave active image reconstruction. According to a method aspect, Tx subgroups of transmitting antennas of an antenna array are established. Coherent processing of measurement data is performed for each Tx subgroup and coherent subimages are achieved. Magnitudes of complex numbers are calculated to obtain a magnitude subimage for each of the coherent subimages and an object image is generated by adding the magnitude subimages.