Millimeter-Wave Inspection Apparatus with Dual-Temperature Radiometer Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human body security inspection technologies, such as metal detectors and x-ray transmission apparatuses, are limited in their ability to detect non-metallic contraband without harming the human body, as they are either not sensitive to certain substances or expose individuals to ionizing radiation.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter-wave inspection apparatus that uses optics devices to receive and focus millimeter-wave energy, transforming it into electrical signals for temperature imaging, with calibration mechanisms to ensure accurate readings, and a compact design that includes a swing reflection device and path-folding reflection plate to efficiently detect concealed items without radiation harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray transmission apparatus is used for security inspection, then space resolution and scanning speed are improved, but harmful ionizing radiation is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic wave parameter from x-ray frequency to millimeter-wave frequency, transforming the inspection system from ionizing radiation to non-ionizing radiation. This parameter change maintains detection capability while eliminating harmful effects to the human body.
2Measurement precision
If metal detectors are used for security inspection, then metallic substance detection is improved, but detection capability for non-metallic substances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from metal-specific electromagnetic response to millimeter-wave thermal radiation detection, enabling the system to detect both metallic and non-metallic substances including explosives and drugs that do not respond to traditional metal detector fields.
3Measurement precision
If trace inspection equipment is used for security inspection, then explosive and drug detection is improved, but sensitivity to other contraband deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal inspection system using millimeter-wave radiometry that can detect multiple types of contraband (explosives, drugs, metallic and non-metallic objects) through a single mechanism based on thermal radiation detection, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for different substance types.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If passive millimeter-wave inspection is used for human body security screening, then safety is improved, but detection efficiency and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thermal calibration to the radiometer using known temperature references (ice water at 0°C and boiling water at 100°C) to establish accurate temperature-response relationships before actual inspection, ensuring detection accuracy without requiring high-power active illumination that would compromise safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning and high-power active illumination with stationary radiometer arrays and passive thermal detection, using signal processing and calibration to achieve accurate detection without mechanical movement or high energy input, thereby maintaining safety while improving efficiency.
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 millimeter-wave inspection apparatus effectively detects concealed items within the human body without causing harm, providing efficient and safe security screening while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
optics devices, configured to receive millimeter-wave energy radiated from an object to be inspected and focus the received millimeter-wave energy
Implementation Method 2
a radiometer receiving device configured to receive the focused millimeter-wave energy and transform the millimeter-wave energy into electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a normal temperature calibration mechanism, having a calibration temperature equal to the current environment temperature, to calibrate the initial value of the radiometer
Implementation Method 4
a high temperature calibration mechanism, having a calibration temperature higher than the current environment temperature, to cooperate with the normal temperature calibration mechanism for calibrating the gain of the radiometer
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention discloses a millimeter-wave inspection apparatus. The millimeter-wave inspection apparatus comprises: optics devices (30, 40, 50), configured to receive millimeter-wave energy radiated from an object to be inspected and focus the received millimeter-wave energy; a radiometer receiving device (80) configured to receive the focused millimeter-wave energy and transform the millimeter-wave energy into electrical signal; and an imaging device configured to generate a temperature image of the object to be inspected in accordance with the electrical signal, wherein the millimeter-wave inspection apparatus further comprises a radiometer temperature calibration device (110), which comprises: a normal temperature calibration mechanism, having a calibration temperature equal to the current environment temperature, to calibrate the initial value of the radiometer (83); and a high temperature calibration mechanism, having a calibration temperature higher than the current environment temperature, to cooperate with the normal temperature calibration mechanism for calibrating the gain of the radiometer (83).