Millimeter Wave Radar Scanner for Distance Security Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security scanners cause significant obstruction and delay, especially in high-traffic areas like airports and sporting venues, as they require close proximity to the subject for effective scanning.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter wave radar system with a mono-static or bi-static antenna arrangement, utilizing a quasi-optical lens or Cassegrain configuration, enables high-resolution imaging of individuals or objects from a distance, minimizing obstruction and incorporating low noise receivers to reduce radiation exposure, and additional sensors for enhanced data fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional security scanners require close proximity to the subject, then scanning resolution is improved, but obstruction and delay to passage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from near-field scanning to far-field scanning by deploying multiple radar elements in a distributed array configuration. This spatial dimensionality change allows the system to achieve high-resolution imaging at distances of several meters, eliminating the need for subjects to approach the scanner closely while maintaining scanning precision through synthetic aperture techniques and signal processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radar elements are deployed to examine multiple facets, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Each radar element in the array is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting radar signals, receiving reflected signals from multiple facets, and contributing to the construction of three-dimensional images. The system uses a unified signal processing framework that handles data from all elements simultaneously, allowing the same hardware components to serve multiple measurement purposes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple radar elements into a single integrated array system with centralized control and signal processing. Instead of operating each radar element independently, the system merges their outputs through coherent signal processing techniques, combining the reflected signals from all elements to construct comprehensive three-dimensional images. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by sharing common components such as signal processors, image reconstruction algorithms, and control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low power transmitter is used to minimise radiation exposure, then harmful radiation exposure is reduced, but signal detection capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on high transmit power with sophisticated signal processing techniques to enhance detection capability. Instead of using mechanical or physical means (high power), the system employs electronic signal processing including coherent integration, adaptive filtering, and advanced image reconstruction algorithms. These software-based methods amplify weak signals from low-power transmissions, achieving reliable detection without increasing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces multiple radar elements as intermediaries to capture and process reflected signals. Each element acts as an intermediary that collects signal information from different angles and facets, and the combined data from all intermediaries provides sufficient signal strength for reliable detection even when individual transmissions are low power. The array configuration and signal processing serve as intermediary mechanisms that bridge the gap between low power transmission and adequate detection capability.
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 solution allows for rapid, high-resolution scanning of people and objects at a distance, reducing queue times and improving throughput while minimizing exposure to harmful radiation, and can be integrated into turnstile access systems for efficient security screening.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter wave radar arrangement comprising an antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging
Implementation Method 2
The antenna system may utilise circular polarised radiation
Implementation Method 3
The antenna system may utilise a quasi-optical lens system or other millimeter wave antenna system such as a Cassegrain configuration to collimate the transmitted radar waves
Implementation Method 4
to perform polar analysis of the returned radar waves
Implementation Method 5
the antenna system includes a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) transmitter of sufficient bandwidth to enable high range resolution data to be extracted
Implementation Method 6
the antenna system includes low noise receivers in order to enable a low power transmitter to be used
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a security scanner that produces a radar profile of a clothed person or another object such as a bag carried by a person at a distance and does not require close proximity of the person or object to the scanner itself. The scanner includes a millimeter wave antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging and arranged to provide rapid high-resolution images of an object or person of interest and processing means for resolving the images so as to detect the presence of predetermined objects. The processing means preferably includes means for comparing contrasts in reflectivity in the scanned images with predetermined expected values from skin and light clothing. The processing means may also include means for detecting predetermined behavioral or physical traits such as the effect on gait on carried weighty objects or stiff structures strapped to the person from the images of a scanned object or person. The scanner may be incorporated within a turnstile access arrangement.