MMW Calibration Panel for Passive Concealed Weapon Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal detectors and x-ray systems for concealed weapon detection require close proximity to the subject and have health and practical limitations, necessitating a more efficient and non-invasive method for screening.
Innovation Solution
A calibration panel and scheme for heat-sensitive cameras, utilizing a millimeter wave (MMW) camera with a fixed, temperature-controlled calibration panel to passively recalibrate and detect concealed weapons by measuring millimeter wave emissions through clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal detectors and x-ray systems are used for concealed weapon detection, then detection capability is improved, but close proximity to the subject is required and health risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal detectors and x-ray systems with a thermal imaging camera system that detects temperature differences. This substitution eliminates the need for close proximity contact and removes health risks associated with x-ray exposure while maintaining concealed weapon detection capability through thermal signature analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal calibration panel as an intermediary reference object with known thermal characteristics. This calibration panel enables the system to accurately interpret thermal images by providing a reference baseline, allowing reliable detection of concealed weapons through temperature anomalies without requiring physical contact or exposing subjects to harmful radiation
2Ease of operation
If hand-held metal detectors are used, then portability is improved, but only one person can be scanned at a time reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point-by-point scanning with hand-held detectors to two-dimensional area imaging with a thermal camera. This dimensional change allows multiple persons to be scanned simultaneously across the entire field of view, dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining the portability advantage of hand-held operation
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic calibration routine that the system performs independently without requiring manual intervention or operator attention. The system automatically detects the calibration panel, compares thermal readings against stored reference values, and adjusts calibration parameters as needed, eliminating time loss associated with manual recalibration while maintaining continuous measurement precision
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
Enables efficient, non-invasive detection of concealed weapons by maintaining accurate MMW camera calibration and providing clear visual displays of metallic objects, reducing health risks and increasing throughput.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining an energy emission measurement of the panel via the MMW camera
Implementation Method 2
The panel being maintained at essentially a constant temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed MMW wave sensing camera calibration arrangement that generally includes a millimeter wave camera that uses an energy emission calibration panel as a calibration standard. The MMW camera is positioned opposite the calibration panel in the MMW camera's field-of-view. The calibration panel is held at a constant temperature to provide a standard emission of millimeter waves that is sensed by an MMW sensor to set or otherwise calibrate the MMW camera to a baseline emissivity value corresponding to the panel. The MMW camera is linked to a microprocessor and non-transient computer memory containing a calibration routine that is configured to reset the baseline only when nothing obstructs the calibration panel's field-of-view. A visual display is linked to the MMW camera and configured to display an MMW signature of a metal object that is disposed on a person's body when the person's body is in the field-of-view, the metal object concealed by clothing worn over the person's body.