Optical and Millimeter-Wave Camera Overlay for Remote Weapon Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security screening technologies, such as metal detectors and x-ray systems, require close proximity to the subject and can be invasive, and hand-held detectors are limited in their ability to detect concealed weapons effectively without intimate contact.
Innovation Solution
A combination camera detector device incorporating a digital optical camera and a millimeter wavelength (MMW) camera, with an MMW field-of-view smaller than the optical camera's, overlays MMW images onto optical images to identify concealed metallic objects, using a computer system with a microprocessor and memory to process and display the combined images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal detectors and x-ray systems are used for security screening, then concealed weapons can be detected, but the systems require close proximity to the subject and can be invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical metal detectors with a millimeter-wave imaging system that uses electromagnetic radiation to penetrate clothing and detect concealed weapons from a distance without physical contact, eliminating the need for close proximity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces millimeter-wave radiation as an intermediary medium that can penetrate through clothing and body materials to detect concealed weapons, allowing detection without direct physical contact or close proximity to the subject
2Ease of operation
If hand-held metal detectors are used, then portability is improved, but the ability to detect concealed weapons effectively without intimate contact is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hand-held metal detectors with a millimeter-wave imaging system that uses electromagnetic radiation to penetrate clothing and detect concealed weapons from a distance without physical contact, eliminating the need for close proximity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from metal conductivity detection to millimeter-wave radiation detection, which allows the system to detect concealed weapons through non-metallic materials like clothing and skin without requiring intimate contact
3Measurement precision
If x-ray systems are used for security screening, then concealed weapons can be detected, but undesirable health impact has been shown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses millimeter-wave radiation, which is non-ionizing and safe for human tissue, to replace ionizing x-ray radiation. The millimeter waves penetrate clothing and body materials to detect concealed weapons without causing the harmful health effects associated with x-ray exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional x-ray systems with a millimeter-wave imaging system that uses electromagnetic radiation in a different spectrum, achieving detection capability while eliminating the harmful ionizing radiation exposure
4Measurement precision
If metal detectors are used, then concealed weapons can be detected, but the systems are large stationary pieces of equipment that a person must walk to or through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core detection function from large stationary equipment and integrates it into a compact handheld device, allowing the millimeter-wave detection capability to be portable while maintaining the ability to detect concealed weapons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional handheld device that combines millimeter-wave imaging, optical imaging, and detection capabilities in a single portable unit, eliminating the need for separate large stationary equipment
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 effective detection of concealed weapons from a distance without physical contact, allowing for simultaneous imaging of larger areas and reducing health risks associated with x-ray exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter wavelength (MMW) camera possessing an MMW camera field-of-view
Implementation Method 2
a digital optical camera possessing an optical camera field-of-view
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed handheld camera device is a combination digital optical and millimeter wavelength (MMW) camera. In contrast to an optical camera, the MMW camera detects frequencies between 3-300 GHz making the MMW camera especially good at seeing metallic objects under garments, such as concealed weapons on a person or in a bag. The MMW camera can be arranged to point in the same field-of-view as the optical camera so that when an MMW image is taken it is automatically framed within the optical camera field-of-view. In certain configurations, the MMW camera takes a plurality of MMW images defined within an MMW field-of-view. In the case where the MMW field-of-view is smaller than the optical camera field-of-view, the multiple MMW images can be stitched together and overlaid on the optical image of the same scene to show a metallic object superimposed over a subject of interest.