Millimeter Wave Camera Scanning for Remote Concealed 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 are limited in their ability to detect concealed weapons effectively, posing health risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held or stand-alone millimeter wavelength (MMW) camera system comprising a matrix of single pixel MMW detectors with analog to digital converters and digital output channels, capable of generating digital images and detecting concealed weapons by analyzing MMW reflections from objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal detectors and x-ray systems are used for security screening, then detection capability is provided, but close proximity to the subject is required and health risks are posed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical metal detectors with millimeter wave imaging technology that uses electromagnetic radiation to detect concealed weapons. The system captures thermal and moisture information to create images that reveal the presence of weapons without requiring physical contact or close proximity, thereby eliminating health risks associated with traditional screening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces millimeter waves as an intermediary medium between the detector and the subject. These waves penetrate clothing and materials to capture thermal and moisture signatures, allowing detection without direct contact or close proximity, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and health safety.
2Reliability
If x-ray systems are used for security screening, then concealed weapons can be detected, but undesirable health impact is shown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ionizing radiation (x-rays) with non-ionizing millimeter wave radiation for security screening. The system detects concealed weapons through thermal and moisture signatures captured by millimeter waves, eliminating the harmful health effects associated with x-ray radiation while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the natural thermal emission and moisture content of objects into beneficial detection signals. By detecting the unique thermal and moisture signatures of concealed weapons, the system achieves effective detection without requiring harmful ionizing radiation, thus transforming a potentially harmful detection method into a safe one.
3Ease of operation
If hand-held metal detectors are used, then portability is achieved, but close proximity to the subject is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hand-held metal detectors with millimeter wave imaging technology that uses electromagnetic radiation to detect concealed weapons at a distance. The system captures thermal and moisture information to create images without requiring physical contact or close proximity, thereby extending detection distance while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from contact-based detection to non-contact detection by utilizing millimeter wave radiation that can penetrate materials and detect thermal and moisture signatures at a distance. This dimensional change in detection methodology allows the portable device to operate effectively without requiring close proximity to the subject.
4Reliability
If active millimeter wave systems are used, then detection is enabled, but only when the subject is a known and short distance away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses millimeter waves as an intermediary that can travel through air and penetrate materials to carry thermal and moisture information from the subject to the detector. This intermediary medium enables detection at extended distances by transporting signatures without requiring the subject to be in close proximity or at a known short distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active millimeter wave systems that require short distance with an enhanced millimeter wave imaging system that captures thermal and moisture signatures at longer distances. The system uses the natural thermal emission and moisture content of objects as sources, eliminating the need for the subject to be at a known and short distance away.
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 remote and efficient detection of concealed weapons by generating digital images that highlight temperature differences between objects and their surroundings, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional screening methods.
Implementation Method 1
a MMW receiving aperture configured to receive MMWs emitted from a target
Data Source
AI summary
A millimeter wave (MMW) display arrangement is envisioned to comprise a MMW camera that has an array of single pixel MMW detectors that capture MMWs and pipe MMW intensity data, of the captured MMWs, to a display screen where an MMW picture is assembled from a plurality of MMW sub-images from different portions of a scene scanned by the MMW camera. Each of the MMW sub-images comprise a plurality of contrast cells each of which are produced from a corresponding single pixel MMW detector. The MMW camera constructs the MMW picture by changing perspectives of the scene by way of either moving the camera or by shifting positions of a mirror between the camera and scene.