Millimeter Wave Detector Array for Remote Concealed Weapon Imaging

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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 MMW receiving apertures, analog to digital converters, and digital output channels, capable of generating digital images and detecting concealed weapons by analyzing MMW reflections and emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If x-ray systems are used to detect concealed weapons, then detection capability is improved, but health risks increase due to ionizing radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidhealth risks from ionizing radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation type from ionizing (x-ray) to non-ionizing (millimeter wave), thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating health risks. The system uses millimeter wave radiation that penetrates clothing and detects concealed weapons through dielectric property differences, avoiding the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If metal detectors are used to detect concealed weapons, then detection capability is improved, but the device must be within a couple of feet from the subject, limiting operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional metal detector mechanisms with millimeter wave imaging technology. The system uses an array of millimeter wave detectors to capture electromagnetic radiation patterns, processing this data to create images that reveal concealed weapons. This substitution enables remote detection capability, allowing operators to scan subjects from a distance without physical contact requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If active millimeter wave systems are used, then detection capability is improved, but the system only works when the subject is a known and short distance away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic focal plane array where individual detector elements can be selectively activated and focused at different distances. The system dynamically adjusts the focal plane and detector activation patterns to accommodate subjects at varying distances, transforming the detection system from static to adaptive, thereby extending effective detection range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If hand-held metal detectors are used, then portability is improved, but close proximity to the subject is required, reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a non-contact digital copy of the electromagnetic radiation pattern from the subject using an array of millimeter wave detectors. Instead of requiring physical proximity to directly sense the subject, the system captures and processes electromagnetic field information remotely, generating a detectable image copy that reveals concealed weapons without requiring close physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 without physical contact, using non-ionizing MMW radiation to penetrate clothing and identify metallic objects, while avoiding health risks associated with x-ray systems.

Implementation Method 1

a MMW receiving aperture configured to receive MMWs emitted from a target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a MMW analog to digital converter configured to convert the MMWs received from the MMW receiving aperture into a digital intensity value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog to digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12541022B2Millimeter wave detector arrangement

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SYGHT INC

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.