Millimeter-wave Radar Imaging via Optical Up-conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional millimeter-wave (mmW) imaging systems are computationally intensive and require powerful digital signal processors, making them complex, expensive, and limited in portability and hand-held manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A mmW imaging system that converts backscatter radiation directly to visible light using an array of up-converter elements or a glow discharge device, eliminating the need for powerful DSPs and sophisticated image processing, and includes a photodetector array to produce electrical signals indicative of an optical image, with optional display and decoder for image display and RFID tag decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional DSP-based processing is used for mmW scan data, then imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/computational signal processing system (DSP-based conventional processing) with an optical conversion system. The up-converter elements convert mmW radiation directly to visible light, and photodetectors convert light to electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex digital signal processing while maintaining imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter domain from millimeter-wave frequencies to visible light frequencies through the up-conversion process. This parameter transformation allows the use of optical detection methods instead of complex RF signal processing, simplifying the overall system while preserving imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If powerful DSPs are used for mmW imaging, then processing capability is improved, but portability and hand-held manipulation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy computational processing (requiring powerful DSPs) with direct optical conversion and detection. The up-converter elements and photodetector array perform the imaging function through physical processes rather than computational algorithms, dramatically reducing system weight and enabling portable, hand-held operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional processing methods are used, then imaging accuracy is maintained, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive computational processing infrastructure with a direct optical conversion system using up-converter elements and photodetectors. This physical conversion approach maintains imaging accuracy while eliminating the need for costly DSP hardware and software processing, making the system more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system achieves efficient mmW imaging without the need for complex processing, enabling portable and cost-effective imaging of targets, including those obscured by non-transmissive barriers, with high resolution and ability to penetrate various materials.

Implementation Method 1

an array of up-converter elements configured to convert backscatter radiation received from the target directly to visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUp-conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The photodetector array is configured to produce electrical signals indicative of an optical image of the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a glow discharge device (GDD) comprising an array of GDD pixels... configured to convert backscatter radiation received from the target to visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlow discharge: Electric Glow Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS11378680B2Millimeter-wave radar imaging device and method

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A millimeter-wave (mmW) imaging system comprises a mmW source configured to transmit mmW radiation to a target and a mmW imaging device. The mmW imaging device comprises an array of up-converter elements configured to convert backscatter radiation received from the target directly to visible light. The up-converter array has a first surface and a second surface. The mmW imaging device also comprises a first focusing lens optically coupled to the first surface of the up-converter array and configured to direct backscatter radiation received from the target to the up-converter elements. The mmW imaging device further comprises an an array of photodetectors. The photodetector array has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the photodetector array is configured to receive visible light emitted by the up-converter elements. The photodetector array is configured to produce electrical signals indicative of an optical image of the target.