Millimeter Wave Holographic Scanner for Compact Multi-Side Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current millimeter wave three-dimensional holographic scan imaging technologies for human body security inspection are limited by their inability to efficiently scan all sides of an object, particularly in crowded areas, due to the large footprint of cylinder scanning apparatuses which cannot image four sides entirely.

Innovation Solution

A millimeter wave three-dimensional holographic scan imaging apparatus featuring multiple millimeter wave transceiver antenna arrays arranged in a circular ring or semi-circular shapes, with guiding devices and door mechanisms that allow for simultaneous scanning of peripheral sides, reducing the apparatus volume and improving efficiency by enabling objects to enter and exit without turning, and using a rotatable door for compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cylinder scanning imaging technology is used, then the apparatus can perform three-dimensional holographic scanning, but the footprint becomes large and cannot image four sides entirely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning coverageVSAvoidapparatus footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the scanning system into multiple independent millimeter wave transceiver antenna arrays, each responsible for scanning a specific side of the object. These segmented arrays can be arranged in a compact configuration to cover all four sides of the object, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive scanning coverage and large apparatus footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional scanning to three-dimensional holographic scanning by adding depth information through multiple antenna arrays positioned at different spatial locations. This dimensional enhancement enables complete four-side imaging while maintaining a compact apparatus design through optimized spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple antenna arrays are used to scan all sides, then scanning efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple millimeter wave transceiver antenna arrays into a single integrated apparatus with unified control and processing systems. The arrays are merged into a coordinated system where data from all arrays is processed together to generate comprehensive three-dimensional holographic images, improving scanning efficiency while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each millimeter wave transceiver antenna array is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both transmitting and receiving signals, and each array can scan different sides of the object. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving scanning efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the apparatus is designed to be compact, then footprint is reduced, but safety may be compromised by exposing antenna arrays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidantenna exposure safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the millimeter wave transceiver antenna arrays are housed within protective enclosures or door mechanisms. The arrays can be retracted or shielded when not in use, and only exposed during active scanning. This nesting approach maintains a compact apparatus volume while ensuring safety by preventing unnecessary exposure of the antenna arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution allows for fast and efficient scanning of all sides of an object, improving inspection efficiency and reducing the apparatus volume, while maintaining safety by preventing exposure of the antenna arrays during scanning, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies in crowded areas like airports and subway stations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array electrically connected to the at least one millimeter wave transceiver respectively, the at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array being configured to transmit and receive at least one millimeter wave signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMillimeter wave transmission and reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3399333B1Millimeter wave three-dimensional holographic scanning imaging device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3399333B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3399333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399333B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A millimeter wave three dimensional holographic scan imaging apparatus is disclosed. It includes: at least one millimeter wave transceiver and at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array electrically connected to the at least one millimeter wave transceiver respectively and configured to transmit and receive at least one millimeter wave signal; at least one guiding device, to which the at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array is connected respectively such that the at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array moves along with the at least one guiding device to scan peripheral sides of an object to be inspected, the at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array extending in a direction perpendicular to the at least one guiding device respectively; a driver configured to drive the at least one guiding device to move so as to drive the at least one millimeter wave transceiver antenna array to scan along a linear track; and a housing configured to surround an inspection region in which the object is located during an inspection, the housing being formed with an inlet for the object entering the inspection region and an outlet for the object exiting the inspection region.