Multi-Threat Detection for Moving Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current threat detection systems, such as the Rapiscan Systems Secure 1000 SP, are limited in their ability to detect concealed or hidden improvised explosive devices (IEDs), metallic weapons, and radioactive/nuclear materials simultaneously, requiring a single pose from individuals, relying on x-rays, and being incapable of real-time multi-person scanning without causing security bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
The system employs microwave detection for non-metallic objects, cross-polarized microwaves for metallic weapons, and gamma ray detection for radioactive materials, allowing for real-time scanning of multiple individuals, including luggage, with automatic threat identification and minimal disruption, using a network of disguised scanning portals and facial recognition software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray backscatter technology is used for threat detection, then detection capability for concealed objects is improved, but the system requires a single pose from individuals and cannot scan multiple people simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple independent scanning channels, each capable of detecting multiple individuals simultaneously. The array of detectors and transmitters is segmented into multiple functional units that operate in parallel, allowing simultaneous scanning of multiple people without requiring them to pose individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect various types of threats (explosives, weapons, narcotics, ceramics, liquids, metals, currency) using the same hardware platform. The system universally scans multiple individuals and their belongings simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate scanning processes for different target types.
2Measurement precision
If operator review of scanned images is required for threat identification, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and creates security bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic threat detection and identification without requiring operator intervention. Advanced image processing algorithms automatically analyze the scanned data, identify potential threats, and generate alerts. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire detection and identification process, eliminating the time-consuming manual review step while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operator review process is replaced with automated electronic image processing and analysis systems. Computer algorithms automatically interpret the scanned images, detect anomalies, and identify threats, substituting human mechanical review with automated computational analysis that operates faster and without fatigue.
3Ease of operation
If a single pose requirement is imposed for scanning, then scanning simplicity is improved, but the system cannot detect threats on moving individuals or perform real-time scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static single-pose scanning to dynamic real-time scanning of moving individuals. The array of transmitters and detectors continuously scans people as they walk through the checkpoint, capturing images at multiple time points and synthesizing them into a complete threat detection result. The system adapts to moving targets rather than requiring them to stop and pose.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning process becomes continuous rather than discrete. Multiple individuals are scanned simultaneously in an unbroken stream, with the system continuously acquiring and processing imaging data as people move through the checkpoint. This continuous scanning eliminates gaps between scans and maintains constant surveillance of all individuals.
4Measurement precision
If conventional threat detection systems are used, then detection of specific threat types is achieved, but the system cannot detect radioactive/nuclear materials or provide multi-threat detection simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to detect multiple types of threats simultaneously using the same hardware platform. It can identify explosives, weapons, narcotics, ceramics, liquids, metals, currency, and radioactive materials all in a single scanning operation. The universal detection capability eliminates the need for separate specialized systems for different threat types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces additional detection mechanisms as intermediaries to expand threat detection capabilities. Radiation detectors and spectral analysis components are added to the existing imaging system, acting as intermediary sensors that detect radioactive materials and chemical substances without interfering with the primary imaging function. These intermediary detection layers enable multi-threat detection while maintaining compatibility with the core scanning 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
Enables simultaneous detection of various threats in real-time across multiple individuals and objects, reducing processing time and security bottlenecks, while providing automatic threat identification and minimizing disruptions, with high detection accuracy and low false alarm rates.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention uses microwave detection to find non-metallic objects that are hidden
Implementation Method 2
it uses cross-polarized microwaves to detect hidden metallic weapons or shrapnel
Implementation Method 3
uses gamma ray detection to find radioactive materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a multi-modal security checkpoint. The security checkpoint can simultaneously scan for and simultaneously identify hidden metallics (e.g., weapons, shrapnel) and non-metallics (e.g., explosives, dielectrics). The security checkpoint performs scanning and identifying at a rate of 15 or more frames per second for all targets within the inspection area. The security checkpoint comprises blocks for sending and receiving radiation signals, the blocks comprising transmitters and/or receivers, the blocks being configured to share information to compare cross- and co-polarizations of signals emitted. The security checkpoint combines many threat detection technologies into one checkpoint that allows it to be robust and detect a large variety of threats in mass transit hubs requiring high throughput processing capabilities.