Multistatic 3D Imaging for Simultaneous Concealed Object Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed object detection in law enforcement and loss prevention is challenging due to the need for cooperative subjects, slow screening processes, and the inability of existing systems to simultaneously screen multiple individuals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multistatic imaging system using a multi-directional array of sensors that transmit and receive electromagnetic or acoustic waves to generate three-dimensional images of objects concealed on subjects through multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction, allowing for simultaneous screening of multiple individuals without the need for portals or cooperative subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional metal detectors and people screening systems are used, then concealed objects can be detected, but the screening process is slow and requires cooperative subjects standing in portals one at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D portal screening to a volumetric 3D imaging approach using electromagnetic and acoustic waves. Multiple sensors positioned around the screening area capture signals from all directions simultaneously, creating three-dimensional images that reveal concealed objects without requiring subjects to pass through narrow portals sequentially. This dimensional expansion enables parallel processing of multiple subjects in a wide area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-directional array of sensors that can simultaneously detect electromagnetic wave reflections from metal objects and acoustic wave reflections from non-metallic concealed objects. This multi-functional capability allows the same sensor array to screen for different types of concealed materials (metallic and non-metallic) across multiple subjects at once, dramatically increasing screening throughput without requiring separate systems for different object types.
2Measurement precision
If traditional screening systems are used, then concealed objects can be detected, but a large number of operators are required to monitor and process each subject
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic target recognition algorithms that autonomously analyze the three-dimensional images generated by the sensor array. The algorithms automatically identify, classify, and locate concealed objects within the volumetric data, eliminating the need for multiple operators to manually examine each subject. The system self-processes the detection data, providing accurate object identification while reducing operator requirements to minimal supervision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human operator review process with automated computational algorithms. Instead of operators visually inspecting subjects or interpreting detection data, sophisticated image processing and pattern recognition algorithms automatically analyze the electromagnetic and acoustic signal data, generate three-dimensional images, and identify concealed objects. This substitution maintains high detection accuracy while eliminating the need for large numbers of operators.
3Productivity
If multi-directional sensor arrays are used to screen multiple subjects simultaneously, then screening efficiency improves, but system complexity and signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the screening area into multiple zones covered by different sensor subsets within the multi-directional array. Each sensor or sensor group independently captures signals from its specific viewing angle and spatial zone, creating segmented data sets that can be processed separately. This segmentation allows the complex overall detection problem to be broken into manageable sub-problems, reducing the computational burden while maintaining simultaneous multi-subject screening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes the complex multi-sensor data by transforming it into three-dimensional spatial images through tomographic reconstruction techniques. This dimensional transformation converts complex signal processing in the time-frequency domain into intuitive spatial visualization in the three-dimensional domain. The three-dimensional imaging approach simplifies the interpretation of multi-sensor data and enables automatic target recognition algorithms to efficiently identify concealed objects across multiple subjects simultaneously.
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 rapid and non-intrusive detection of concealed objects by creating high-resolution 3D images of multiple subjects in a wide area, improving detection range and accuracy while reducing the need for individual portal screening and operator involvement.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
receiving a reflected signal from the object
Implementation Method 3
processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image
Implementation Method 4
transmitting acoustic waves
Implementation Method 5
receiving a reflected signal from the object
Data Source
AI summary
Concealed object detection using electromagnetic and acoustic multistatic imaging systems and methods. A method of simultaneously screening plural subjects for concealed objects includes transmitting a signal into a screening area where there is at least one subject to be screened having an associated object, receiving a reflected signal from the object when the object is located within the screening area, processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the object and displaying the three-dimensional image. The transmitting and receiving are performed using a multi-directional array including at least three sensors. An object detection system includes a screening area, a multi-directional array including at least three sensors, a processor configured to execute multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction and a display.