Overhead RF Imaging for Screening Moving Groups of People
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personnel security scanners require individuals to stand still, making it impossible to screen groups of moving people effectively, especially in public and crowded areas where threat scenarios like terror attacks may occur.
Innovation Solution
A system using RF imaging with TX and RX antennas arranged above and below a path of movement, generating RF images of groups of people, and an image processing device to detect non-body objects, employing techniques like polarimetric evaluation and multipath reflections to enhance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional security scanners are used, then detection precision is improved, but the people flow speed deteriorates because individuals must stand still
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static scanning (requiring people to stand still) to dynamic scanning (capturing moving people). The RF imaging device continuously scans and processes multiple frames to create coherent images of moving targets, allowing people to walk through the screening area at normal speed while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and captures RF data continuously before final image reconstruction. By accumulating RF signals over time and processing them to eliminate motion artifacts, the system prepares the data in advance to enable both high-speed throughput and precise threat detection.
2Measurement precision
If RF imaging devices are installed at eye level, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to shadowing issues requiring multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the RF imaging device from horizontal eye-level installation to vertical overhead installation. This dimensional change eliminates shadowing problems caused by people blocking signals, allowing a single device to scan the entire screening area without requiring multiple devices positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the scanner at the same level as the subjects (eye level), the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the scanner overhead, looking down at the people. This inversion eliminates the shadowing issue where foreground objects block the view of background objects.
3Speed
If overhead RF imaging devices are installed, then people flow speed is improved by reducing shadowing, but detection precision deteriorates due to installation visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radome as an intermediary structure that covers the RF imaging device. The radome is transparent to RF signals, allowing the scanner to maintain full detection capability while being concealed from visual inspection. This mediator enables the overhead installation to function both as a effective scanner and as an aesthetically acceptable, invisible structure.
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 scanning of moving groups of people by reducing shadowing and enhancing detection of hidden threats through improved imaging and reduced installation visibility, while maintaining a smooth flow of individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one Rx antenna can be configured for capturing reflections, refractions and/or transmissions of the one or more RF signals from the screening area
Implementation Method 2
the at least one Rx antenna can be configured for capturing reflections, refractions and/or transmissions of the one or more RF signals from the screening area
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) imaging device comprising at least one TX antenna and at least one RX antenna for transmitting respectively receiving one or more RF signals
Implementation Method 4
The image processing device can be configured to perform a polarimetric evaluation of the RF signals received by the at least one Rx antenna
Implementation Method 5
The at least one Rx antenna can be arranged to receive multipath reflections of the RF signals from RF reflecting surfaces in the screening area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for screening a group of people in a screening area. The system comprises an RF imaging device comprising at least one TX antenna and at least one RX antenna for transmitting respectively receiving one or more RF signals; wherein the at least one TX antenna and the at least one RX antenna are arranged above and/or below a path of movement of the group of people in the screening area; and wherein the RF imaging device is configured to generate an RF image of the group of people in the screening area. The system further comprises an image processing device configured to detect at least one non-body object based on the generated RF image.