Planar Millimeter Wave Holographic Scanner for Human Body Security Inspection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current millimeter wave holographic scan imaging technologies for human body security inspection are bulky, costly, and inefficient, with cylinder scanning methods requiring complex calculations and two-sided scanning processes that complicate and slow down the inspection process, while also occupying large floor areas, making them unsuitable for integration with existing security facilities.

Innovation Solution

A millimeter wave holographic scan imaging apparatus with a simplified structure that performs two-sided scanning using two millimeter wave transceiver devices arranged in a compact planar configuration, allowing for simultaneous front and back scanning of a human body, reducing inspection time and improving imaging accuracy, and enabling integration with existing security systems without modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cylinder scanning imaging technology is used, then three-dimensional holographic scan imaging can be achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and occupies large floor area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidfloor area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional cylindrical scanning to two-dimensional planar scanning by arranging antenna arrays in a flat configuration. The antenna arrays are positioned in the same plane rather than forming a cylindrical volume, reducing the spatial footprint while maintaining imaging capability through mathematical reconstruction algorithms that can generate three-dimensional images from two-dimensional scan data.

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

2Measurement precision

If cylinder scanning imaging technology is used, then holographic scan imaging can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and calculation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary cylindrical three-dimensional scanning structure, retaining only the essential two-dimensional planar scanning function. By removing the vertical dimension from the scanning geometry, the system simplifies both the physical structure and the associated calculation algorithms while still achieving the required imaging accuracy through optimized two-dimensional holographic reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If single-scanning apparatus is used, then one side of human body can be detected, but twice scanning is needed for complete inspection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidscanning operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple scanning functions into a single planar scanning system. By arranging antenna arrays in a two-dimensional plane, the system can simultaneously capture data from multiple angles and positions, effectively merging what would otherwise require multiple separate scanning passes. This allows complete human body inspection to be achieved in a single scanning operation, improving both speed and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If vertical antenna arrays with many units are used, then scanning coverage can be achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning coverageVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a large number of relatively simple, low-cost antenna elements arranged in a two-dimensional plane rather than fewer expensive high-performance vertical arrays. By using many inexpensive antenna units in a planar configuration, the system achieves comprehensive scanning coverage while reducing overall system cost, as each individual antenna element can be a simpler, more economical component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 apparatus achieves improved scanning speed and accuracy, simplifies the scanning operation, and reduces the occupied floor area, making it suitable for use in airports, railway stations, and customs without altering existing infrastructure, while maintaining low radiation exposure and effective detection of metal and nonmetal contraband.

Implementation Method 1

a first millimeter wave transceiver antenna array for transmitting and receiving a first millimeter wave signal; a second millimeter wave transceiver antenna array for transmitting and receiving a second millimeter wave signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMillimeter wave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2837954B1A millimeter wave holographic scan imaging apparatus for human body security inspection
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2837954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2837954B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2837954B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a millimeter wave holographic scan imaging apparatus for inspecting a human body. The apparatus includes a first millimeter wave transceiver device (40) comprising a first millimeter wave transceiver antenna array (41) for transmitting and receiving a first millimeter wave signal; a second millimeter wave transceiver device (40'), which comprises a second millimeter wave transceiver antenna array (41') for transmitting and receiving a second millimeter wave signal, and is configured in opposite direction with relation to the first millimeter wave transceiver device; a connection member (26, 27) for connecting the first millimeter wave transceiver device (40) to the second millimeter wave transceiver device (40'); and a drive device (50), which drives one of the first and the second millimeter wave transceiver devices such that the first millimeter wave transceiver device (40) and the second millimeter wave transceiver device (40') move in opposite directions.