Polarization-Effective Reflector for Millimeter Wave Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems using reflector elements for millimeter wave radiation suffer from interference in reconstruction, leading to suboptimal illumination and imaging quality, particularly in areas like security scanners where detecting objects under clothing is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system with a reflector element coated with a polarization-effective material layer that converts radiation into a specific polarization state, allowing improved detection of radiation components at the receiving antenna, minimizing interference and enhancing imaging quality by controlling the reception of single and double reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reflector element is used to improve illumination of object areas, then illumination intensity is improved, but interference in reconstruction occurs due to reflections from the reflector element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflections from the reflector element into beneficial signals by using a polarization-effective material layer. This layer transforms the polarization state of reflected radiation, allowing the system to distinguish between direct reflections (desired) and reflector-induced reflections (harmful), thereby converting interference into useful imaging information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of the radiation reflected by the reflector element through the polarization-effective material layer. By transforming linearly polarized radiation into elliptically or circularly polarized radiation, the system can selectively receive desired polarization components while filtering out interference, thus resolving the contradiction between improved illumination and reduced interference
2Measurement precision
If polarization-effective material layer is added to convert radiation polarization state, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polarization-effective material layer on the reflector element, creating a composite structure that combines the reflective properties of the base material with the polarization-transforming properties of the coating. This allows the system to achieve improved imaging quality through polarization differentiation without requiring fundamentally new reflector designs
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization-effective material layer is applied locally on the reflector element surface, affecting only the polarization state of reflected radiation while maintaining the overall reflector geometry and function. This localized modification improves imaging quality without requiring complete redesign of the entire device
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 system achieves improved illumination and imaging quality by selectively detecting desired radiation components, reducing disturbances in reconstruction and optimizing the detection of objects, especially those concealed under clothing.
Implementation Method 1
A polarization-effective material layer is provided on the reflector element in order to convert a portion of the radiation reflected by the reflector element into a polarization state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for the illumination and imaging of objects with the assistance of electromagnetic radiation, for example, millimeter radiation. Such a system comprises at least one transmitting antenna, at least one receiving antenna, and at least one reflector element. An actively polarizing material layer is present on the reflector element. A processing unit determines an image of the object on the basis of the radiation received from the receiving antenna.