Remote Inspection System Using Microwave and Video Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting hidden dielectric explosive substances on a human body, such as those carried by a 'suicide bomber', face challenges including low contrast imaging, inability to distinguish non-metallic objects from the human body, low resolution imaging for moving targets, and errors in determining dielectric permeability and threat levels, leading to ineffective and unsafe screening processes.
Innovation Solution
A remote inspection system using microwave radiation and synchronized video cameras to create three-dimensional images, where the distance between microwave and video images is analyzed to determine the presence of dielectric objects, correcting distortions and increasing the range of inspection angles, allowing for accurate and covert detection of concealed explosives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microwave radiation is used to scan the monitored area, then the ability to detect dielectric objects is improved, but the resolution for moving targets deteriorates due to low resolution imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microwave imaging data with video imaging data to create a composite image. The microwave data provides dielectric contrast for detecting concealed objects, while the video data provides high-resolution spatial information. By merging these two imaging modalities, the system achieves both accurate detection of dielectric objects and high-resolution imaging of moving targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses video imaging as an intermediary to compensate for the low resolution of microwave imaging. The video camera captures high-resolution images of the monitored area, and these images are used to enhance the spatial resolution of the microwave-detected objects. The video data acts as a mediator that bridges the resolution gap between microwave and visual imaging.
2Area of stationary object
If the monitored area is irradiated with microwaves using multiple elemental emitters, then the coverage area is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to multiple recording channels and coherent processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single video camera system that performs multiple functions: it provides high-resolution imaging, tracks moving targets, and compensates for the low resolution of microwave imaging. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for multiple specialized recording channels and processing systems, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining wide area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the monitored area using video imaging and uses this copy to enhance the microwave detection data. Instead of requiring multiple complex microwave recording channels, the system uses the video copy to provide the missing spatial resolution and target tracking information, thereby reducing system complexity.
3Productivity
If the inspection system requires automatic determination of threat level, then the inspection efficiency is improved, but the false alarm rate increases due to difficulty in analyzing low resolution images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microwave detection data with video imaging data to create enhanced images with both dielectric contrast and high spatial resolution. This combination provides more reliable features for automatic threat level determination, reducing false alarms while maintaining high inspection efficiency. The merged image contains complementary information that helps distinguish true threats from false positives.
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 enhances the accuracy of dielectric object detection, reduces errors, and enables covert, real-time inspection of moving targets, providing a safer and more effective means to assess threat levels and detect explosives without external interference.
Implementation Method 1
The space is scanned with microwave radiation using two or more elemental microwave emitters. The signal reflected from the monitored area is picked up by one or more parallel detection channels.
Implementation Method 2
The signal reflected from the monitored area is picked up by one or more parallel detection channels
Data Source
AI summary
This invention addresses remote inspection of target in monitored space. A three dimensional (3D) microwave image of the space is obtained using at least two emitters. The data undergoes coherent processing to obtain maximum intensity of the objects in the area. This image is combined with a 3D video image obtained using two or more video cameras synchronized with the microwave emitters. The images are converted into digital format and transferred into one coordinate system. The distance l is determined between the microwave and the video image. If l<lo, where lo is a given threshold, the absence of a concealed dielectric object at the target is indicated. If l>lo then the presence of cavities is analyzed. If the cavity depth h is greater than the threshold value ho a concealed dielectric object at the target is ascertained:h0=l0ɛ-1√ɛwhere ∈ is dielectric permeability of the sought dielectric object.