RF Group Screening Layout for Moving Crowd Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 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 can 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, reducing shadowing and allowing for hidden installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional security scanners require individuals to stand still at a specific position, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates because groups of moving people cannot be screened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidscreening throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static scanning requiring individuals to stand still to dynamic scanning that operates while people are moving. The RF imaging device captures images continuously as people pass through the screening area, enabling both accurate detection and efficient processing of groups without requiring individuals to stop or pose statically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screening process becomes continuous rather than intermittent. Instead of stopping people to scan them individually, the system continuously captures RF images of all people in the screening area as they move through, maintaining constant detection capability without interrupting the flow of people

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If antennas are arranged above and below the path of movement, then shadowing is reduced and all people can be imaged, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging completenessVSAvoidantenna arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna arrangement moves from a single-plane configuration to a three-dimensional configuration with antennas positioned both above and below the screening area. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions eliminates shadowing effects by providing RF imaging coverage from multiple angles simultaneously

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

3Ease of operation

If antennas are arranged above and below the screening area, then hidden installation is enabled and influence on people flow is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to increased distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements arranged above and below the screening area. Each antenna contributes to the overall imaging capability, and the combined signals provide both the benefits of remote installation and sufficient detection precision through signal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 non-body objects, such as weapons or contraband, while minimizing disruption to the flow of people.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4703768A1System for screening a group of people
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4703768A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703768A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4703768A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

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.