RF Penetration Imaging with Dynamic Distance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF imaging devices are bulky, costly, and limited by the need for a fixed, sub-wavelength distance to the medium surface, making them impractical for portable and accurate imaging applications, especially in scenarios requiring standoff distances.
Innovation Solution
A portable RF imaging system with a configurable antenna array that can estimate distance and orientation, allowing for variable standoff distances and using Ultra Wide Band signals, integrated with a mobile device for real-time imaging of objects within a target medium, such as walls or human tissues, using accelerometers and gyros for orientation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior RF imaging devices are designed with fixed sub-wavelength distance to medium surface, then imaging coherence and accuracy are improved, but device portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic distance estimation and compensation mechanisms that allow the device to operate at variable distances from the medium surface. The system dynamically adjusts for distance variations through real-time estimation of antenna-to-surface distance and incorporates these measurements into signal processing algorithms, enabling accurate imaging regardless of standoff distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from fixed sub-wavelength distance to variable standoff distance with dynamic compensation. By introducing distance estimation measurements and modifying the imaging algorithm to account for varying distances, the system transitions from a rigid fixed-distance operation to a flexible variable-distance operation while maintaining imaging accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If prior RF imaging devices are designed for high imaging accuracy, then image quality is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single portable device: RF signal transmission, signal reception, distance estimation using accelerometers and gyros, orientation measurement, and real-time image processing. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate bulky components while maintaining high imaging accuracy through software-based compensation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with sensor-based distance and orientation estimation. Instead of using mechanical stages or precision positioning mechanisms to maintain fixed distances, the system uses accelerometers and gyros to estimate distance and orientation, then compensates for variations through software processing, significantly reducing device size and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If prior RF imaging devices require fixed distance to medium surface, then signal focusing accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different scanning scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic distance and orientation estimation that adapts to varying scanning scenarios. The system continuously measures distance using accelerometers and gyros, and dynamically adjusts signal processing parameters to maintain focusing accuracy regardless of standoff distance or scanning configuration, enabling versatile operation across multiple scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational mode from fixed-distance signal focusing to variable-distance focusing with dynamic parameter adjustment. By incorporating distance estimation measurements and modifying the imaging algorithm to compensate for distance variations, the system maintains signal focusing accuracy across a range of distances and scanning configurations.
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 compact, cost-effective, and accurate 2D or 3D imaging of objects within a medium without the need for direct contact, allowing for flexible positioning and improved imaging capabilities beyond traditional sub-wavelength constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an RF antenna array, the RF antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas, said plurality of antennas are configured to transmit the plurality of RF signals towards the target medium and receive a plurality of RF signals reflected from the target medium
Implementation Method 2
calculate the delay between the plurality of transmitted signals and the plurality of signals reflected from the at least one object
Implementation Method 3
estimate the distance between the surface of the target medium and the antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for RF (Radio Frequency) penetration imaging of one or more objects in a medium, the system including a generation and reception subsystem configured to generate and receive a plurality of RF signals, an RF antenna array including a plurality of antennas, the antennas being configured to transmit the RF signals towards the medium and receive a plurality of RF signals reflected from the medium, a data acquisition subsystem configured to receive and store the reflected RF signals, and a processor configured to estimate the distance between the surface of the target medium and the antenna array, the delay between the transmitted signals and the plurality of signals reflected from the object using a dedicated frequency sub-band of the received signals, the location of the antennas at each transmitting time, and determine whether there is an object within the medium.