Sub-terahertz Imaging Array for Hidden Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices struggle to accurately image objects hidden under people's clothes or similar materials due to specular reflection of electromagnetic waves by human bodies or metals, limiting the imaged area to specific angles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging device employs a first light source with a first emission surface that emits sub-terahertz waves, and a first detector with a first image sensor that detects the intensity of reflected waves, allowing for more accurate imaging of hidden objects by irradiating them with sub-terahertz waves from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a point light source is used to emit electromagnetic waves, then the device structure is simple, but the imaging accuracy of hidden objects is poor due to specular reflection limiting the imaged area
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independent point light sources arranged in an array, where each point light source emits electromagnetic waves independently. This segmentation allows the system to illuminate hidden objects from multiple positions simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of a single point light source that can only image areas defined by specific reflection angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source to a multi-point light source array, adding spatial dimensionality to the illumination. By arranging multiple point light sources in specific patterns, the system creates multiple illumination directions, enabling detection of objects from various angles and improving overall imaging accuracy of hidden objects.
2Area of stationary object
If electromagnetic waves are emitted from a single point source, then the device is simple, but the imaged area is limited to specific angles due to specular reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple independent point light sources arranged in an array. Each point light source contributes to illuminating different areas of the hidden object, and the detector receives reflected waves from all these areas. This segmentation enables the system to image a broader area by combining signals from multiple illumination points.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-point light source array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it illuminates different areas of the hidden object, provides multiple illumination angles for comprehensive coverage, and enables the detector to receive reflected waves from various directions. This multi-functionality expands the imaged area beyond what a single point source can achieve.
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
This configuration enables the imaging device to accurately image the shape of objects, such as human bodies or metals, that are hidden and cannot be visually identified directly, surpassing the limitations of conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source including a first emission surface from which a sub-terahertz wave is emitted to a measurement target
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic waves that transmit through people's clothes or the like are specularly reflected by a human body, a metal, or the like
Implementation Method 3
a first detector including a first image sensor that detects an intensity of a reflected wave generated by the measurement target reflecting the sub-terahertz wave
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: a light source including an emission surface from which a sub-terahertz wave is emitted to a measurement target; and a detector including an image sensor that detects the intensity of a reflected wave generated by the measurement target reflecting the sub-terahertz wave emitted from the emission surface.