Sub-Terahertz Imaging With Diffuse Reflector for Wide-Angle Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses using sub-terahertz waves struggle to efficiently irradiate targets, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus design featuring a reflector that diffusely reflects sub-terahertz waves from both sides of a pathway, with light sources and detectors positioned to efficiently irradiate and capture images from multiple angles, allowing for repeated reflections within the imaging space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sub-terahertz waves are irradiated directly onto the imaging target, then the irradiation efficiency is low and image quality is suboptimal, but adding reflectors and multiple light sources increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the sub-terahertz light source and the imaging target. The reflector redirects and distributes the sub-terahertz waves onto the target from multiple angles, improving irradiation efficiency and image quality without requiring multiple complex light source arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct frontal irradiation to multi-angle irradiation by positioning the reflector at specific angles relative to the light source. This dimensional change in wave propagation paths enables comprehensive coverage of the imaging target, enhancing measurement precision.
2Productivity
If reflectors are added to improve irradiation efficiency, then image quality increases, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects sub-terahertz waves onto the imaging target, distributes them across multiple angles for comprehensive coverage, and can be positioned to work with existing light source configurations. This multi-functionality improves irradiation efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 design enhances image quality by ensuring wide-angle irradiation and increased reflection capture, improving detection accuracy and reducing blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector which covers an imaging space on a pathway that an imaging target passes through, from at least one of both sides of the pathway, and diffusely reflects a sub-terahertz wave
Implementation Method 2
a first light source which emits a sub-terahertz wave onto the reflector
Implementation Method 3
a first detector which receives a reflected wave of the sub-terahertz wave emitted from the first light source, diffusely reflected by the reflector, and reflected by the imaging target, and generates an image based on the reflected wave received
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a reflector which covers an imaging space on a pathway that a human passes through, from at least one of both sides of the pathway, and diffusely reflects a sub-terahertz wave; a first light source which emits a sub-terahertz wave onto the reflector; and a first detector which receives a reflected wave of the sub-terahertz wave emitted from the first light source, diffusely reflected by the reflector, and reflected by the human, and generates an image based on the reflected wave received. The first light source and the first detector are located at a first direction side relative to a center of the imaging space in a direction in which the pathway extends.