Terahertz Drone Radar for Noncontact Concealed Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security practices, such as Terry frisks and consensual searches, are invasive, prone to errors, and pose risks to both security personnel and individuals, while existing scanning technologies are expensive, bulky, and often ineffective in detecting concealed objects without causing harm.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld device using a coherent radar system on a chip that emits terahertz radiation for non-invasive object detection, capable of scanning from a distance and providing high-resolution images of concealed objects without physical contact, utilizing a phased array antenna and voltage-controlled oscillator to steer and receive electromagnetic radiation, with pattern matching algorithms for object identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact methods (Terry frisks) are used for security searches, then detection capability is improved, but safety and comfort of personnel and subjects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical contact search methods with an electromagnetic radiation-based detection system. The handheld device emits electromagnetic radiation that penetrates clothing to detect concealed objects without physical contact, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating safety risks and discomfort associated with manual frisks.
2Measurement precision
If traditional scanning equipment is used for object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device portability and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (electromagnetic radiation source, phased array antenna, signal processing unit, and display) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging enables high-resolution imaging and accurate object detection while maintaining portability and affordability, overcoming the limitations of traditional bulky and expensive scanning equipment.
3Ease of operation
If manual security screening processes are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device performs automated object detection and identification without requiring manual inspection. The device emits electromagnetic radiation, processes the reflected signals through phased array technology, automatically generates images, and identifies concealed objects, thereby dramatically improving screening efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through simple handheld usage.
4Reliability
If expensive specialized scanning equipment is deployed, then detection reliability is improved, but accessibility and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device is designed as a universal security tool that can detect various types of concealed objects (weapons, explosives, contraband) across multiple applications (airports, events, public spaces). The device integrates electromagnetic radiation emission, phased array sensing, signal processing, and object identification in one portable unit, making reliable detection accessible to diverse security scenarios without requiring specialized expensive equipment for each application.
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 safe, accurate, and efficient detection of concealed objects, reducing the need for physical contact and minimizing risks to both security personnel and individuals, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various security scenarios, including use with drones and body-worn systems.
Implementation Method 1
A portable, handheld device using a coherent radar system on a chip that emits terahertz radiation for non-invasive object detection
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a phased array antenna and voltage-controlled oscillator to steer and receive electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a phased array antenna and voltage-controlled oscillator to steer and receive electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 4
capable of scanning from a distance and providing high-resolution images of concealed objects without physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises an aerial drone with a coherent radar system on a chip that operates in the terahertz range, the chip being in physical contact with the drone and configured to conduct a noninvasive scan of a target in a line of site field of view of the drone.