Cylindrical millimeter-wave imaging technique for concealed weapon detection

David M. Sheen; Douglas L. McMakin; Thomas E. Hall

doi:10.1117/12.300061

1 March 1998 Cylindrical millimeter-wave imaging technique for concealed weapon detection

David M. Sheen, Douglas L. McMakin, Thomas E. Hall

Proceedings Volume 3240, 26th AIPR Workshop: Exploiting New Image Sources and Sensors; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.300061
Event: 26th AIPR Workshop: Exploiting New Image Sources and Sensors, 1997, Washington, DC, United States

Abstract

A novel cylindrical millimeter-wave imaging technique has been developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the detection of metallic and non-metallic concealed weapons. This technique uses a vertical array of millimeter- wave antennas which is mechanically swept around a person in a cylindrical fashion. The wideband millimeter-wave data is mathematically reconstructed into a series of high- resolution images of the person being screened. Clothing is relatively transparent to millimeter-wave illumination,whereas the human body and concealed items are reflective at millimeter wavelengths. Differences in shape and reflectivity are revealed in the images and allow a human operator to detect and identify concealed weapons. A full 360 degree scan is necessary to fully inspect a person for concealed items. The millimeter-wave images can be formed into a video animation sequence in which the person appears to rotate in front of a fixed illumination source.This is s convenient method for presenting the 3D image data for analysis. This work has been fully sponsored by the FAA. An engineering prototype based on the cylindrical imaging technique is presently under development. The FAA is currently opposed to presenting the image data directly to the operator due to personal privacy concerns. A computer automated system is desired to address this problem by eliminating operator viewing of the imagery.

Citation Download Citation

David M. Sheen, Douglas L. McMakin, and Thomas E. Hall "Cylindrical millimeter-wave imaging technique for concealed weapon detection", Proc. SPIE 3240, 26th AIPR Workshop: Exploiting New Image Sources and Sensors, (1 March 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.300061

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