GB2593431A

GB2593431A - A portable scanning device

Info

Publication number: GB2593431A
Application number: GB2001113.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hussain Zahid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-25
Filing date: 2020-01-25
Publication date: 2021-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-25
Also published as: GB2593431B; GB202001113D0

Abstract

A portable scanning device comprises a combined transmitting and receiving antenna 12 and a display screen 1. The device is attached to a frame 3 arranged to be mounted on a user’s upper body. A front housing 4 and a rear housing 5 are separated by an electromagnetic ray generator 10. The display may be a touch screen similar to a smartphone. The rear housing has a clip mount 2. The device is intended to detect weapons within clothing.

Description

A PORTABLE SCANNING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable scanning device, in a particular portable scanning device for recognising objects carried by a subject; more particularly but not exclusively firearms and knives.

Background

Increasingly in many societies there is a fear of knife or firearm crimes.

It can be difficult to control firearm ownership, due to conflict between competing claims for civil liberty and damage limitation. As a result it can also be difficult to limit 15 those carrying firearms, whether legally or illegally owned.

Controlling possession of knives can be even more problematic, given knives are frequently freely available in general life. Possession can only therefore be controlled within identification of illegal or public possession. This can be controlled 20 by 'stop and search' powers by law enforcement officials, but these powers can be difficult to operate and finding a probable cause to search is often an invidious task.

Prior Art

CN 106 094 048 (CHEN) discloses a portable security apparatus based on a millimeter wave imaging, characterized in, including hand-held body, a hand-held body is provided with: A millimeter wave transmission link, for generating a millimeter wave transmission signal; The millimeter-wave array antenna, for transmitting the millimeter wave transmission signal to be tested to objects, and receives an echo signal reflected back from objects to be measured; A millimeter wave reception link, for processing echo signals, and the echo signal is converted into image data of the objects to be measured.

EP 3 161 516 (CHARPENTIER et al) discloses a handheld scanner system for obtaining sizing of an irregularly shaped object. The system includes a housing and an inertial measurement unit configured to record orientation and displacement history of the housing. An optical module includes at least one 3D optical sensor configured to generate a 3D point cloud of information about the object. A radar module includes at least one radar sensor configured to sense spacing between the housing and the object. A processor receives data from the inertial measurement unit, the optical module and the radar module and creates a map representing the object based on the received data.

WO 201 432 984 (BOEHNKE et al) discloses a handheld security scanning device for scanning a scene. The device comprises a mechanical frame, an antenna holder arrangement, at least one transmit antenna, and at least one receive antenna. The at least one transmit antenna and the at least one receive antenna are arranged on or within the antenna holder arrangement. The antenna holder arrangement extends substantially along a first direction and is mechanically guided within the mechanical frame along a movement axis that is oriented transverse to the first direction. The at least one transmit antenna is configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation towards the scene during a movement of the antenna holder arrangement along the movement axis. The at least one receive antenna is configured to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation from said scene during said movement of the antenna holder arrangement to generate a scanning signal. During this movement the mechanical frame ensures an exact and controlled movement of the antenna holder arrangement.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 25 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable scanning device for recognising objects carried by a subject, comprising a frame, at least one transmit antenna, at least one receive antenna, and a display screen wherein the frame is arranged to be mounted on a user upper body, comprising a mount, and the display screen is arranged to display information related to signals received by the receive antenna, towards the user's face in use.

Advantageously in this way a user may be enabled to find a probable cause for a search from recognition of a metallic or predefined object on the subject.

The antennae may be envisaged to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic radiation 5 rays, or X-rays.

The device may thereby be enabled to recognise and alert the user of one or more predefined objects or a predefined data set, for example relating to firearms, or knives.

In some embodiments the antennae may function transmitting a continuous wave signal and generating a transmission reference signal; receiving a target echo signal and the transmission reference signal; generating difference frequency signals at different time; converting the difference frequency signals into digital signals; finishing imaging; with a processor unit uploading and processing images in reference to these signals or further data The at least one transmit antenna and the at least one receive antenna may be arranged on or within an antenna holder arrangement.

In some embodiments the antennae are comprised with or combine in a transceiver.

In some embodiments the device comprises more than one transceiver or transmit or receive antennae For example in some embodiments the device may comprise plural antennae directed at different parts of a subject, and/or directed from multiple angles at the subject. In this way the device may be enabled to construct a three-dimensional profile or image of the subject to aid in recognition of objects.

The antennae may be arranged in multiple angles on the mount. The screen may be 30 arranged in multiple angles on the mount.

The device may be envisaged to provide the user with the ability to see through various materials and objects to be able to see and locate weapons and similar illegal items.

In some embodiments the device further comprises sensors, which sensor may be adapted to detect radiation across some or a majority of the electromagnetic spectrum.

In some embodiments the sensors comprise a method to detect concealed objects using a thermal imager, obtaining an output comprising a plurality of pixels representing the subject and comparing said pixel thermal output to a predefined range of thermal outputs with reference in some embodiments to other sensor inputs; comparing a value of the pixel to an allowable minimum threshold value representing a lower pre-defined body temperature; so as to identify presence of metallic objects. In some embodiments the device comprises a software, hardware or firmware system which includes an aided or automatic target recognition module, adapted to compare data from the sensors or antennae against known radiation signatures and issues an alert when an anomalous or predefined signature is detected.

In some embodiments the antennae radiate a pulse of waves of a certain amplitude and frequency towards a target located at a distance from the device The device may comprise sensors arranged to calculate distance and combine this with data from the antennae.

The antennae thereafter receives pulses of waves reflected from the subject and generates a voltage waveform that is characteristic mainly of a target material, while other parameters such as distance are known or provided by sensors.

For example in some embodiments a processor unit of the device may be envisaged to measure peak voltage and rate of increase of the voltage until it reaches a maximum. Using an algorithm stored in the unit, deviation between the rate of the voltage rise and the peak voltage may then be compared with values of similar parameters for a number of test targets made of different materials. In this way a concealed object, may be identified should the measured voltage rise be found to be similar parameters.

In some embodiments the device comprises an alert means Said alert means may be local and/or remote. For example locally the device may generate a visual and/or 35 audio output to the display screen, indicative to the user as to whether a concealed object is present and, if a match is found with internal data, the nature of the concealed object may be displayed on the screen. Alternatively or additionally such data may be displayed and/or stored remotely. The device may comprise GSM (global subscriber module) capability or other device enabled with wireless protocol.

* 5 In some embodiments the processor unit is adapted to be capable of selecting between available communication network signals, determining which network signal is the best signal at a given time, and automatically switching between the available signals to maintain optimum reception and transmission quality. ;In some embodiments the device may comprise a discreet local alert means, for example a headset or earphone, and/or light signals. ;The product may be able to mount to a users uniform via a clip mount, thereby allowing the user to choose where is more comfortable and easy to use. ;In this way the X-Rays may be transmitted from the front of the device, and results would then be shown via a high definition display screen facing the user, on the rear of the device, such that any threats would be easily seen by the user, but detection thereof may be hidden from the subject. ;In some embodiments (light emitting diode) LED lights or bands around the frame may give visual cues relating to identification of a threat. ;In this way it is envisaged that the device of the present invention may prove 25 invaluable for law enforcement and security users, helping lead to save lives. ;The device may be envisaged to be small and lightweight, locally containing all the necessary components and features. In some embodiments the battery or other parts may be carried separately or independently. ;In some embodiments the display screen may be provided independently, for example comprising a piece of portable electronic equipment, like a smartphone or similar, wherein the device comprises an adaptor for the equipment to cooperate with the device. ;A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: ;Brief Description of Figures ;Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. ;Detailed Description of Figures ;With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device generally comprising a portable scanning device 99 for recognising objects carried by a subject, comprising a frame 3, a combine transmit and receive antenna 12, and a display screen 1 wherein the frame 3 is arranged to be mounted on a user upper body, comprising a mount 2, and the display screen 1 is arranged to display towards the users face in use. ;* In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a front housing 4 and a rear housing 5 separated by an electromagnetic ray generator 10, 30 which generates X-rays which are transmitted from the antenna 12 in the front housing.

The rear housing has a clip mount, formed of a sprung clip member 2.

The display screen 1 comprises touchscreen electronic equipment of a similar size and operational capability as a smartphone. In some embodiments the equipment may be separately or independently available, so as to allow easy upgrades, and reduce overall costs. The display screen is connected to the embodiment using a universal serial bus (USB) connector 6, to enable easy recharging.

In use it may be envisaged that the user clips the embodiment to their uniform once fully charged, then switches it on and selects the desired setting or usage through a control input 9 and/or the screen 1.

The device also comprises GSM capability so as to enable it to send for additional 10 assistance from emergency services such that back-up may be envisaged to arrive to apprehend and secure the subject, removing the threat to those in the surrounding areas.

The embodiment is a wearable device, used by law enforcement and security 15 operatives. The device will detect potentially dangerous items such as weapons that are hidden about the person of an individual. The device will capture images which can then potentially be used as evidence to stop and search.

The spring clip 2 would allow the device to be securely. .mounted onto various 20 uniforms.

The embodiment uses x-rays to detect metallic objects. The x-rays.are created in an inner Band then scattered from the front housing 4 into the environment. The embodiment helps users to detect these items, and may be programmed to 25 recognise others, helping make the environment safer.

The display screen allows the user to see the results. The user can also make any adjustments via the button 9 The screen sits on a telescopic frame 3 so the user canS adjust its location to preference.

A band of LED lights 13 indicates the current threat situation, providing visual cues to the user; namely green -operating with no threat, amber -scanning a possible threat, 35 and red -threat detected.

The embodiment relays live findings on the screen and gives coloured light warnings to subtly warn the user.

The pictured embodiment of the device further comprises the following parts: Rechargeable battery (not shown) Main PCB (printed circuit board) or microcontroller 11 Input / Output ports (not shown) X-ray Scatter channel 8 and casing 7 The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable scanning device for recognising objects carried by a subject, comprising a frame, at least one transmit antenna, at least one receive antenna, and a display screen wherein the frame is arranged to be mounted on a user upper body, comprising a mount, and the display screen is arranged to display information related to signals received by the receive antenna, towards the user's face in use.
2. A device according to claim 1 comprising an electromagnetic ray generator.
3. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a telescopic frame arranged to hold the screen.