3-D Body Holographic (millimeter wave) Scanner
Awards Won:
Christopher Columbus Homeland Security Award - 2007
FLC Award - 2005
R&D 100 Award - 2004
Available for licensing in some fields
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Using millimeter wave technology, a concealed weapon becomes visible for security screeners who must quickly assess security threats (top); the same technology has demonstrated the ability to image in-wall structures, revealing things like moisture in wood (bottom)
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PNNL researchers develop technologies that solve multiple challenges, such as the first-of-its-kind holographic millimeter wave scanner that is being used for security applications as well as in the apparel industry
1 of 1 Summary
Imaging technology for security applications emerged as a need when the Federal Aviation Administration sought ways to detect concealed plastic threats that would not be picked up by traditional metal detectors in airports.
Researchers at PNNL engineered a high-resolution radar imaging technology as a way to rapidly scan for potential threats. Millimeter waves harmlessly penetrate clothing and reflect off of the body, sending signals back to a transceiver; the transceiver then sends the signals to a high-speed computer, which reconstructs them to create a final 3-D holographic image. Under the auspices of the TSA, the technology was successfully demonstrated in U.S. airports. L3 Communications has licensed the technology, and their ProVision™ whole body imaging system is currently being deployed for security screening at airports around the world.
In addition, millimeter wave technology also serves the apparel industry, taking customer measurements to help make tailored clothing through a product offered by Unique Solutions. The development team continues to develop new applications for the proven technology. Contact us today for more information about commercial licensing opportunities.
Advantages
- Not harmful to humans; mm waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation
- Uses extremely low-powered millimeter waves that easily penetrate clothing
- Small system footprint allows the scanner to be located in confined spaces
In security applications:
- Scans completed in 1-2 seconds using a two-array system to keep people moving through security check points quickly
In apparel applications:
- High-speed scanning process requires only 6-12 seconds to provide 360-degree scan using single array (less costly than a two-array system as used in security applications)
- Allows highly-accurate, full-surface measurements, including circumference, lengths and contour mapping
- Permits accurate 3-D body measurements to be taken while remaining in street clothes
- Body scans can be conducted quickly and conveniently in public places, such as shopping centers; eliminates the need for staffed fitting rooms
- Potentially lower system and operating costs than other measurement systems
State of Development & Availability
Other potential applications include:
- Medical: provide accurate measurements of individuals who are not mobile and may be difficult to measure for prosthetic devices
- Ergonomics: provide measurements and images for manufacturing better office chairs, form-fitting car and aviation seats, cockpits, custom sports equipment
- Entertainment and Gaming: create avatars for gaming, interactive human animation, virtual environment interaction
- Non-Destructive Evaluation: provide moisture measurements: detection of moisture in wood products fabrication process, integration of microwave holographic imaging sensor into production process
- In-wall Structure Detection: detect concealed structures behind building walls such as plastic conduit, wires, and pipes
News
- Press Release: PNNL-developed technologies licensed via Startup America
- Press Release: Battelle licenses body measurement technology
Related Links
- L3-Safeview - Strategic Partner/Licensee
- Me-Ality - Strategic Partner/Licensee
- Transportation Security Administration - Strategic Partner
- Applied Physics at PNNL - Learn more about the Laboratory's broad expertise in electromagnetic signatures
- Millimeter Wave Technology Website
