Millimeter-Wave Reflect-Array for Compressive Threat Detection in Security Screening Applications

University of Arizona inventors have created a security screening technology that uses a reconfigurable millimeter-wave reflect-array with compressive sensing to detect threats including guns, knives, explosives, liquids, gels, and more.
 

Background:

The need to modernize and improve passenger security screening has been a topic of conversation across the aviation industry for many years. Long lines, complexity of rules, and often-invasive processes are a significant burden to people undergoing checkpoint security worldwide. There is a lack of real time, effective, compact, and low-cost security screening.
 

Applications:

• Security screening for people
• Security screening of luggage
• Scanning for security threats in airports, train stations, subway stations, and at large public events
• Emergency security screening applications
• Geotechnical and mining field scanning

Advantages:

• More effective at scanning thick articles of clothing and shoes while worn
• Decreases queue times
• Streamlines checkpoint processes
• Reduces cost due to parallel processing
• Scans efficiently and quickly 

Status: issued U.S. patent #9,970,870