Systems and methods for imaging a concealed surface
OwnerTanya Chernyakova, Omer Gal +2inventors
InventorsTanya Chernyakova, Omer Gal, Assaf Kartowsky, Shay Moshe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Radar systems and methods for imaging surfaces. A processor receives raw data from the radar and executes an image data generation. A display unit displays an image representing the targeted surface. The radar unit may be incorporated in a handheld scanner. Rectangular antenna arrays may be configured and processors may be operable such that the image data generated may be processed and displayed in real time.
Claims15
A method for generating a two dimensional image from radar data, comprising:
- transmitting electromagnetic radiation towards a target region;
- receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected by objects in the target region;
- generating a three dimensional image of the target region comprising a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel being characterized by a first coordinate, a second coordinate, a third coordinate and an associated value of amplitude of energy reflected from those coordinates;
- and
- generating the two dimensional image by constructing an image matrix comprising a two dimensional array of pixels by selecting a unique energy value for each pixel characterized by the first coordinate, and the second coordinate by:
- for each pair of first coordinate and second coordinate, identifying a maximum voxel with an energy value higher than all other voxels sharing the same pair of first coordinate and second coordinate;
- constructing a two dimensional max-voxel matrix wherein each cell is characterized by a pair of first coordinate and second coordinate and assigned a value associated with the third coordinate of the maximum voxel for that pair;
- constructing a two dimensional med-value matrix wherein each cell is characterized by a pair of first coordinate and second coordinate and assigned a value equal to the median of all values of cells adjacent to the corresponding cell in the max-voxel matrix;
- and
- selecting an energy level for each pixel of the image matrix which is equal to the energy value of the voxel characterized by:
- the first coordinate of the pixel,
- the second coordinate of the pixel, and
- the third coordinate equal to the value of the corresponding cell in the med-value matrix.
A scanning device for imaging a surface within a target region, the device comprising:
- a radar unit comprising:
- an array of transmitting antennas and receiving antennas arranged in a matrix of rectangular frames spaced at regular intervals;
- an oscillator connected to said transmitting antennas;
- a processor unit configured to receive raw data from the radar unit and operable to generate image data based upon the raw data by:
- transmitting electromagnetic radiation towards a target region;
- receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected by objects in the target region;
- generating a three dimensional image of the target region comprising a three dimensional array of voxels, each voxel being characterized by a first coordinate, a second coordinate, a third coordinate and an associated value of amplitude of energy reflected from those coordinates;
- and
- constructing an image matrix comprising a two dimensional array of pixels by selecting a unique energy value for each pixel characterized by the first coordinate, and the second coordinate;
- a memory unit configured and operable to store the image data;
- a display configured and operable to display an image representing the surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.