Abstract: A method for obtaining a reflectance image from a plurality of thermal images utilizes a technique of A) obtaining a first thermal image of a subject, the first image containing both temperature and reflectance data; B) changing the environmental temperature of the scene, C) obtaining a second thermal image of the subject, the second image containing both temperature and reflectance data from the scene with said changed environmental temperature; and D) deriving a third image from the first and second images, that third image being essentially a reflectance image. In one embodiment, the third image is derived by subtracting the data in the first image from the data in the second image, or subtracting the data in the second image from the data in the first image. In another embodiment, either of the first or second images are processed along with the third image to produce a temperature image substantially devoid of reflectance information. A system for performing such techniques is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing automatic threat detection using passive millimeter wave detection and image processing analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to appearance model based automatic detection in sensor images. In one arrangement, a detection apparatus of an Automated Threat Detection system utilizes generative, statistical models of human appearance in sensor images, such as MMW images, as a basis for comparison with images received by a sensor such as an MMW sensor. The detection apparatus can effectively replicate, through the models, the approach of human observers to provide a relatively high throughput of subjects. Additionally, by utilizing generative, statistical models as the basis for comparison against received MMW images, the detection apparatus can minimize detection errors caused by variance in body geometry, skin reflectance, and posture of the subject to maintain a relatively low rate of false alarms and a relatively high rate of detection of threats.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present innovation relate to a system and technique for passive millimeter wave imaging for concealed object detection. In one arrangement, millimeter wave imaging is provided in conjunction with an environment which is, radiometrically, at a lower temperature than the human subject. In one arrangement, the environment is configured as part of a system wherein the subject may easily pass into the system for scanning and then out of the system. Size of the overall system is minimized. Furthermore, the system includes a structure configured with sufficient strength to withstand reasonable abuse but, at the same time, is substantially transparent to the radiometric wavelengths being employed.

Abstract: A system and technique for imaging a subject at a scene overcomes the weaknesses in the existing gain fluctuation techniques by switching the environmental temperature at the scene at a rate sufficiently fast enough to obtain subsequent samples in a time period where the gain has not fluctuated sufficiently to have a negative effect on detection sensitivity. This technique is utilized in conjunction with the method of subsequent subtraction of alternate samples which both reveals the reflectance of the scene and removes gain fluctuation.