초록 ▼

A varying magnetic field excites slight vibrations in an object and a radar sensor detects the vibrations at a harmonic of the excitation frequency. The synergy of the magnetic excitation and radar detection provides increased detection range compared to conventional magnetic metal detectors. The ra

A varying magnetic field excites slight vibrations in an object and a radar sensor detects the vibrations at a harmonic of the excitation frequency. The synergy of the magnetic excitation and radar detection provides increased detection range compared to conventional magnetic metal detectors. The radar rejects background clutter by responding only to reflecting objects that are vibrating at a harmonic excitation field, thereby significantly improving detection reliability. As an exemplary arrangement, an ultra-wideband micropower impulse radar (MIR) is capable of being employed to provide superior materials penetration while providing range information. The magneto-radar may be applied to pre-screening magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patients, landmine detection and finding hidden treasures.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for detecting an object, comprising:mechanically vibrating said object with a varying magnetic field, transmitting a radar signal to the object, receiving a reflected radar signal from the object; and processing the received signal to produce an output signal that corresponds to a harmon

1. A method for detecting an object, comprising:mechanically vibrating said object with a varying magnetic field, transmitting a radar signal to the object, receiving a reflected radar signal from the object; and processing the received signal to produce an output signal that corresponds to a harmonic and/or an intermodulation product of said magnetic field. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said processing includes producing a detection signal from the output signal.3. The method of claim 1, wherein a swept excitation frequency produces said varying magnetic field.4. The method of claim 1, wherein said radar signal comprises a UWB impulse radar signal.5. The method of claim 1, wherein said radar signal comprises a CW radar signal.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said radar signal comprises a pulsed radar signal.7. The method of claim 1, wherein said harmonic frequency comprises a second harmonic of said varying field.8. The method of claim 1, wherein said output signal is capable of being synchronously rectified with a harmonic of said field source.9. The method of claim 8, wherein said rectified output includes a band-pass filter to produce an output responsive to the strength of said second harmonic.10. The method of claim 1, wherein said radar signal is range gated.11. The method of claim 1, wherein said object comprises a ferrous and/or a non-ferrous material capable of having an eddy current induced by said magnetic field.12. The method of claim 1, wherein said object includes conductive bio-materials.13. The method of claim 1, wherein said object includes conductive ceramics and conductive explosives.14. An apparatus for detecting an object, comprising:a varying magnetic field source to mechanically vibrate said object, a radar transmitter for transmitting radar signals to said object, a radar receiver capable of detecting reflected radar signals from said object, a processor to produce output signals from the received radar signals that is responsive to a harmonic and/or an intermodulation product of said varying magnetic field. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a detection signal is capable of being produced from said output signal.16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a swept excitation frequency produces said varying magnetic field.17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said radar signal comprises a UWB impulse radar signal.18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said radar signal comprises a CW radar signal.19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said radar signal comprises a pulsed radar signal.20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said harmonic frequency comprises a second harmonic of said varying magnetic field source.