RF-camera with two-dimensional radio frequency pickup sensor
The embodiment relates to the field of capturing a picture of the field of view with the same principles as a visual light camera, but with RF signals. This RF-camera uses an RF signal lens that concentrates the RF signal returned from the field of view on to a 2D array of antennas. The RF lens is achieved by a mirror lens rather than a glass lens used in visual light cameras. Mirroring RF signal is simple and mimic optical mirrors. The 2D array can be achieved by building an array of RF antennas on a silicon (or similar) chip. These antennas become smaller as the frequency increases.
1 . A system for capturing an image comprising:
at least one RF transmitter configured to transmit at least one RF signal;
an array of RF detectors;
a metal parabolic reflector located prior to the array of RF detectors, wherein the parabolic reflector is configured to focus reflected RF radiation to the array of RF detectors, and
a readout circuit and a processor circuit configured to operate the at least one RF transmitter to transmit the RF signal, receive a detected RE signal from the readout circuit and reconstruct an image corresponding to the RF signal detected by the array of RF detectors.
2 . The system for capturing an image of claim 1 , wherein the array of RF detectors is configured to detect a RF frequency range of any of 100 to 300 GHz; 200 to 400 GHz; 300 to 500 GHz; 400 to 600 GHz.
3 . The system for capturing an image of claim 1 , wherein the parabolic reflector is configured to the focus RF radiation to each individual detector of the RF detector array.
4 . A system for capturing an image comprising:
an array of RF detectors;
a metal parabolic reflector located prior to the array of RF detectors, wherein the parabolic reflector is configured to focus reflected RF radiation to the array of RF detectors, and
a readout circuit and a processor circuit configured to operate at least one RF transmitter to transmit an RF signal, receive a detected signal from the readout circuit and reconstruct an image corresponding to the RF signal detected by the array of RF detectors.
5 . The system for capturing an image of claim 4 , wherein the array of RF detectors is configured to detect a the RF frequency range of any of 100 to 300 GHz; 200 to 400 GHz; 300 to 500 GHz; 400 to 600 GHz.
6 . The system for capturing an image of claim 4 , wherein the parabolic reflector is configured to the focus RF radiation to each individual detector of the RF detector array.
7 . A method of capturing an image comprising:
transmitting, via a transmitter, a pulse of RF signal aimed at an entire field of view so as to reflect from objects over time; and
receiving some of the reflected signals at a metal parabolic reflector that concentrates the signals to a focal point, at which a 2D array of antennas are placed, with each pixel on the 2D array of antennas picking up reflected and concentrated energy from the parabolic reflector.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein each of the pixels pick up a particular pixel object in the field of view.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein each pixel in the antenna array is an RF-Antenna.