Abstract:
A body scanning measurement, typing and profiling apparatus and method utilizing microwave energy. Microwaves are used to measure the size and shape of an individual. An array of miniaturized transmitting antennas direct RF energy to a similarly sized array of receiving antennas. Microwaves are directed toward an object, such as a human being, to be measured and the unabsorbed energy of the microwaves transmitted is measured and converted to a signal representative of the size and shape of the object being measured. A computer processor generates vital body measurements and stores such measurements for future use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/174,061 filed Dec. 30, 1999. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of imaging systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and system for imaging a human body for the purpose of identification or body measurement for use in a plurality of consumer markets including apparel and furniture design.  
           [0004]    2. Background of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    For a number of years human beings have been typed by body weight, body shape, dimensions and even skin color and type. It is known that genetically human beings are nearly 95% similar. Pronounced and individualistic traits have been stored and catalogued for many years, such as fingerprints, footprints, and eye scans. More recently palm prints, wrist veins, and voice prints are all used for individual identification and recognition systems. The shape, size, and contour of other body parts could be found to be just as individualistic as fingerprints and palm prints. The exact size, shape, contour and finite dimensions of a human ear or contour of a nose, or curvature of the forehead could be utilized for positively identifying an individual human being one from another, especially if several body parts are measured, catalogued and stored and then compared as a group for purposes of positively identifying that individual at a later date. In fact, the authentication process of positively identifying someone could be effectively performed from some distance, and without physical contact, such as may be required in the case of fingerprints or an eye scan.  
           [0006]    In recent years, the popularization of the Internet has spawned a new form of retailing and advertising such that the term “virtual” has been used in common practice to describe a “book store,” “drug store,” or “clothing store.” A recent invention entitled “Touch and Feel” discloses a method to examine a book on the Internet, the same way one would browse a few pages of a book in a physical real world bookstore, to establish one&#39;s interest in purchasing that book. Nearly every possible product or good known to man is offered for sale today on the Internet, either by retail merchants or via Internet auctions.  
           [0007]    Clothing goods can be colorfully shown and offered for sale on the Internet from merchants around the world, such as silk suits from Asia, Italian shoes from Italy, French fashion from Paris or suits and dresses offered by top retailers in the U.S. to foreigners around the globe. Understandably, a buyer of clothing on the Internet might be reluctant to purchase goods made overseas, even at a very attractive price, due to the likelihood that clothing purchased via the Internet may not fit properly. This fear could be allayed if the buyer had ample statistical information catalogued about their individual body type, size, build, and measurements to pass to the clothing merchant via the Internet. Given enough information, a merchant could absolutely guarantee a perfect fit of the garment, as if the buyer had stopped over to their store for a fitting in Hong Kong, for example. The present invention provides the necessary data for a perfect fit.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to enable a device including a biometric scanner for determining characteristics of a human body.  
           [0009]    It is another object to enable a computer system capable of determining human body measurements. A related object is to enable a computer system display for displaying human body measurements. A further related object is to enable a computer system that translates such human body measurements into designated apparel sizes.  
           [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a network system enabling ease of access by a user to scanned information. A related object is to enable Internet access to scanned information for application to domestic and foreign apparel manufacturers.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to enable a device that utilizes a novel method of body measurement for identification purposes. A related object is to enable a device that utilizes a novel method of identification for verifying the identity of an individual. A related object is to enable a device that utilizes a novel method of identification for controlling access to restricted areas.  
           [0012]    It is a further object of the invention to enable an identification system and method that permits rapid identification of individuals.  
           [0013]    The above-listed objects are met or exceeded by the present method of providing a body scanning, typing and profiling system. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a scanning device tailored to determine a user&#39;s body measurements. In an alternate embodiment, a scanning device according to the present invention can be used for the purpose of positively identifying an individual to control access to restricted areas.  
           [0014]    Manufacturers of seats, couches, sofas, and beds could benefit their customers by knowing the exacting dimensions of a particular customer&#39;s torso. Automobile manufacturers could gain new insight into passenger comfort design, previously unknown. If thousands of various individuals were scanned and catalogued worldwide, then, using data detailed by group, age, or nationality, manufacturers could create a perfect fit for each customer. In an embodiment, a system consistent with the present invention includes a readily accessible body scanner. Preferably, a user of such scanner is provided an access code to remotely retrieve scanned information, such as through a PC computer at home. Once the data is retrieved, a user may then relay such data to any selected merchandise provider around the world. As such, a user of the system is virtually guaranteed a product with a perfect fit.  
           [0015]    The present invention is therefore directed to the problem of developing a system for determining an individuals body measurements and structure type without requiring invasive procedures or physical interaction by the individual. The present invention also permits one to communicate such measurements to a knowledgeable recipient for use in developing apparel, furniture, physical fitness equipment and the like. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of transmitting and receiving antenna arrays according to the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a plan view representation of horizontally oriented transmitting and receiving antenna arrays, for describing operational features of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a circular antenna array, for describing an alternate embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a horizontally oriented linear array, for describing a further embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a flow chart, for describing operational steps carried out in the invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a table illustration of data obtained and stored by an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a representation of various body types;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a human specimen, for describing dimension areas sampled by the invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of data capturing features of the invention, for describing operational steps of an alternate embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is an illustration of an installation of a scanner and an integrated communication system consistent with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]    The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This detailed description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.  
         [0028]    Referring to FIG. 1, a scanner  10  comprising directional transmitting antenna array  11  and directional receiving antenna array  15  is provided. Transmitting antenna array  11  presents a linear configuration, sized approximately 30 inches long presenting a plurality of parabolic antennas, such as  13 . Each antenna  13  should be a miniature parabolic type antenna smaller than approximately ⅛ inch, presenting a horizontally polarized center feed. Transmitting antenna array  11  may contain approximately 240 or more parabolic antennas, such as antenna  13  disposed linearly in transmitting antenna array  11 . A directional receiving antenna array  15  in linear configuration, similarly sized as transmitting antenna array  11  and presenting a plurality of parabolic antennas, such as antenna  13 , is positioned to receive directed electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave radiation, transmitted from transmitting antenna array  11 . Each parabolic antenna in transmitting antenna array  11  transmits to a designated parabolic antenna in receiving antenna array  15 . For example, transmitting antenna  17   a  transmits to receiving antenna  17   b;  transmitting antenna  18   a  transmits to receiving antenna  18   b;  transmitting antenna  19   a  transmits to receiving antenna  19   b,  and so forth.  
         [0029]    Referring now to a specific embodiment, FIG. 2 presents an illustration of a human specimen  21  undergoing a body scan utilizing the scanner apparatus  10  of the present invention. Transmitting antenna array  11  directs ultra-high frequency, low power microwave energy toward receiving antenna array  15 . Not all energy transmitted from transmitting array  11  is received by receiving array  15  because the human specimen  21  blocks the path of transmission from some antennas. As illustrated, the energy transmitted from transmitting antenna  17   a  is received by receiving antenna  17   b,  but the energy transmitted from transmitting antenna  18   a  is blocked by the human specimen  21  and is therefore not received by receiving antenna  18   b.  Energy transmitted from transmitting antenna  19   a  may be attenuated when received by receiving antenna  19   b.  Such attenuation may occur due to passage of such microwave energy through clothing and the like.  
         [0030]    The output  24  of receiving array  15  is directed to a computer system that determines which antennas of such plurality of antennas, such as antenna  13  (FIG. 1) in receiving array  15  receive energy from their corresponding transmitting antennas. Transmitting antenna array  11  is moved vertically along the entire height of the human specimen  21  substantially simultaneously with receiving antenna array  15  to scan the entire body of the human specimen  21 . Such computer system can develop a two-dimensional image of the human specimen  21 .  
         [0031]    In FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of a scanning device according to the present invention is presented. Scanner  30  is disposed in a circular configuration supported by a support stanchion  31 . A platform  33  with a top surface  35  is provided adjacent to the base of stanchion  31 , and directly beneath scanner  30  on which an object, such as a human specimen, can stand. In operation, platform  33  can rotate about its center axis to provide a 360° presentation to scanner  30 . Transmitting antenna array  36  presents a semicircular configuration array presenting a plurality of transmitting antennas, such as antenna  13  (FIG. 1). Receiving antenna array  37  also presents a semicircular configuration array presenting a plurality of transmitting antennas, such as  13  (FIG. 1). Each antenna in transmitting array  36  is focused to direct its energy output to a designated antenna in receiving array  37 . For example, transmitting antenna  38   a  transmits to receiving antenna  38   b;  transmitting antenna  39   a  transmits to receiving antenna  39   b,  and so forth.  
         [0032]    During operation of the specific embodiment of FIG. 3, scanner  30  is moved vertically along the entire height of an object being scanned, such as the human specimen  21  (FIG. 2) while such object is rotated on platform  33 . The output of receiving array  37  is directed to a computer system that determines which antennas of such plurality of antennas, such as  13  (FIG. 1) in receiving array  37  receive energy from their corresponding transmitting antennas in transmitting array  36 . Such computer system can develop a three-dimensional image of the object being scanned.  
         [0033]    Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment is illustrated depicting a two-dimensional scanner  40  configured similar to a metal detector. For security purposes, utilizing the present invention in a fixed array (similar to a metal detector), individuals can be scanned as they pass through a doorway or standing arch, such as  41  for access to a controlled area. In the illustrated embodiment, transmitting array  43  of scanner  40  is moved vertically along the entire height of the arch  41  substantially simultaneously with receiving array  45  to scan the entire body of a person standing within arch  41 . A self-contained computer system disposed in the upper portion  47  of arch  41  receives the output of receiving array  45 . Such computer system can develop a two-dimensional image of such person in scanner  40 . Such computer system may also include a processor and memory in which is stored previously scanned images of individuals, some images of whom may be authorized to enter such controlled area. The processor compares the scanned image of the person standing within arch  41  with previously stored images and determines if the person is authorized to enter such controlled area. The computer system can signal for authorized and unauthorized individuals. The present invention therefore enables the control of access to secure areas, or any other control as desired.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a flow chart, for describing operational steps carried out in the invention. The first step, indicated at block  51  is to establish an approximate height and width of the object or person to be scanned. Such initial step establishes an outer limit for the scanner and ensures that a complete and accurate scan is obtained. In general, a full body scan can be performed from top to bottom as indicated at block  52 , although a scan can be performed from bottom to top. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner ( 10  in FIGS. 1 and 2;  30  in FIG. 3; and  40  in FIG. 4) scans at a rate of about two inches per second. Other scanning rates may be used. The scanned data is stored  53  in a computer for further processing in accordance with the present invention. Some of such processing may include display of scanned data in a useful format, such as graphically  54  on a video monitor connected to such computer.  
         [0035]    Processing of scanned data may also produce a list of vital measurements  55 , such as described with reference FIG. 6. Body measurement processing can also preferably classify each measured body by type  56 . Four representative body types are illustrated in FIG. 7. The final operational step is to store processed measurement data  57  for use by customers, clothing manufacturers, furniture designers, fitness equipment designers and the like.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 illustrates some of the information calculated and stored in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Body measurements may be divided into categories, such as Category 1: Vitals  61 ; including one or more of the following items: body type, height, head size, neck, chest, waist, hips, inseam, sleeve, and the like. Another body measurement category may include Category 2: Profile  63 ; including one or more of the following items: body fat ratio, torso, leg, arm, hand, foot, face, and the like. Other data may also include profile rating and an identification number for future reference.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 7 shows a plurality of body types used for cataloguing. Body types are commonly characterized as pear shaped  72 , wedge shaped  74 , hourglass shaped  76  or stick shaped  78 . Such characterization can be useful in designing clothing apparel.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 8 illustrates some of dimension areas sampled by the invention that are useful in establishing a profile of the subject being measured. Width typing in combination with height ratio profiling can be used for passive identification of an individual, such as when passing through a two dimensional scanner. By measuring several locations on a body, unique identification can be determined. For example, several body width measurements can be processed such as skull width  81 , neck width  82 , and torso width  83 . Other dimensions can also be measured, such as shoulder width  84 , hips  85 , thighs  86 , calf width  87  and foot length  88 . Such measured dimensions can be compared in conjunction with height ratios, or body lengths, such as leg length, waist height, and torso length.  
         [0039]    In practice, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a person  95  can walk through scanner  90  for two-dimensional scanning. Transmitting antenna array  92  radiates a microwave radio frequency signal to receiving antenna array  94 . Not all transmitted energy will be received by receiving antenna array  94  due to such person  95  standing within the scanner  90 . Transmitting antenna array  92  travels downward substantially simultaneously with receiving antenna array  94  to scan the full height of the person  95 . A processing computer receives the output from receiving antenna array  94  and measures height and width profiles for the person  95 . Such processing computer can provide an output for identification purposes or other use as appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, a two dimensional scanner can be used passively for access control to a secured area. For security purposes, utilizing the present invention in a fixed array, similar to an airport type metal detector, individuals can be scanned, with or without their prior knowledge, as they pass through a seemingly normal doorway, archway, or vertical pillars for identification purposes as well as for access screening for restricted areas, all without physical contact. The present invention appears to have widespread applications in law enforcement, security, clothing design and manufacture, as well as furniture design and health spa and physical fitness training.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10 illustrates a scanner apparatus coupled to a communication system consistent with the present invention. Specifically, scanner  30  (FIG. 3) is readily available to person  95  (FIG. 9). Scanner  30  can operate to perform three-dimensional scanning of person  95 . Processing computer  100  receives and processes signals generated by scanner  30  to provide functional information on person  95 . Functional information is then communicated via computer network  105  to server  110 . Person  95  can then access functional information through computer  115 .  
         [0041]    In an embodiment of the present invention, person  95  is provided an access code by processing computer  100  after operation of scanner  30 . Functional information produced by processing computer  100  is relayed over a network  105 ; such as the Internet, a LAN network, a WAN network, or the like. Person  95  is preferably able to access functional information at home using computer  115 , such as a PC computer or the like, by entering the assigned access code. The assigned access code is then transmitted to server  110  and upon verification, the server  110  obtains functional information for relay to person  95 . Person  95  can then communicate the functional information to any merchandise provider for custom-fitted products.  
         [0042]    While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from basic concepts and operating principles of the invention taught herein. Therefore, for purposes of determining the scope of patent protection, reference shall be made to the appended claims in combination with the above detailed description.