Patent Publication Number: US-2009236531-A1

Title: Horizontal sensor arrays for non-invasive identification of hazardous materials

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/070,560, entitled “Horizontal Sensor Arrays For Non-Invasive Analysis Of CBRNE Materials Present”, filed on Mar. 24, 2008, by the same inventor, and to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/128,115, entitled “Mobile Frame Structure With Passive/Active Sensor Arrays For Non-Invasive Analysis For CBRNE Materials Present”, filed on May 19, 2008, by the same inventor, and to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/XXX,XXX, entitled “Method For Increased Gamma/Neutron Detector Performance”, filed on Feb. 25, 2009, by the same inventor, and to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/XXX,XXX, entitled “Method For Increased Gamma/Neutron Detector Performance, version 2”, filed on Mar. 13, 2009, by the same inventor, and to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/XXX,XXX, entitled “High Performance Neutron Detector With Near Zero Gamma Cross Talk”, filed on Mar. 4, 2009, by the same inventor, and to co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/XXX,XXX, entitled “High Performance Neutron Detector With Near Zero Gamma Cross Talk, version 2”, filed on Mar. 13, 2009, by the same inventor; the entire collective teachings of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of hazardous material detection, and more particularly relates to radiation sensor arrays disposed for detecting and identifying hazardous materials. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Current radiation portals used in security applications for inspecting vehicles and cargo are generally positioned as vertical portals. These vertical portals utilize opposing pillars that operate as scanners and include a concentration of sensors between the sensor pillars. Therefore, the target to be analyzed has a moving geometry in relation to the sensors in the vertical sensor arrays deployed in the vertical pillars. This vertical configuration also results in the optimum detection position being held between the two opposing sensor pillars for a very short time as the object moves through the portal. 
     This vertical configuration is generally insufficient when radiation detection is a concern. This is because a vertical configuration usually does not provide the sensors with adequate time to acquire enough data to perform effective spectral analysis and hazardous material identification operations. For example, a vehicle traveling at 5 mph in front of the vertical sensor pillar only allows hazardous materials within the vehicle to be directly in front of the sensors for less than one second. Having the vehicle stop in front of the sensor pillar requires manipulation of the vehicle for enabling multiple test positions for addressing the entire container/vehicle. It also significantly slows down an operational process which detrimentally impacts productivity and efficiency. 
     Increasing vertically the number of sensors to expand the detector surface area and increase data acquisition results creates another set of problems. For example, each radiation sensor usually needs to be calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the spectral data provided. For multiple sensor arrays, each individual sensor needs to be calibrated and the array needs to have a synchronized calibration to combine the spectral data. As the number of detectors increases this process becomes more complex. The calibration for current radiation sensor technologies is modified with changes in temperature creating a moving calibration target. The use of a vertical sensor portal has proven to be difficult and does not allow for sufficient acquisition time. 
     Therefore a need exists to overcome these problems discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a method for detecting and identifying materials associated with radiation that has been detected is disclosed. The method comprises determining that an entity to be examined has entered between a first portion and at least a second portion of a frame structure. A set of radiation data associated with the entity is received from a set of radiation sensors mechanically coupled to the at least one portion of the frame structure. The set of radiation sensors includes multiple radiation sensors situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to each other and a direction of travel through the frame structure associated with the entity currently being examined. At least one histogram is generated based on the set of radiation data. The at least one histogram represents a spectral image associated with the entity. The at least one histogram is compared to a plurality of spectral images associated with known materials. The at least one histogram is determined to substantially match at least one of the plurality of spectral images. A determination is made as to whether the material associated with the at least one of the plurality of spectral images is a hazardous material. Personnel are notified that the at least one radiation source is a hazardous material in response to determining that the material associated with the at least one of the plurality of spectral images is associated with a hazardous material. 
     In another embodiment, a frame structure for detecting radiation and identifying materials associated with radiation that has been detected is disclosed. The frame structure includes at least one side portion and at least one set of radiation sensors. The at least one set of radiation sensors are mechanically coupled to the at least one side portion. The at least one set of radiation sensors include a plurality of radiation sensors situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to each other and a direction of travel provided through the frame structure to an entity being examined. A communication mechanism is communicatively coupled to the at least one set of radiation sensors. The communication mechanism transmits a set of radiation data associated with the entity that has been detected by the set of radiation detectors to at least one information processing system. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system for detecting radiation and identifying materials associated with radiation that has been detected is disclosed. The system includes a frame structure comprising at least one side portion. The frame structure also includes at least one set of radiation sensors. The at least one set of radiation sensors are mechanically coupled to the at least one side portion. The at least one set of radiation sensors includes a plurality of radiation sensors situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to each other and a direction of travel provided through the frame structure to an entity being examined. A communication mechanism is communicatively coupled to the at least one set of radiation sensors. The communication mechanism transmits a set of radiation data associated with the entity that has been detected by the set of radiation detectors to at least one information processing system. The system also includes at least one information processing system communicatively coupled to the at least one set of radiation sensors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a general overview of an operating environment according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2-4  are block diagrams illustrating various examples of a frame structure according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a detection zone within the frame structure of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating multiple detection zones within the frame structure of  FIGS. 2-4  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed view of one of the detection zones of  FIG. 6  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating one example of a sensor configuration within the frame structure of  FIGS. 2-4  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an operational flow diagram illustrating one process of detecting radiation and identifying hazardous materials associated with the radiation using a horizontal sensor array according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of an information processing system suitable for use with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     General Operating Environment 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  a general view of an operating environment  100  is illustrated. In one embodiment all or part of the operating environment  100  is implemented with a frame structure  200  ( FIG. 2 ) for enabling the detection, analysis, and identification of hazardous materials such as CBRNE materials. For example, a frame structure  200  can include horizontal side structures and/or one or more horizontal top structures that can be equipped with passive an/or active sensor systems for the non-invasive analysis of vehicles, trains, planes, boats, containers, packages, containers, and the like to detect and identify radiological, fissile, explosive, chemical, and biological materials. 
     In particular,  FIG. 1  shows one or more sensor arrays  102 ,  104  each including a plurality of sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 . One or more of these sensors, in one embodiment, are shielded from electro-magnetic-interference (“EMI”), but this is not required. In one embodiment, the sensors of one sensor array are gamma radiation sensor devices and the sensors in the other sensor array are neutron sensor devices. However, each of the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  can include a combination of gamma and neutron sensing devices as well. Examples of radiation detectors are cadmium zinc telluride detectors, sodium iodide detectors, and the like. Neutron detectors can be solid-state neutron detectors, which provide shock resistance. Also, to assist in the detection of radiation at distances, the gamma detectors may be equipped with collimators and/or lenses that gather the radiological particles and focus these particles onto the detectors. Shock resistance detectors are suitable for verifying radiation from objects that can move and cause shock/vibration hazards to the sensors. Each sensor array  102 ,  104  is communicatively coupled to a sensor interface  114 ,  116  either by a wired and/or wireless communication link. The sensor interfaces  114 ,  116  communicatively couple the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  to a first network  118  thereby creating a distributed sensor network. 
     The first network includes wired and/or wireless technologies and the sensor interface units  114  are communicatively coupled to the first network  118  either wirelessly and/or via wired mechanisms. In one embodiment, the sensor interfaces  114 ,  116  assign a unique IP address to each of the sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  within the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . The sensor interfaces  114 ,  116 , in one embodiment, are sensor integration units (“SIU”) that provide the calibration, automated gain control, calibration verification, remote diagnostics, and connectivity to the processor for spectral analysis of the sensor data. SIUs are discussed in greater detail in in U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,527 entitled “System integration module for CBRNE sensors”, filed on Jan. 17, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It should be noted that although  FIG. 1  shows each of the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  coupled to a separate sensor interface  114 ,  116  a single sensor interface can be coupled to all of the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . 
     One or more micro-neutron pulse devices  120  are also optionally included within the operating environment  100  and are communicatively coupled to a second network  122 . A micro-neutron pulse device  120  is an active analysis device that emits neutron pulses and whereby gamma feedback identifies shielded radiological materials such as highly enriched uranium, explosives, illicit drugs, or other materials. The first and second networks  118 ,  122  can include any number of local area networks and/or wide area networks. It should be noted that even though  FIG. 1  shows two networks  118 ,  122 , a single network can be implemented or additional networks can be added. 
     The operating environment  100  also includes an information processing system  124  communicatively coupled to the first network  110  via one or more wired and/or wireless communication links. The information processing system  124  includes a data collection manager  126  and is communicatively coupled to one or more data storage units  128 . The one or more storage units  128  can reside within the information processing system  122  and/or outside of the system  122  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The data collection manager  126  manages the collection and/or retrieval of sensor data  130  generated by the sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  within the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and optionally the micro-neutron pulse detector  120 . 
     The data  130  generated by each of the sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , in one embodiment, is detailed spectral data from each sensor device that has detected radiation such as gamma radiation and/or neutron radiation. The data collection manager  126 , in one embodiment, stores the data  130  received/retrieved from the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and/or the neutron pulse detector  120  in one or more data storage devices  128 . A data storage device  128  can be a single hard-drive, two or more coupled hard-drives, solid state memory devices, and/or optical media such as (but not limited to) compact discs and digital video discs, and the like. It should be noted that this list of storage devices is not exhaustive and any type of storage device can be used. It should also be noted that information processing system  124  including the data collection manager  126  is modular in design and can be used specifically for radiation detection and identification and/or for data collection for explosives and special materials detection and identification. 
     The operating environment  100 , in one embodiment, also includes an information processing system  132  communicatively to the at least a second network  122  via one or more wireless and/or wired communication technologies. The information processing system  132 , in one embodiment, includes a data analysis and monitoring manager  134  that analyzes and monitors the data  130  retrieved/received from the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and optionally the micro-neutron pulse detector  120 . The data analysis and monitoring manager  134 , in one embodiment, includes a multi-channel analyzer  136  and a spectral analyzer  138 . The data analysis and monitoring manager  134  and each of these components  136 ,  138  are discussed in greater detail below. 
     In one embodiment, a user interface  140 , a manifest database  142 , and a materials database  144  are communicatively coupled to the information processing system  132  either directly or via a network (e.g. the second network  122 ). The user interface  140 , in one embodiment, includes one or more displays, input devices, output devices and/or the like, that allows a user to monitor and/or interact with the information processing system  132 . The data and analysis functionality of the information processing system  132 , which is discussed in greater detail below, can either be automated and/or supplemented with human interaction. The user interface(s)  140  enables this human interaction. 
     The manifest database  142  includes a plurality of manifests  146  associated with shipping cargo, which can be cargo on a water vessel, a ground vessel (e.g., cars, trucks, and/or trains), and/or an air transportation vessel. A manifest  146  includes a detailed description of the contents of each container or cargo that is to be examined by the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and/or the neutron pulse device(s)  120 . The manifests  146  are used by the information processing system  132  to determine whether the possible materials, goods, and/or products within the container package, car, truck, or the like match the expected authorized materials, goods, and/or products, described in the manifest  146  for the particular entity under examination. The use of a manifest  146  during examination of an entity is discussed in greater detail below. 
     The materials database  144  includes materials information  148  such as chemical material information, biological material information, radioactive material information, nuclear material information, and/or explosive material information. Also, the materials information  148  can include isotope information for known isotopes. For example, isotope information can include spectral images, histograms, energy levels, and/or the like associated with known isotopes. The materials information  148 , in one embodiment, is used by the data analysis and monitoring manager  134  to determine whether any hazardous materials are within an entity that is being examined. This identification/detection process is discussed in greater detail below. 
     It should be noted that although the manifest database  142  and the materials database  144  are shown in  FIG. 1  as being separate from the information processing system  132 , one or more of these databases  142 ,  144  can reside within the information processing system  132  as well. Furthermore, the components of the information processing system  124  and the information processing system  132  can be implemented within a single information processing system as compared to multiple systems as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The operating environment  100 , in one embodiment, also includes a remote monitoring information processing system  150  communicatively coupled to the second network  122 . A user interface  152 , which can be one or more displays, input devices, output devices and/or the like that allows a user to monitor and/or interact with the remote system  150  is communicatively to the system  150 . The remote monitoring system  150  includes a computer, memory, and storage and enables a user to remotely monitor, manage, and/or control the frame structure  200  and/or the data analysis and monitoring processes being performed at the information processing system  132 . Also, the remote monitoring system  150  can be a device such as a wireless communication device, portable computer, desktop and/or the like that receives notifications from the information processing system  132  regarding the data analysis and monitoring process. 
     In one embodiment, one or more monitors/camera systems  154  such as (but not limited to) a closed circuit television system is also included within the operating environment  100 . The cameras within this system  154  can be deployed around a frame structure  200  at various locations so that an operator can monitor the entity being examined. Also, an examined entity tracking system  156  is also included within the operating environment  100 . The examiner entity tracking system  156  tracks and monitors the identity of each entity such as a truck, car, train, boat, plain, cargo container, package, and the like being examined. The tracking system  156  can include digital cameras, radio frequency identification tag (“RFID”) readers, bar code scanners, character recognition mechanisms, marking systems, and the like that allow the tracking system to identify an entity currently being examined. This allows the information processing system  132  and/or an operator to determine if an entity has previously been examined and to also flag an entity when hazardous materials potentially reside within the entity. 
     Horizontal Sensor Arrays for Non-Invasive Detection of Hazardous Materials 
     The following is a more detailed discussion on implementing the operating environment  100  (or at least a portion of the environment) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1  on a frame structure  200 .  FIG. 2  shows one example of a frame structure  200  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The frame structure  200 , in one embodiment, is a stationary portal that trucks, automobiles, cargo transporters, vehicles (e.g., vehicles that transport cargo or containers), forklifts, and any other motorized device that can carry or include objects to be examined, can pass through/under/over for analysis. It should be noted that the various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to analyzing vehicles. For example, carrier systems such as conveyor systems can also be configured to pass through/under/over the frame structure  200 . Also, the frame structure of  FIG. 2  can be utilized in a variety of different detection system such as shipping container inspection, seaport security, cargo terminal security, airport vehicle inspection, airport cargo inspection, airport baggage inspection, vehicle inspection, truck stop cargo inspection, border protection inspecting vehicles, cargo, persons, railway inspections, railcar inspection, subway security, and the like. 
     The frame structure  200 , in one embodiment, includes at least one side member  202 ,  204  on each side  206 ,  208  of the structure  200 . The side members  202 ,  204  are situated parallel to each other on opposing sides  206 ,  208  of the structure  200 . An entity/object  210  such as a car, truck, boat, plane, luggage, packages, motorcycle, train, cargo containers, semi-trailers, and the like are able to pass substantially between the side members  202 ,  204 . The side member  202  situated at the first side  206  of the structure  200  comprises one or more sensor arrays  102 . The side member  204  situated at the second side  208  of the structure  200  also comprises one or more sensor arrays  104 . As discussed above, the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  include a plurality of sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , respectively. 
       FIG. 2  shows that the sensors  106 ,  108  within the sensor array(s)  102  deployed on the first side member  202  are situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to a y-axis direction. In other words, the sensors  106 ,  108  are situated adjacent to each other and are parallel to a direction of travel of an entity  210  substantially through the structure  200 . or along the length of the entity  210  to be examined. The sensors  110 ,  112  within the sensor array(s)  104  deployed on the second side member  204  are situated in a substantially similar configuration as the sensors  106 ,  108  within the first side sensor array  102 . Therefore, the sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  are deployed on both sides of a detection area of the frame structure  200  and in multiple positions on each side to provide adequate coverage of the full length of an entity  210  being examined. The sensors can be configured as a one or more horizontal arrays positioned along the centerline of the entity  210  to minimize the number of sensors required and to optimize the data acquisition times. 
     In one embodiment, one of the horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104  includes gamma sensors while the other horizontal sensor array  102 ,  104  includes neutron sensors. However, each horizontal array can include a combination of both sensor types and/or neutron pulse devices as well. In one embodiment, the sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  within each horizontal sensor array  102 ,  104  are disposed on an inner wall  212 ,  214  of each side member  202 ,  204 . However, each horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104  can also be disposed on an upper portion  216 ,  218  of the side members  202 ,  204  as well in a similar horizontal configuration. Also, the horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104  can be disposed on the inner walls  212 ,  214  as shown in  FIG. 2  and additional sensor arrays  302  including a plurality of sensors  304 ,  306  can be disposed on upper portions  216 ,  218  of at least one of the side members  202 ,  204  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     It should be noted that the length, width, and height of the side members  202 ,  204  as shown in  FIG. 1  are only illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. For example, the side members  202 ,  204  can be shorter in length as shown in  FIG. 3  or longer in length. Also, a top portion  402  can also be included on the frame structure  200  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The top portion  402  is situated on the top portion  216  of the first side member  202  and extends over to and is situated on the top portion  218  of the second side member  204 . The top portion  402  is shown as “see-through” in  FIG. 4  for illustration purposes only. 
     The top portion  402  of the frame structure  200 , in one embodiment, also includes one or more horizontal sensor arrays  404  that comprise a plurality of sensors  406 ,  408 . The sensors can be either gamma sensors and/or neutron sensors. Furthermore, instead of sensors or in addition to the sensors one or more micro-neuron pulse devices (not shown) can be disposed on the top portion  402  as well. The sensors  406 ,  408  within the top portion sensor array(s)  404  are also situated in a horizontal configuration similar to the arrays  102 ,  104  discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . In other words, the sensors  406 ,  408  are situated horizontally in a direction that is parallel to a direction of travel of an entity  210  to be examined through the frame structure  200 . Although not shown, the frame structure  200  can include a bottom portion that is situated underneath an entity  210  to be examined. One or more sensor arrays and/or micro-neutron pulse devices can be disposed thereon in a similar horizontal configuration. 
     The horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104 ,  120  can be configured to meet a wide variety of applications such as: shipping container inspection, seaport security, cargo terminal security, airport vehicle inspection, airport cargo inspection, airport baggage inspection, vehicle inspection, truck stop cargo inspection, border protection inspecting vehicles, cargo, persons, railway inspections, railcar inspection, subway security, persons, and more. 
     The horizontal configuration of the sensor arrays as shown in  FIGS. 2-4  is advantageous because greater scan times are yielded, which allows more time for spectral analysis and identification of hazardous material such as chemical, biological, radioactive, fissile, nuclear, and explosive material identification with respect to an object  210  being examined. The distributed array of sensors disposed in the horizontal arrays  102 ,  104  enables an entity  210  to be examined to either briefly stop for examination or continue to pass through the frame structure  200  during the examination operation. 
     Therefore, the frame structure  200  with the horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104  enables the operating environment  100  to scan the contents of an entity  210  as the entity  210  enters and exits the frame structure  200 ; (2) provides a fixed geometry between the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and the target materials when entity  210  is stopped; (3) provides an ability to analyze the entity  210  within seconds from a single position; and (4) perform adequate spectral data acquisition within seconds, thereby enabling identification of the hazardous materials within the entity  210  (discussed in greater detail below). 
     The frame structure  200  includes a detection area/zone  502  (see  FIG. 5 ) which is the area in front of or between the horizontal detector arrays  102 ,  104  (and  302 ,  404  if included). For example,  FIG. 5  shows a detection zone  502  existing between a distributed sensor array comprising a horizontal sensor array  102  deployed on a first side  202  of the frame structure  200 , a horizontal sensor array  104  deployed on a second side  204  of the frame structure  200 , and a horizontal sensor array  404  deployed on an optional area/portion  402  of the frame structure  200  that is above (and/or below) the entity  210  being examined. Each of the horizontal sensor arrays  102 ,  104 ,  404  is communicatively coupled to one or more SIUs  114 , which is communicatively coupled to one or more networks  118 . 
     The detection zone  502 , in one embodiment, is partitioned into a plurality of different zones, each zone being associated with one or more sensors in a horizontal sensor array  102 ,  104 ,  404 . For example,  FIG. 6  shows a top view of a plurality of zones  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612  within a frame structure  200  that comprises a target detection area  502 . A first horizontal sensor array  102  is deployed on a first side  202  of the frame structure  200  and a second horizontal sensor array  104  is deployed on a second side  204  of the frame structure  200  opposite from the first side  202 .  FIG. 6  also shows an imaginary center line  614  running the length of the zones. This imaginary center line  614  is shown for reference purposes only to denote a first portion  616  (e.g., a left portion) of a zone and a second portion  618  (e.g., right portion) of a zone. 
     Each portion  616 ,  618  of a zone  602  is associated with one or more sensors  601 ,  603  of the sensor array  102 ,  104  deployed on that particular side  202 ,  204  of the frame structure  200 . For example, the horizontal sensor array  102  deployed on the first side  202  of the frame structure  200  (which is the left side in this example) has a first set  601  of sensors associated with a first portion  616  (which is the portion to the left of the centerline  614  in this example) of Zone_ 1   602 . The horizontal sensor array  104  deployed on the second side  204  of the frame structure  200  (which is the right side in this example) has a set of sensors  603  associated with a second portion  618  (which is the portion to the right of the centerline  614  in this example) of Zone_ 1   602 . 
       FIG. 6  also shows that a second set  608  of sensors in the first horizontal array  102  is associated with a first portion  622  of Zone_ 2   604  and a first portion  624  of Zone_ 3   606 . A third set  626  of sensors in the first horizontal array  102  is associated with a first portion  628  of Zone_ 4   608  and a first portion  620  of Zone_ 5   610 . A fourth set of sensors  632  in the first horizontal array  102  is associated with a first portion  634  of a Zone_N  612 .  FIG. 6  further shows that a second set  636  of sensors in the second horizontal array  104  is associated with a second portion  638  of Zone_ 2   604  and a second portion  640  of Zone_ 3   606 . A third set of sensors  642  in the second horizontal array  104  is associated with a second portion  644  of Zone_ 4   608  and a second portion  646  of Zone_ 5   610 . A fourth set of sensors  648  in the second horizontal array  104  is associated with a second portion  650  of Zone_N  612 . 
     It should be noted the sensors are not limited to only scanning their associated zone portion as the sensors can be configured to scan across both portions  616 ,  618  of a zone. For example, sensors within the first set  601  of the first horizontal array  102  can scan from the “left” side  616  of Zone_ 1   602  across to the “right” side  628  of Zone_ 1   602 . Sensors within the first set  603  of the second horizontal array  104  can scan from the “ride” side  618  of Zone_ 1   602  across to the “left” side  626  of Zone_ 1   602 . This results in scans with different perspectives. 
     However, in one embodiment, sensors are configured to scan out to given distances and in given directions. Therefore, the zones are partitioned according to the sensor types being deployed in the sensor arrays and based on sensor configurations (e.g., known distances and directions associated with each sensor within an array). For example,  FIG. 6  shows that each zone with the exception of Zone_ 3   606  and Zone_ 4   608  (spaced 15 ft apart from adjacent zones) are spaced 10 ft apart. It should be noted that these distances are only examples and do not limit the present invention in any way. The number of zones and the spacing of zones, in one embodiment, is a function of the sensor configurations within the sensor arrays. 
       FIG. 7  shows a more detailed view of Zone_ 1   602 . In particular,  FIG. 7  shows scanning distances and directions associated with sensors in a set of sensors for each portion of the zone. For example,  FIG. 7  shows a first sensor  601  within the first side horizontal sensor array  102  associated with Zone_ 1   602  and a second sensor  603  within the second side horizontal sensor array  104  associated with Zone_ 1   602 .  FIG. 7  also shows that Zone_ 1   602  is 8 ft wide with each portion  616 ,  618  of the zone being 4 ft wide. Each sensor  601 ,  603  is situated on the frame structure  200  3 ft from an outer edge  702 ,  704  of the zone. Therefore, a portion  706 ,  708  of the sensor  601 ,  603  facing the outer edge  702 ,  704  of the zone is 7 ft from an inner edge  710  (e.g., the center line) of the zone. The sensors  601 ,  603  are also deployed on the frame structure  200  such that a middle line  712 ,  714  of the sensors is substantially aligned with the midpoint of the zone. Each sensor  601 ,  603  also scans out in all directions to the inner edge  710  (centerline) of its portion  616 ,  618 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . It should be noted that distances and configurations shown in  FIG. 7  are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention in any way. 
     Returning back to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  also shows placements of micro-pulse neutron devices  120 . In particular,  FIG. 6  shows that one or more micro-neutron pulse devices  120  are deployed within the third set  626  of sensor of the first side horizontal sensor array  102  and the second set  636  of sensors in the second side horizontal sensor array  104 . As can be seen, this deployment configuration allows each of the zones  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612  to be associated with at least one micro-neutron pulse device  120 . It should be noted that the micro-neutron pulse devices  120  are not limited to being deployed on the sides  202 ,  204  of the frame structure  200 . For example, one or more micro-neutron pulse devices  120  can be deployed above/below the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and the entity  210  being examined. In this embodiment, the neutron pulse devices  120  can be deployed above the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  and the entity  210  on the side members  202 ,  204  of the structure  200  or directly above the entity  210 . The neutron device  120  can also be deployed under the sensor arrays  120 ,  104  and/or under the entity  210  as well. It should be noted that the deployment configuration of the micro-neutron pulse devices  120  shown in  FIG. 6  is only for illustration purposes and does not limit the present invention in any way. 
       FIG. 8  shows additional deployment configurations for gamma and neutron sensors. For example,  FIG. 8  shows sensor sets  802 ,  804 ,  806 ,  808  comprising sensors  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  such as gamma and/or neutron sensors being deployed on a top portion  402  of the frame structure  200 . As discussed above, the top portion  402  of the frame structure  200  is situated above the entity  210  being examined. In the example of  FIG. 8  one or more sensors  810 ,  812 ,  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  are deployed over each zone  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612 . In particular, a first sensor set  802  comprising sensor  810  is associated with Zone_ 1   602 , a second sensor set  804  comprising sensor  812  associated with Zone_ 2   604  and sensor  814  associated with Zone_ 2   606 , a third sensor set  806  comprising sensor  612  associated with Zone_ 4   608  and sensor  818  associated with Zone_ 5   610 , and a fourth sensor set  808  comprising sensor  820  associate with Zone_N  612 . 
     In one embodiment, the first and fourth sensor sets  802 ,  820  are situated parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sensor sets  804 ,  806 . The configuration of  FIG. 8  is also applicable to a deployment configuration of sensors underneath an entity to be examined as well. Also, neutron pulse devices  120  can also be deployed in a similar fashion. It should be noted that the deployment configuration of  FIG. 8  is used for illustrative purposes only and the sensors can be deployed in other configurations as well. 
     With respect to examining an entity  210  to identify hazardous materials, the entity  200  moves or is moved between the side members  202 ,  204  of the frame structure  200 . In this embodiment, the frame structure  200  and the entity  210  can be stationary with respect to each other. In another embodiment, the entity  210  can drive/move in between the two side members  202 ,  204  and continue to move or be moved through the frame structure as the scanning, analysis, and identification operations are performed. 
     As the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  scan the entity  210 , each of the gamma and/or neutrons sensors generate signals indicative of any gamma and/or neutron radiation detected. As discussed above, this sensor data  130  is collected by the data collection manager  126  and stored within one or more data storage units  128 . The data analysis and monitoring manager  134  then analyzes the data  130  to determine if any hazardous materials have been detected. 
     For example, the data analysis and monitoring manager  134  includes a multi-channel analyzer (“MCA”)  136  comprising one or more devices a device composed of multiple single channel analyzers (“SCA”). In one embodiment, the MCA  136 , uses analog to digital converters combined with computer memory that is equivalent to thousands of SCAs and counters and is dramatically more powerful and cost efficient than individual SCAs. The SCA interrogates analog signals received from the individual radiation detectors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and determines whether the specific energy range of the received signal is equal to the range identified by the single channel. If the energy received is within the SCA an SCA counter is updated. Over time, the SCA counts are accumulated. At a given time interval, a multi-channel analyzer  136  includes a number of SCA counts, which result in the creation of a histogram  158 . 
     The histogram  158  represents the spectral image of the radiation that is present within the entity being examined. In other words, the histogram  170  is a fingerprint of the entity being examined. The histogram  170  can represent a portion of the entity or the entire entity. In one embodiment, a single histogram  158  can be created based on information received from all of the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . In another embodiment, a single histogram  158  can be created from the combination of one or more histograms associated with one or more sensors  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  in the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . In yet another embodiment, a histogram  158  can be created for each sensor  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  within the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . A more detailed discussion on histograms is given in U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,109 entitled “Container Verification System For Non-Invasive Detection Of Contents”, filed on Feb. 27, 2006; and U.S. Pre-Grant Publication 2008/0048872 entitled, “Multi-Stage System For Verification Of Container Contents”, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, which are both commonly owned and hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     The histogram  158  is used by the spectral analyzer  138  to identify isotopes that are present in materials residing within in the entity under examination. One of the functions performed by the data and analysis manager  134  is spectral analysis, performed by the spectral analyzer  138 , to identify the one or more isotopes, explosives or special materials residing within the entity under examination. With respect to radiation detection, the spectral analyzer  138  compares one or more spectral images (e.g., represented by histograms  158 , and/or by other collections of data associated with the sensors) of the radiation that has been detected within the entity  210  to known isotopes that are represented by one or more spectral images stored  148  in the materials database  144 . By capturing multiple variations of spectral data for each isotope there are numerous images that can be compared to one or more spectral images of the radiation present. 
     The materials database  144  holds material information  148  such as one or more spectral images  148  of each isotope to be identified. These multiple spectral images represent various levels of acquisition of spectral radiation data so isotopes can be compared and identified using various amounts of spectral data available from the one or more sensors. Whether there are small amounts or large amounts of data acquired from the sensor, the spectral analyzer  138  compares the acquired radiation data from the sensor  106 ,  108 .  110 ,  112  to one or more spectral images  148  for each isotope to be identified. This significantly enhances the reliability and efficiency of matching acquired spectral image data from the sensor to spectral image data of each possible isotope to be identified. 
     Once one or more possible isotopes are determined to be present in the radiation detected by the sensor(s)  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , the data analysis and monitoring manager  134  compares the isotope mix against possible materials, goods, and/or products that may be present in the entity  210  under examination. The manifest database  142  includes a detailed description  146  of the contents of each entity  210  that is to be examined. The manifest  146  can be referred to by the data analysis and monitoring manager  134  to determine whether the possible materials, goods, and/or products, contained in the entity  210  match the expected authorized materials, goods, and/or products, described in the manifest  146  for the particular container under examination. This matching process, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is significantly more efficient and reliable than any container contents monitoring process in the past. 
     It should be noted that the spectral analyzer  138  is able to utilize various methods to provide multi-confirmation of the isotopes identified. Should more than one isotope be present, the spectral analyzer  138  identifies the ratio of each isotope present. Examples of methods that can be used for spectral analysis such as that discussed above include: 1) a margin setting method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,731 entitled “Method And System For Improving Pattern Recognition System Performance”, filed on Aug. 7, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; and 2) a LINSCAN method (a linear analysis of spectra method) as described in U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/624,067, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, by inventor David L. Frank, and entitled “Method For Determination Of Constituents Present From Radiation Spectra And, If Available, Neutron And Alpha Occurrences”; the collective entire teachings of which being herein incorporated by reference. 
     With respect to analysis of collected data pertaining to explosives and/or special materials, the spectral analyzer  138  and compares identified possible explosives and/or special materials to the manifest  148  by converting the stored manifest data  148  relating to the entity  210  under examination to expected explosives and/or radiological materials and then by comparing the identified possible explosives and/or special materials with the expected explosives and/or radiological materials. If the system  134  determines that there is no match to the manifest  148  for the entity  210  then the identified possible explosives and/or special materials are unauthorized. The system  134  can then provide information to system supervisory personnel to alert them to the alarm condition and to take appropriate action. For example, the user interface  140 ,  152  can present to a user a representation of the collected received returning signals, or the identified possible explosives and/or special materials in the entity  210  under examination, or any system identified unauthorized explosives and/or special materials contained within the entity  210  under examination, or any combination thereof. 
     A more detailed discussion on spectral analysis is given in U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,109 entitled “Container Verification System for Non-Invasive Detection of Contents”, filed on Feb. 27, 2006; and U.S. Pre-Grant Publication 2008/0048872 entitled, “Multi-Stage System For Verification Of Container Contents”, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, which are collectively commonly owned and hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     In addition to gamma and neutron sensors, neutron pulse devices  120  can also be deployed on the frame structure  200  as discussed above. The neutron pulse devices  120  include coincident counting capabilities. The gamma detectors within the neutron pulse device are used to identify chemical and explosives materials from the gamma response to the neutron pulse. The neutron detectors are used to identify shielded nuclear materials from the response. 
     The micro-neutron pulse device(s)  120  creates an active detection system that is deployed on the frame structure  200  that enable the identification of chemical, nuclear and explosives materials based on the response from the neutron pulse. These non-intrusive inspection systems can interrogate entities  210  for the detection of shielded nuclear materials while maintaining a high hourly throughput in ports of entry, ports of departure, borders and other checkpoints. A more detailed discussion on using micro-neutron pulse devices is given in the co-pending provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/128,115, entitled “Mobile Frame Structure With Passive/Active Sensor Arrays For Non-Invasive Analysis For CBRNE Materials Present”, filed on May 19, 2008, by the same inventor of the present application, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The various embodiments discussed above are advantageous because the horizontal sensor array configurations yield greater scan times, which allows for spectral analysis and hazardous material identification with respect to an object being examined. Therefore, the frame structure comprising the horizontal sensor arrays discussed above enables the scanning of the entity as the entity enters and exits the frame structure; (2) provides a fixed geometry between the horizontal sensor arrays and the target materials when an entity is stopped; (3) provides an ability to analyze the entity within seconds from a single position; and (4) performs adequate spectral data acquisition within seconds, thereby enabling identification of the hazardous materials within the entity. 
     Example of a Process for Radiation Detection and Identification Using a Horizontal Sensor Array(s) 
       FIG. 9  is an operational flow diagram illustrating one process of detecting radiation and identifying hazardous materials associated with the radiation using a horizontal sensor array. The operational flow diagram starts at step  902  and flows directly into step  904 . The data analysis and monitoring manager  134 , at step  904 , determines that an entity  210  to be examined has entered between a first portion  202  and a second portion  204  of a frame structure  200 . The manager  134 , at step  906 , receives a first set of detected radiation data from a first set of sensors  102  that are situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to a direction of movement of the entity being examined through the frame structure  200 . The manager  134 , at step  908 , receives a second set of detected radiation data from at least a second set of sensors  104  that are situated in a horizontal configuration with respect to a direction of movement of the entity being examined through the frame structure  200 . For example, the manager  134  can receive gamma and/or neutron counts, and associated with an energy level detected by the sensor arrays  102 ,  104 . It should be noted that neutron pulse information can also be provided to the manager  134  as well. It should be noted that the sensor arrays  102 ,  104  can perform their detection operations while the entity  210  is moving through the frame structure  200  and/or is stationary with respect to the frame structure  200 . 
     The manager  134 , at step  910 , generates one or more histograms  148  based on at least the first set of detected radiation data. The manager  134 , at step  912 , compares spectral images associated with the generated histograms to a set of spectral images  148  associated with known materials. The manager  134 , at step  914 , determines if a match exists between the spectral images associated with the generated histograms  148  and the set of spectral images  148  associated with known materials. If the result of this comparison is negative, the manager  134 , at step  916 , obtains additional radiation data from the sensors  102 ,  104  and the control flow returns to step  910 . If the result of this determination is positive, the manager  134 , at step  918 , determines if the material identified by the comparison is hazardous. If the result of this determination is positive, the manager  134 , at step  920 , notifies personnel. The control flow then exits at step  922 . 
     If the result of this determination is negative, the manager  134 , at step  924 , compares the identified material with a manifest  146  associated with the entity being examined. The manager  134 , at step  926 , determines if the manifest includes the identified material. If the result of this determination is negative, the identified material is unauthorized and the manager  134 , at step  920 , notifies personnel. The control flow then exits at step  922 . If the result of this determination is positive, the manager  134 , at step  928 , determines that the identified material is authorized and the control flow then exits at step  930 . 
     Information Processing System 
       FIG. 10  is a high level block diagram illustrating a more detailed view of a computing system  1000  such as the information processing system  132  suitable for implementing the data and analysis manager  134  according to various embodiments of the present invention. The computing system  1000  is based upon a suitably configured processing system adapted to implement an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a personal computer, workstation, or the like, may be used. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing system  1000  includes one or more processors, such as processor  1004 . The processor  1004  is connected to a communication infrastructure  1002  (e.g., a communications bus, crossover bar, or network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of this example of a computer system. After reading this description, it should become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) how to implement an embodiment of the invention using other computer systems and/or computer architectures. 
     The computing system  1000  can include a display interface  1008  that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure  1002  (or from a frame buffer) for display on the display unit  1010 . The computing system  1000  also includes a main memory  1006 , preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory  1012  as well as various caches and auxiliary memory as are normally found in computer systems. The secondary memory  1012  may include, for example, a hard disk drive  1014  and/or a removable storage drive  1016 , representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, and the like. The removable storage drive  1016  reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit  1018  in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Removable storage unit  1018 , represents a floppy disk, a compact disc, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive  1016 . As are appreciated, the removable storage unit  1018  includes a computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data. The computer readable medium may include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, Flash memory, Disk drive memory, CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. Additionally, a computer medium may include, for example, volatile storage such as RAM, buffers, cache memory, and network circuits. Furthermore, the computer readable medium may comprise computer readable information in a transitory state medium such as a network link and/or a network interface, including a wired network or a wireless network that allow a computer to read such computer-readable information. 
     In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory  1012  may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computing system  1000 . Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit  1022  and an interface  1020 . Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units  1022  and interfaces  1020  which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit  1022  to the computing system  1000 . 
     The computing system  1000 , in this example, includes a communications interface  1024  that acts as an input and output and allows software and data to be transferred between the computing system  1000  and external devices or access points via a communications path  1026 . Examples of communications interface  1024  may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface  10210  are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface  1024 . The signals are provided to communications interface  1024  via a communications path (i.e., channel)  1026 . The channel  1026  carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, and/or other communications channels. 
     In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” “computer readable medium”, “computer readable storage product”, and “computer program storage product” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory  1006  and secondary memory  1012 , removable storage drive  1016 , and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive  1014 . The computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system. The computer readable medium allows the computer system to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readable information from the computer readable medium. 
     Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory  1006  and/or secondary memory  1012 . Computer programs may also be received via communications interface  1024 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system to perform the features of the various embodiments of the present invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor  1004  to perform the features of the computer system. 
     Non-Limiting Examples 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.