Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20090101826?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=patent:4807115
Timestamp: 2014-07-10 17:59:57
Document Index: 118515041

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patent US20090101826 - Multi-stage system for verification of container contents - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system supports extended time options at each...http://www.google.com/patents/US20090101826?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20090101826 - Multi-stage system for verification of container contentsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20090101826 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/564,193Publication dateApr 23, 2009Filing dateNov 28, 2006Priority dateOct 26, 2001Also published asUS7759649, US7851766, US8183538, US20080105824, US20110015886Publication number11564193, 564193, US 2009/0101826 A1, US 2009/101826 A1, US 20090101826 A1, US 20090101826A1, US 2009101826 A1, US 2009101826A1, US-A1-20090101826, US-A1-2009101826, US2009/0101826A1, US2009/101826A1, US20090101826 A1, US20090101826A1, US2009101826 A1, US2009101826A1InventorsDavid L. FRANKOriginal AssigneeInnovative American Technology, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (2), Classifications (10), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMulti-stage system for verification of container contentsUS 20090101826 A1Abstract A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system supports extended time options at each node and the ability to combine data from multiple nodes for the data acquisition and analysis of shipping containers. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes and compares the collected data to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent. The possible materials or goods are compared with the manifest relating to the container to confirm the identity of materials or goods contained in the container or to detect and/or identify unauthorized materials or goods in the container. The containers are monitored and tracked as they are moved between the nodes. A central monitoring station monitors the radiological sensors, the information from the nodes and the tracking of the shipping containers. For shielded materials, explosives and other types of material detection, a neutron pulse device could be incorporated into the spreader bar position, the secondary position or both.
one or more gamma sensors; and
one or more solid-state neutron sensors, wherein the one or more gamma sensors and the one or more solid-state neutron sensors being collectively mounted on a frame structure mechanically coupled to the gantry crane and that can be located in proximity to a shipping container under examination;
a secondary radiation sensor position, that is located separate from the radiation sensor system deployed on the gantry crane, and comprising one or more sensors for analyzing radiological materials detected in the shipping container; a distributed network communicatively coupling the gantry crane radiation sensor system and the secondary radiation sensor position as individual nodes on a radiation sensor network; a first digital data collection system, communicatively coupled with the radiation sensors deployed on a gantry crane for collection of radiation data from the radiation sensors on the gantry crane; a second digital data collection system, communicatively coupled with the radiation sensors deployed at a secondary radiation verification position for collection of radiation data from the radiation sensors at the secondary radiation verification position; a multichannel analyzer system, communicatively coupled with the first and second digital data collection systems, for preparing histograms of the collected radiation data; a spectral analysis system, communicatively coupled with the multi-channel analyzer system and the first and second digital data collection systems, for receiving and analyzing the collected radiation data and the histograms to detect radiation and to identify one or more isotopes associated with the detected radiation using the data acquired from one or more nodes on the network; a first data storage means for storing data representing isotope spectra for use by the spectral analysis system, where one or more spectral images stored in the first data storage unit represent each isotope, the first data storage means being communicatively coupled with the spectral analysis system; an information processing system, communicatively coupled with the spectral analysis system, for analyzing the identified one or more isotopes and to determine the possible materials or goods that they represent; and a second data storage means for storing data representing a manifest relating to the container under examination, the second data storage means being communicatively coupled with the information processing system, the information processing system further for comparing the determined possible materials or goods with the manifest relating to the container under examination to determine if there are unauthorized materials or goods contained within the container under examination. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a first stage of radiation analysis consists of the detection of radiological material within the shipping container from the sensors deployed on a spreader bar of the gantry crane.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein a first stage of radiation analysis consists of the detection of radiological material within the shipping container from sensors deployed on a radiation portal.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein a second stage of radiation analysis consists of the identification of the radiological material within the shipping container from sensors deployed on a spreader bar of the gantry crane.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein a second stage of radiation analysis consists of maintaining sensors deployed on a spreader bar of the gantry crane in close proximity with the shipping container for an extended period of time where additional data is collected from the sensors to further identify the radiological material within the shipping container under examination.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein a second stage of radiation analysis consists of the use of the secondary radiation sensor position where the shipping container is moved to for further analysis.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein a second stage of radiation analysis is performed on the shipping container under examination by sensors deployed on a fork lift truck.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the spectral analysis system analyzes the collected radiation data and the histograms to detect radiation and to identify one or more isotopes associated with the detected radiation by using software on a computer program product, the software providing operations for the spectral analysis system including:
a margin setting method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,731; and a linear analysis of spectra method (a LINSCAN method) as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,331. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more gamma sensors comprise integrated analog interface and analog to digital converter.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more gamma sensors comprise sensor resolution of 7% or better at 662 kev.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more solid state neutron sensors comprise integrated analog interface and analog to digital converter.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein an information processing system being communicatively coupled with the digital data collection system for adjusting collected radiation data to compensate for background radiation effects from the background environment.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the information processing system dynamically adjusts the collected radiation data according to varying background radiation effects.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the information processing system adjusts the collected radiation data according to multiple background radiation effects analysis.
15. An explosives, special material and other materials detection and identification system, comprising:
a neutron pulse generator; one or more radiation sensors to identify gamma or other radiation signals generated from the materials within the shipping container as a result of the neutron pulse; a data collection system, communicatively coupled to the one or more radiation sensors, for collecting received returning signals as a result of the neutron pulse; a spectral analysis and information processing system, communicatively coupled with the data collection system, to analyze the collected received returning signals for detecting materials in the cavity of the shipping container under examination, and to identify the possible explosives and/or special materials therein; and a data storage means for storing data representing a manifest relating to the shipping container under examination, the data storage means being communicatively coupled with the spectral analysis and information processing system, the spectral analysis and information processing system further for comparing the identified possible explosives and/or special materials with the manifest relating to the shipping container under examination to determine if there are unauthorized explosives and/or special materials contained within the shipping container under examination. 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising:
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the special materials include highly enriched uranium.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the spectral analysis and information processing system compares the identified possible explosives and/or special materials to the manifest by converting the manifest relating to the shipping container under examination to expected explosives and/or radiological materials and then comparing the identified possible explosives and/or special materials with the expected explosives and/or radiological materials.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein a sensor system used for sensing the contents of the container under examination is based on nuclear resonance, gamma imaging, and other advanced technologies for the detection and identification of explosives, radiological material, shielding materials, chemical, and/or biological materials.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein a sensor concentrator is used to connect a group of sensors deployed in a spreader bar for concentrated communications paths back to a central processor, the sensor concentrator being connected to a sensor interface unit of each sensor.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein a neutron pulse generator device is implemented as an integrated module within a sensor system to provide active analysis through gamma feedback from substances such as highly enriched uranium, explosives and illicit drugs.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein the neutron pulse generator device is located in proximity to a spreader bar of a gantry crane or a forklift to provide active analysis through gamma feedback from substances inside shipping containers such as highly enriched uranium, explosives, and illicit drugs.
23. The system of claim 15, wherein an embedded processor is used to connect a group of sensors deployed at a spreader bar and supports sensor communications to a central processor, the embedded processor being connected to a sensor interface unit of each sensor.
24. The system of claim 15, wherein an information processing system being communicatively coupled with the digital data collection system for dynamically adjusting collected radiation data to compensate for varying background radiation effects from the background environment. Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,332, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, by inventor David L. FRANK, and entitled �Sensor Interface Unit And Method For Automated Support Functions For CBRNE Sensors�; and further is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,331, 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�; and further is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,373, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, by inventor David L. FRANK, and entitled �Distributed Sensor Network with Common Platform for CBRNE Devices; and further is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,375, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, by inventor David L. FRANK, and entitled Advanced Container Verification System; and furthermore is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/291,574, filed on Dec. 1, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/280,255, filed on Oct. 25, 2002, that was based on prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/347,997, filed on Oct. 26, 2001, now expired, and which further is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/631,865, filed on Dec. 1, 2004, now expired, and which furthermore is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/655,245, filed on Feb. 23, 2005, now expired, and which furthermore is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/849,350, filed on Oct. 4, 2006, and which furthermore is based on, and claims priority from, prior co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/363,594 filed on Feb. 27, 2006; the collective entire disclosure of which being herein incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-stage detection system and method detects gamma and neutron radiation providing additional data capture times when radiological materials are detected and a secondary position for further analysis. The gamma and neutron detectors mounted on the spreader bar of a gantry crane provide an initial identification of the presence of radiological materials within a shipping container. The spreader bar typically provides up to 30 seconds of close proximity for the radiation sensors to analyze the shipping container. The radiation data captured is analyzed for specific isotope identification. Should the system require more data to complete the analysis, the spreader bar contact with the shipping container is extended to enable additional data capture. Furthermore, if the shipping container requires further analysis time to determine the specific isotopes present, an embodiment of the present invention provides a secondary radiation analysis position comprised of an array of radiation sensors deployed to allow the targeted container to be further analyzed. The present invention, according to an embodiment, allows an extended time for radiation analysis for those shipping containers where radiological materials have been detected and where the normal flow of the gantry crane movement does not allow for a complete analysis. Additionally, an embodiment of the present invention provides for a secondary radiation analysis position where the additional time for analysis is required beyond that provided at the gantry crane, Another embodiment provides for tracking and monitoring of the targeted shipping container as it moves from the spreader bar to the secondary radiation analysis position.
Removal of Background Radiation Effects Dynamic Background The background radiation at a seaport and more specifically the changing background associated with a moving container across land, sea, vessels and at different heights, poses a specific challenge to radiation detection and isotope identification. According to one embodiment of the present invention, this issue is addressed through the use of a dynamic background method used to compensate for the changing background effects. This method applies continuous background updates against the main background data. Different weights and intervals can be varied for the background updates to achieve the appropriate dynamic background for the specific application. An example formula is provided below, and also shown in FIG. 9.
Bi  ( X ) = Ai  ( X ) * alpha + Bi - 1  ( X ) * ( 1 - alpha )   Bi  ( X ) New   Dynamic Background = Ai  ( X ) Snap   Shot of   Background * alpha Learning Background + Bi - 1  ( X ) Previous Background * ( 1 - alpha ) Differential ( 1 ) As shown in FIG. 71 background radiation effects can vary depending on a varying background environment that can be experienced by the sensors, such as the sensors located at the spreader bar and/or sensors located at locations relative to changing background environments. For example, the sensors at the spreader bar can be over water, over a ship, high over the ground, low over the ground, or inside the ship. These different background environments can affect the radiation detection and isotope identification. Radiation from the sky should typically be predominant and remain normal during spreader bar movement. Also, sensors at the spreader bar should typically be protected by the container under examination and the spreader bar from most of the background radiation coming from the ground, water, and over the ship. Accordingly, a new and novel approach to compensate for the changing background effects applies continuous background updates against the main background data.
As shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic background is comprised of the primary background and the incremental background. As radiation data is collected and processed for analysis, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the background environment effects can be subtracted from the collected data using continuous background updates against a main background data. This dynamic background compensation approach has the advantages of increased speed and sensitivity for dynamic background capture, memory efficiency in processing collected data, and flexibility to adjust to variable system parameters and to address specific applications. Further, an information processing system can learn a particular process used in locating sensors during data collection, such as to anticipate the changes in background effects in a normal operation movement of the spreader bar. Additionally, the dynamic background compensation approach can provide a continuous differential subtraction of the effects of varying background environment. This approach enhances the quality of the analyzed data leading to better and more reliable radiation detection and isotope identification.
Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7818266 *Sep 30, 2004Oct 19, 2010United States Postal ServiceMethod and system for providing electronic customs formUS8129691 *May 19, 2009Mar 6, 2012Nuctech Company LimitedSecurity inspection door* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification250/360.1, 702/180International ClassificationG06F17/18, G01F23/00Cooperative ClassificationG01V5/0083, G01V5/0075, G01T3/08European ClassificationG01V5/00D6, G01V5/00D4, G01T3/08Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionMay 19, 2014ASAssignmentOwner name: EMR RESOURCES LLC, FLORIDAEffective date: 20140519Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INNOVATIVE AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY;REEL/FRAME:032923/0001Oct 25, 2013ASAssignmentFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INNOVATIVE AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY INC.;REEL/FRAME:031614/0209Effective date: 20131024Owner name: S2 PHOTONICS LLC, FLORIDAApr 3, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: INNOVATIVE AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY, INC., FLORIDAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FRANK, DAVID L.;REEL/FRAME:019104/0808Effective date: 20070320Jan 30, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: N.V. ORGANON, NETHERLANDSFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AKZO NOBEL N.V.;REEL/FRAME:018816/0737Effective date: 20070112Jan 25, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: AKZO NOBEL N.V., NETHERLANDSFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WIERINGA, JOHANNES HUBERTUS;VAN DE VEN, ADRIANUS ANTONIUS MARTINUS;KEMPERMAN, GERARDUS JOHANNES;REEL/FRAME:017059/0721;SIGNING DATES FROM 20051130 TO 20051205RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google