Abstract The invention is a detector for detection of concealed explosives, drugs and contraband using x-rays imaging and powder pattern techniques and ultrasonics. In case of inspection of carry-on baggage a combination of computer-aided x-ray transmission imaging and x-ray diffraction analysis is used to screen, confirm and localize threats. The x-ray transmission is used to segregate dense baggage and cargo which are inspected by x-ray backscatter imaging to identify suspicious objects. All suspicious objects are carefully analyzed by x-ray diffraction. In another embodiment a slow processing system uses diffraction for identification of threats and x-ray radiography for localization of the objects. In case of drugs concealed in compartments aboard marine vessels or air crafts a hand-held x-ray system is disclosed which can be used in three modes of operation: x-ray transmission, x-ray backscatter, or x-ray diffraction dependent on the architecture of the compartment. In case of buried mines an oscillating dual-energy x-ray backscatter imaging is used for antipersonnel mines and a combination of x-ray backscatter imaging and prompt gamma detectors is used for antivehicle and antiaircraft mines. Ultrasonic detectors are disclosed for detection of explosives on persons. Also, a tracking system based on bar-code identification system and a central computer is disclosed for baggage.
A method of screening individuals for contraband at security check points, comprising: providing each individual with an identification code; directing the individual through at least a first detection station; detecting the presence of metallic objects with at least one detector at said first detection station; providing comparison images of known contraband in a database; converting signals received from said detector to images indicative of a detected object; processing said detected images and said identification for each individual; comparing said detected images with said comparison images; annunciating the presence of contraband if a match is found; directing the individual to a second detection station; subjecting the individual to ultrasonic interrogation at said second detection station for detecting non-metallic contraband; determining whether irregularities in a body surface of the individual are present; clearing the individual if no irregularities are found; and annunciating the presence of contraband and segregating the individual if irregularities are found.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of screening individuals for contraband at security check points, comprising: providing each individual with an identification code; directing the individual through at least a first detection station; detecting the presence of metallic objects with at least one detector at said first detection station; providing comparison images of known contraband in a database; converting signals received from said detector to images indicative of a detected object; processing said detected images and said identification for each individual; comparing said detected images with said comparison images; annunciating the presence of contraband if a match is found; directing the individual to a second detection station; subjecting the individual to ultrasonic interrogation at said second detection station for detecting non-metallic contraband; determining whether irregularities in a body surface of the individual are present; clearing the individual if no irregularities are found; and annunciating the presence of contraband and segregating the individual if irregularities are found.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of scanning said identification code of said individuals for prerecorded information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein each annunciation includes sounding an audible alarm indicating a cleared or uncleared status for each individual.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3, wherein each annunciation further comprises visual indication of the presence of contraband on each individual.