Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SYSTEM AND METHOD.FOR THE DETECTION, RECORDING Al'3.D REPORTING
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND ILLEGAL ACTI'VITY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]; The invention is a system and method for the detection, recording, and
reporting
of matter and energy related to hazardous and illegal substances in enclosed
and semi-enclosed
spaces. The system and method relate to the early detection of hazardous
materials and illegal
actions commonly associated with criminal and terrorist activities. This
"around-the-clock"
security shield integrates audio, video and sensor detection (passive
deterrence) with real-time
monitoring, communications, and data recording (active deterrence).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]- Most anti-terrorism experts agree that present security rneasures in
the United
States are woefully inadequate. The nagging problem of cargo containers is but
one example.
Thousands of these containers enter U.S. ports every day, and then move by
truck and rail to our
major cities, towns and villages. Manpower requirements and budget woes make
comprehensive
inspections an impossible dream in the minds of those responsible. Lacking the
proper resources
on the one hand, and beset byrtime constraints and togistical problems on the
other hand,
authorities must now content themselves with inspecting only a tiny fraction
of the total'volume
of cargo shipments.
[0003] The overburdened inspection process is further compromised by the
general lack
of security in freight operations. Tnsurance providers for the container
industry report that as
many as 5% of international container movements develop some kind of problem
during transit.
Too often cargo containers are misrouted, stolen, lost, damaged and/or
excessively delayed.
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Generally speaking, these problems represent a hodgepodge of causes, from
sloppy, human error
to devious criminal intent.
[0004] Cargo containers, as a measure of inadequate security, represent only
the tip of
the iceberg. There are other glaring examples, such as rental trucks, truck-
trailers, distribution
centers, railroad cars, and personnel entry points for airports, schools,
buildings, subways, train
stations, sports arenas, concert halls, theme parks, etc. One could go on
citing examples of
security risks but, suffice it to say, the invention was developed to enhance
public security, to
frustrate and prevent criminal and terrorist activity before the intent can be
realized.
[0005] When the invention was in the initial design stage, the primary focus
was the
"wish list" of reporting and detection needs set forth by govemment
authorities and the shipping
industry. Out of that study came the design goal: the creation of a device
that would fivstra.te
criminal and terrorist activity in the making and, at the same time, provide
the shipping and
transportation industry with the means to eliminate many of the oversight
errors that drive up
costs, infuriate shippers, thwart the inspection process, and impose yet
another element of risk on
public security. There will probably never be an absolute public safeguard
but, in the interim,
vigilance and early detection are surely the next best thing, and the
invention provides both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006]= Briefly stated, the system of the invention can function as a
stationary or mobile
recording-reporting device fo.r;the detection of biological agents, toxic
chemicals, dirty bombs,
electromagnetic radiation, human presence, drugs associated with volatile
organic chemicals, and
occasions of negligent oversight.
[00071 The primary component of the system is a solid-state detection unit
housed in a
compact case which may be mounted for mobile or stationary applications. The
detection unit
includes a variety of detectors and sensors, a processor or controller, a
power supply, and
communications interfaces. Units are installed in various locations, and each
unit is in
continuous communication with a monitoring. center via a monitoring system.
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[0008) In its mobile configuration (for use in, e.g., cargo containers,
railroad cars, trucks,
etc.) the case is mounted inside the cargo carrier. A tlxin peel-and-press
solar panel and
embedded antenna array is mounted on the exterior of the =cargo carrier. The
unit is powered by
two independent storage batteries and is equipped with a plug-in interface for
an external battery
charger. The solar panel automatically recharges the batteries. Each unit is
equipped with a
"sleep & stand-by" power saving mode. Multiple detectors in the unit scan the
cargo as it is
loaded into the carrier, and they continue to scan on preset time intervals
after the carrier is
sealed and in transport, monitoring the interior for any buildups or leaks of
hazardous materials.
A GPS unit provides information on the geographic location of the unit. The
antenna array is
used to transmit and receive data to and from a reporting and monitoring
facility.
[0009]' In its stationary configuration (for use in, e.g., warehouses,
distribution centers,
personnel and vehicle entry points, etc.) the detection unit may be shrouded
as appropriate for
the particular application and hardwired for power. In the event of a power
failure, the two
independent storage batteries act as a redundant power supply.
[0010] There is nothing problematic about the individual technologies that the
system
employs. All of the components (sensors, data recorder, GPS system, etc.) are
high quality solid-
state units that are in individual use today. This marriage of proven
technologies, and the
creation of a tamper-proof housing unit with multiple reporting features, will
raise the level of
public security and increase the efficiency of cargo movements on land and
sea, a combination
that has long been needed.~
[0011] The detection unit includes multiple anti-tamper devices within its
casing. If a
detector is damaged the unit will report and record the event; if the antenna
array is disabled, the
master system will report the event and alert authorities. In either instance,
authorities can
access the data recorder at the next checkpoint to determine the extent of the
tampering. If the
unit stops reporting altogether, something is wrong 'and the cargo carrier
will be physically
investigated at the first opportunity.
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[0012]' Detection units can be installed or retrofitted to monitor and
safeguard a wide
variety of cargo carriers and facilities including, for example, the
following: shipping containers,
rental trucks, trailer-trucks, railroad cars, cargo bays and holds, loading
docks, elevators,
warehouses, distribution centers, weigh stations, border checkpoints, storage
facilities and units,
baggage handling facilities, trucking fleets (e.g., commercial delivery
service and private *
delivery fleets), personnel entry points (e.g., to airports, schools,
buildings, subways, train
stations, sports arenas, concert balls), and vehicle entrances to critical
facilities (e.g., power
plants, refineries, nuclear facilities and storage sites, ports, manufacturing
plants, railroad
stations, bus terminals, airports, water reservoirs and purification plants,
dams, and military
installations).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR.AWINGS
[0013] Fig. I depicts a detection unit including the solid-state components
and integrated
circuit board.
[0014]' Fig. 2 illustrates the peel-and-paste solar panel mat with embedded
antennas for
use with a detection unit.
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts the sensors and the types of data that are processed,
recorded and
reported by the detection unit.
[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates the detection unit communication& with controllers
and
authorities.
[00171 Fig. 5 depicts the ways that the detection unit issues event
notifications and then
activates an audio and/or video response upon command from the monitoring
system.
[0018] Fig. 6 shows the monitoring system of the invention implemented on a
wide area
network (WAN) with monitoring centers.
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[0019]: Fig. 7 shows the local area network (LAN) for a monitoring center of
the system.
[0020], Fig. 8 shows a sample controller's screen display at a
monitoring=center:
[00211. Fig. 9 shows a sample event report summary as displayed on portable
computer
screen display for use by a government agency or shipping company.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVEMION
[0022] The central component of the system of the invention is detection
unit=2 as shown
in Fig. 1. An integrated circuit board 4 contains the processor 6, many of the
solid-state
detectors and sensors, and various communications ports which are described in
detail below.
Circuit board 4 and other components of detection unit 2 are mounted in a
housing 8, which is
preferably an aluminum case with dimensions of approximately one foot wide by
four feet long
by one inch thick. If required for a particular application, the dimensions of
housing 8 may be
made smaller.
[0023], Processor 6 controls all of the functions of detection unit 2 and is
conneoted to
receive inputs from the various sensors and detectors. Processor 6 processes
and controls the
storage and transmission of data from detection unit 2. Any suitable
microprocessor or
microcontroller, with appropriate associated interface and memory circuits,
may be used.
Processor 6 is progammed to detect "events" based on inputs from the various
sensors and
detectors, and to generate and transmit a signal to a monitoring center in
response to the
detection of such an event. Processor 6 may also be programmed to aetivate
cameras,
microphones and other devices upon command from the monitoring system.. In
addition,
processor 6 manages the power-saving modes and all other operating parameters
of detection
unit 2.
[0024]; Detection unit 2 is powered by two independent storage batteries 10
a,b and is
equipped with a plug-in interface for an= extemal battery charger (not shown).
Batteries 10 a,b
preferably have a usage life of six months without recharging.
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[00251,. As shown in Fig. 2, an integrated solar panel and antenna array 12 is
provided,
Preferably, panel 12 is a thin, flexible, self-adhesive "peel-and press" solar
cell mat with
embedded antennas 14 a,b. Solar panel and antenna array 12 may eonveniently be
mounted on
the exterior of a mobile cargo container, truck, etc. Solar panel and antenna
arra.y 12 is
connected to circuit board 4 via a cable (not shown) that plugs into
watertight, tamper-proof
connectors 16 a,b and automatically and continuously recharges batteries 10
a,b.
Detectors and Sensors in the Detection Unit
[0026]. A wide variety of sensors and detectors can be included in detection
unit 2, and
the configuration can be varied for the particular application. In a mobile
application, sensors
can be activated periodically and turned off at intervals to conserve power.
In a hard'-wired
stationary application, the sensors may operate continuously. To achieve the
full benefits of the
invention, detection unit 2 preferably includes the following types of
detectors and sensors,
which are preferably solid-state devices mounted on circuit board 4 or, if not
suitable for board
mounting, elsewhere within housing 8 or at the location to be monitored:
[00271 Micro Bomb Detector 18: A"dirty. bomb" consists of low-level
radioactive
material propagated by a conventional explosive. Many radiation detection
devices exist today
but few are able to detect the presence of a dirty bomb. Most Geiger tube
based devices, for
example, improperly report (or fail to report) radiation levels below their
low-level range. And
CDS (cadmium sulphide) based detectors, when not in very close proxinaity to a
dirty bomb, are
too slow to report low levels of radioactivity.
[0028] The invention preferably employs a state-of-the-art micro-bomb detector
18 such
as the Micro Bomb Detector MBD Series 2240 or Electronic Dosimeter DMC 2000XB.
Such
devices can identify the presence of low-level radiation and radioisotopes
associated with dirty
bombs. This type of detector has a solid-state, higli-gain sensor with long
distance range, and an
intelligent microprocessor that processes the amplified signal 67 times a
second, thus controlling
outputs and signal to report ambient radiation levels.
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[00291 Micro-bomb detector 18 serves as a highly tuned early warning system
for dirty
bombs by integrating a solid-state radiation detector, an ultra high-gain
amplifier, and an
intelligent microprocessor to filter out background radiation. The chances of
locating a dirty
bomb or suspicious radioisotopes wiU increase exponentially as micro bomb
detectors begin to
travel throughout our communities and highway system.
[0030]. Multi-Gas Analyzer 20: Detection unit 2 includes a multi-gas analyzer
20 that
detects and identifies chemical agents and toxic industrial chemicals: Gas
analyzer 20 uses.
surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor arrays and electrochemical cells to detect
gases such as:
= VX V-agents
= GA Tabum
= GB Sarin
= GD Soman.
= GF Cyclohexyl Sarin
= HD Mustard
= HN3 Nitrogen Mustard
= AC Hydrogen Cyanide
= CG Phosgene
= Hydride GasesArsine, Diborane, Silane
= Halogen Gases Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine
= Acidic Gases Sulfur Dioxide
[00311 Electromagnetic Itadiation '("EMR") Detector 22: Detection unit 2
includes an
electromagnetic radiation detector 22 that can locate the source of
electromagnetic interference
quickly and reliably. Consisting of a built-in antenna, amplifier and Schottky
barrier detection
diodes, EMR detector 22 can cover a frequency range of 50 Hz to 1500 MHz with
a typical
sensitivity of 2514V/cm (500 IvIHz, far field setting). Detector 22 has three
positions: Qil', High
Sensitivity (far field) and Low Sensitivity (near field). It is ideally suited
for the following
applications:
= Tracing local sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI)
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= EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) pre-testing
= Quick radiation check for transmitters
= Type Broadband radio frequency range (approx. 50 Hz to 1500 MHz)
= Typical sensitivity 25yV/cm (at 500MHz, far field setting)
[0032] Volatile Organic Compound ("VOC") Detector 24: Detection unit 2
includes a
photo-ionization detector 24 that provides linear, part-per-million readings
for many toxic gases
and vapors that are virtually undetectable by any other means. VOC detector 24
can incorporate
substance specific toxic sensors, and it is well suited for the measurement of
volatile organic
compounds such as gasoline, benzene, paint, degreasers, jet fuel, and most
organic solvents.
[0033] VOC detector 24 may also include a gas chromatograph which can, for
example,
analyze benzene in 30 seconds and other organics, such as toluene,
ethlbenzene, and m-xlene
(BTEX), in two minutes. Accuracy is in the parts-per-billion range, which
means that the
photoionization detector can accurately measure low levels of VOCs (0-2000
ppm) without the
annoyance of false alarms that are so prevalent with other "broadband"
sensors. This is an
important feature because many VOCs are toxic at levels well below the
sensitivity of most
multi-gas monitors.
[0034] Video Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with two optical inputs
26 a,b, two
digital inputs for telemetry 28 a,b, and two outputs for control 30 a,b. The
optical inputs 26 and
digital inputs 28 can be used to monitor desired states and conditions, and/or
to trigger alarms.
Video inputs are recorded automatically or by remote trigger under control of
the monitoring
center. One of the digital telemetry inputs 28 may be used to accept an input
from motion
detector 46; upon detecting motion, an event is recorded and video cameras 32
and/or infrared
camera 34 may be activated.
[0035] Upon command (either at an automatic preset interval controlled by
processor 6 or
by a remote real-time check initiated by a controller at a monitoring center),
forward and aft
video/still cameras 32 a,b take single pictures, or live video feed, and
transmit them back to the
controller via optical inputs 26 a,b. In addition, an infrared camera 34 can
be triggered when the
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truck-trailer, container, warehouse or other enclosed space is sealed to
detect for human
presence.
[0036J: Audio Detection: Detection unit - 2 includes a microphone 36. In the
event the
video system is somehow disabled, the controller can trigger microphone 36 and
listen for
movement or voice sounds inside the trailer-truck, contaiti,er, warehouse or
other enclosed space
when it is sealed . If desired, conversations during loading operations can
also be monitored
and/or recorded by the controller at a monitoring center.
[0037J Access Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with one or more
proximity
sensors 38. Each time the doors are opened on the carrier, warehouse or other
enclosed space,
proximity sensor 38 will trigger a digital camera 40 and send an event
transmission to the
monitoring center if the electronic lock mode is ' on". Digital camera 40 acts
as a security
camera, recording events at preset time intervals for so long as the doors of
the space remain
open.
[0038] Location Detection: For mobile applications, detection unit 2 is
equipped with a
global positioning system (GPS) device 42 that provides real-time geogmphic
location reporting
continuously or upon demand. Data from the GPS device 42 is recorded at preset
intervals.
[0039] Humidity Sensor: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a humidity sensor 44
that
records at preset intervals. Humidity sensor 44 sends an event transmission to
the monitoring
center whenever the humidity exceeds the preset limit.
[0040] Interior Motion Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with an
interior motion
detector 46 which will respond to any undue movement (humans moving about,
shifting cargo,
etc.) within the carrier or other enclosed space when it is sealed . Motion
sensor 46, responds by
triggering video cameras 32 and sending an event transmission to the
monitoring center.
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[0041] Temperature Sensor: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a temperature
sensor 48
that records at preset intervals and sends an "event" transmission to the
monitoring center
whenever the temperature exceeds a preset limit.
[0042]' Manifest & Weight Input: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a slot plug
50 that
acts as a scanner interface and a weight mat data input connector. Shippers
and transporters can
upload weight and manifest information into the internal data storage unit, if
they so choose.
[0043] Vibration & Shock Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a
vibration/shock detector 52 which sends an event transmission to the
monitoring center
whenever the shock or vibration impact exceeds the preset limit.
[0044] RFID: Detection unit 2 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID)
device
54 which can automatically identify the unit for inspection via a laptop
computer or hand-held
device. This feature is especially advantageous for inspection at facilities
such as ports, border
stations, highway checkpoints and the like.
[0045] External Detector Input Port: An external detector input port 56
permits the
connection of an external device such as a weighing system, or a video camera
for, e.g.,
inspection of the underside of a vehicle at a vehicle access point. The port
accepts analog or
digital inputs from the external device.
[0046] Air pump: An air pump 58 may be included to provide air samples to
multi-gas
analyzer 20 and VOC detector 24, if necessary. An air pump is not needed for
ambient air
detectors.
[0047] Tamper Detection: Various devices and systems may be incorporated into
detection unit 2 to detect any tempering. For example, if case 8 is opened or
if detection unit 2 is
removed from its installed location an event signal is generated and sent to
the monitoring center.
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REPORTING & DATA RECORDING
[0048] Historical Data Storage: Detection unit 2 is equipped with an intemal
data
storage unit 60: Data storage unit 60 preferably utilizes flash memory, which
is reliable, non-
volatile and consumes little power, but a hard disc drive or the like may also
be used. As shown
in Figs. 3 and 4, data recorded by the sensors, detectors, cameras, microphone
and OPS is routed
by processor 6 to data storage unit 60. The data can be xetained in data
storage unit 60 for at
least 90 days. The stored data will provide a history of GPS locations,
hazardous material
detections, the time and place carrier doors were opened and closed, and any
instances of unit
tampering.
[0049) The recording/reporting system software includes an intelligent data-
logging
capability, which means that shippers and/or transporters can select
particular data for recording
based on time interval, distance and event. The data selected can be
rnaintained in internal data
storage unit 60 for weeks or months.
[0050] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, detection unit 2 includes wireless
transceiver 62 by
which detection unit 2 can maintain continuous contact with the monitoring
system. TransCeivey
62 is also used to upload data to the monitoring system, send event
notifications to the
monitoring centers, and receive commands from a monitoring center, and permits
polling of the
detection unit 2 by the monitoring system.
[0051a-,:.: As shown in Fig. 6, the monitoring system operates on a wide area
network
(WAN) comprising monitoring centers 64a-g, each of which may be assigned to
cover, e.g., a
particular geographic region or type of installation. Although satellite 66 is
shown the WAN
communications may occur by wired or wireless telephone, satellite, or other
means. Each
monitoring center 64 may operate as a local area network (LAI*T) as shown in
Fig. 7. The LAN
includes a server or router 68, a plurality of mainframe computers 70 and user
stations 72, each
including a display 74 for administrators and controllers. The LAN may
communicate with the
WAN via wired and wireless links 76.
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At each monitoring.center 64, mainframe eomputer 70 downloads historical data
from the.
detection units 2. Twenty-four hour logistical and communication support will
be maintained by
monitoring centers 64 and the downloaded data is displayed to keep the
controllers updated.
Controllers may view the status of the individual detection units 2 on
displays 74.
[0052] A typical controller's screen display 78 is shown in Fig. 8. Unit ID's
80 are
displayed for each detection unit 2 monitored by the individual controller.
For each detection
unit 2, various information is displayed, including type of event 82 and
geographic location 84.
Historical location data 86 may also be displayed, and location and movement
may be tracked on
map 88. The controller may access data, cameras and microphones via unit
access buttons 90.
Video and still photographs may be viewed in screen 92.
[0053] When an event is triggered at a detection unit 2 and the data is
transferred via the
WAN to the monitoring center 64, mainframe computer 70 will transfer that
individual detection
unit 2 to a human-controller display 74. An alert with the relevant data may
also be
automatically transmitted to the federal Homeland Security department, another
government
agency, the shipping company or other appropriate authority. The agency or
shipping company
may communicate with the eontroller to determine the cause of the event and
take the proper
action.
[0054]' As stated earlier, should the mainframe computer 70 lose all contact
with a
detection unit 2, the mainfiame computer 70 will automatically "red line" the
unit and notify the
controller. For example, the ID for such a unit may flash on the screen as
shown in Fig. 8. In
such an event, the monitoring centers and their controllers will have access
to Homeland -
Security, the shipping companies and other agencies as required.
[0055j The monitoring system is designed to connect with a wide range of cell
phone
modems, VHF/UHF for digital radios, wireless LAN systems and satellite modems
(ORBCOMM). The two-way communication is based on SMS, GPS or IX data packets.
A cell
phone/LAN transponder may link to a laptop computer or handheld unit, which
allows industry
and/or governxnent officials to obtain fast, accurate readouts of both real-
time and recorded data
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upon demand. This feature is useful for 1aw enforcement personnel doing a spot
check of a
container or facility, or responding to an event signal. It is also useful for
border patrol officers
inspecting a truck at a border crossing, security personnel at a vehicle entry
point to a facility,
and the like. A typical screen display 94 showing event data as seen by the
government agency
or shipping company on a laptop or handheld unit is depicted in Fig. 9. This
display reports the
unit T'D 96, the nature of any event 98, the geographic location of the unit
100, historic location
102, mapping of the locations 104, live video feeds 106 and other pertinent
informa.tion.
[0056] The monitoring system is designed to report on all concernrns that have
been
expressed by government agencies and shipping industry, including the
following:
= Signed ID of carrier and/or container
= Transactions
= Dirty bombs
. Biological agents
= Doors opened/closed
= I,ocation - latitudellongitude/altitade
= Tampering incidents
= Chain of possession
= Electromagnetic radiation
= Human presence
= Presence of drugs associated withVOCs
= Silent and mayday reports.
= Toxic chemicals
= Intrusion detection
= Temperature
= Humidity
= Undue interior motion
[0057] The foregoing is intended to represent one embodiment of the present
invention
and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additional
modifications and
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enhancements of the present invention may be apparent to those of skill in the
art.
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