BG4102U1 - Control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a control system for a load inspection system, as the said control system (1) comprises one or more first sensors (3) for determining the position and /or shape and/ or size of the load (5). )As well as for determining whether the load (5) is to be processed in the load inspection system (2), one or more second sensors (4) for load analysis (5) with respect to radiated electromagnetic fields and / or or heat, as at least one CPU (6), which is configured to evaluate signals from the first and second sensors (3, 4) and to automatically generate a signal for activating the load inspection system (2) based on the evaluation thus made.

Description

(54) CONTROL SYSTEM

BG 4102 UI

Field of technique

The utility model relates to a control system for managing a cargo inspection system. The utility model also relates to a cargo inspection system including said control management system, a scanner for scanning cargo, and a conveyor for transporting cargo inside the scanner. The utility model also relates to examining cargo through a cargo inspection system.

Prior art

Cargo and mail inspection systems that are designed to inspect/scan bulk, containerized, or palletized cargo and mail are well known.

Cargo inspection systems are used to detect prohibited items or to determine whether cargo contains items or substances that are unsuitable for further processing and transportation. Such cargo inspection systems are used, for example, as airport X-ray systems to inspect bulk, containerized or palletized cargo.

As the scanning process requires a visual inspection of each checked load by a suitably trained security officer, the security checkpoints or designated facilities where the scanning process takes place are usually critical passenger, cargo and mail processing locations, e.g. at airports. There, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that in order for the inspection system to perform the checks effectively, it is necessary to correctly position the loads in the scanner of the load inspection system.

Also, cargo must meet certain size and shape requirements to be properly processed by the cargo inspection system. Therefore, additional security personnel are required to give the necessary instructions to the relevant entity responsible for cargo handling during loading onto the conveyor belt of the cargo inspection system. Specified entities responsible for handling cargo may be employees, shipping companies, two air carriers, airport operators, passengers, freight forwarders, airlines, express air cargo or other entities handling cargo.

It is known from the described prior art that if a potentially dangerous device or substance was overlooked by the security officer inspecting the scanned items during the scanning process, this would lead to the possibility of the potentially dangerous cargo being admitted to further processing and ultimately to transportation.

In addition, it is prohibited to transport devices or substances emitting electromagnetic radiation or heat, or may be subject to additional inspection. In both cases, such loads must be removed before reaching the scanner. If such devices or substances are detected during the scanning process, the corresponding cargo must be examined more carefully by a security officer, resulting in additional delays and increased turnaround times.

A fully automated, autonomous scanning process would be needed to improve processing times. However, due to the problems mentioned above, such automation has not yet been achieved in this field.

BG 4102 UI

Technical nature of the utility model

The task of the utility model is to overcome the mentioned problems by implementing a control system for the automated management of existing cargo inspection systems, which facilitates cargo handling using standardized cargo inspection systems.

In this way, a faster process of cargo handling is achieved at the designated locations, e.g. at airports. The proposed control management system provides all the necessary prerequisites for the implementation of an autonomous cargo scanning process.

The utility model presents an implementation of an automated cargo inspection system that enables faster and safer handling of cargo.

The task is solved with a control system for managing a standardized cargo inspection system, including a cargo inspection system, a cargo inspection system consisting of an X-ray scanner for scanning cargo and a conveyor for transporting cargo in the scanner. According to a useful model, the control system further includes one or more first sensors for determining the position and/or shape and/or size of the load to be processed in a load inspection system, one or more second sensors for analyzing the load in terms of of electromagnetic fields and/or heat, and at least one central processor configured to evaluate signals from the first and second sensors and generate a signal to automatically activate the cargo inspection system based on said evaluation, at least one remote camera visual inspection of the position of the load and at least one information display for displaying information related to the handling of the load as real-time feedback providing feedback to personnel or a robotic device.

The inspection system according to the utility model allows for the reliable identification of possible hazards associated with a particular cargo before said cargo is even processed by the scanner of the cargo inspection system. Since an automatic activation signal is only given if the load to be handled meets all the criteria related to its position and/or shape and/or size, a possible mechanical collision of oversized or misplaced loads is thus avoided in the cargo inspection system. Cargo that contains potentially dangerous devices or substances may therefore be pre-removed or separated from further processing without the need to be scanned first, only to find that these items require separate screening by a security officer . In addition, this minimizes the risk of such cargo being allowed to be processed due to human error.

The proposed control system, subject to the utility model, creates the necessary prerequisites for autonomous cargo scanning and processing, where cargoes that do not meet all pre-set criteria can be easily separated from the rest of the cargo flow before the inspection itself. In contrast, loads meeting all relevant criteria, 3

BG 4102 UIs pass automatically. Criteria may relate to the relative placement of the load element in relation to the scanner housing or to certain shapes and sizes of the load to avoid possible impact and/or blocking of the scanner. The criteria may also refer to the presence of hazardous electric and magnetic fields, including heat radiation.

Within the scope of the present utility model, the term cargo includes various types of cargo or mail that may be bulk, containerized, or palletized. In one possible embodiment of the control control system according to the utility model, said one or more first sensors comprise at least one laser sensor for measuring displacement, distance and/or position. In this way, an accurate and reliable determination of the position of the load can be ensured.

In principle, the load can be registered by the first and second sensors even before it is loaded, when it is placed in front of the conveyor of the load inspection system, e.g. on a stationary table, or when placed on a part of the disabled conveyor. In addition, the cargo can be monitored by the sensors during the entire transport time to the scanner of the cargo inspection system.

In a preferred embodiment of the control control system according to the utility model, said one or more second sensors comprise at least one infrared sensor and/or infrared camera for detecting a heat source. In this way, heat sources in the inspected cargo itself can be reliably detected.

In a preferred embodiment of the control control system according to the utility model, said one or more second sensors contain at least one magnetometer for measuring magnetic fields.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the control control system according to the utility model, said one or more second sensors comprise at least one spectrum analyzer for examining radio frequency radiation. With the help of magnetometers, electrostatic sensors and spectrum analyzers, it becomes possible to detect and measure different types of electromagnetic fields emitted by the load. In this way, cargo can automatically be reliably screened for potential security threats even before a scanning process by the cargo inspection system has started. This approach applies an additional level of security to cargo handling.

In one exemplary embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, at least one camera is provided for remote visual inspection of the load.

If the scan carried out by the first and/or second sensor is inconclusive, the remote visual inspection of the load is carried out via the camera. Unlike the state of the art, said inspection is not necessarily performed by an on-site security officer, but may conveniently be performed by specialized personnel off-site. In addition, said camera enables automated analysis of the load by means of image recognition systems. Either way, said camera is also suitable for determining the physical dimensions of the load to be processed.

BG 4102 UI

In one embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, at least one optical character reader (OCR) is provided for handling cargo documents associated with the cargo. This enables automated processing of basic and additional documents accompanying cargo shipments, e.g. cargo documents. Preferably, such OCR detection is performed even before the control system begins to scan the load using its first and second sensors to prevent further processing of loads that are not intended for processing. For example, permission to place cargo on the conveyor of the cargo inspection system and can be given only in case of approval of the relevant documents; if desired, this approval may be visualized on the control system display or otherwise communicated to the person or device placing the load on the conveyor.

In addition, the data contained in the OCR scanned documents can be used to obtain an even more comprehensive data set associated with a cargo.

In one embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, at least one information display is provided for displaying information related to cargo handling. By means of said display, various information related to the preliminary check performed by the control system and/or the scanning process performed by the scanner of the cargo inspection system can be visualized. For example, the results of the OCR scanning process of cargo documents, permission to load cargo on the conveyor after the completion of the preliminary inspection by the control system, or information whether a cargo is approved for further processing after the scanning process is completed by the scanner of the inspection system of the cargo.

Alternatively or additionally, the control system may include means for generating light or sound signals indicating information related to the placement process or the handling of the load.

In one embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, communication means are provided for sending and receiving data related to cargo handling. In this way, the control system can exchange various data with other devices or systems, in particular with the cargo inspection system in which the control system is integrated. Preferably, the control management system is in communication with a data collection and consolidation server and/or with a remote data center, taking care of analysis and evaluation of the consolidated data and can also provide feedback signals to the system for control and/or directly to a cargo inspection system.

In addition, said central processing unit of the control system may be configured to process signals from the remote data center.

In one embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, the central processor includes a 1oT device that allows the control system to be integrated into a 1oT network so that data exchange with other network participants is easily accomplished. In this context, 1oT should be considered as a computer network of physical objects with built-in electronic devices for interaction with each other or with the external environment, including a variety of Industrial Internet Network (INET).

BG 4102 UI

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected electronic devices, electromechanical and digital machines that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without the need for human-human or human-computer interaction. The Industrial Internet (IoT) refers to interconnected sensors, instruments, and other devices connected in a communication network performing various industrial applications, including in energy generation and management.

In a variant embodiment of the control system according to the utility model, the control control system is implemented as a frame element, which is preferably integrally formed. This facilitates the integration of the utility model control system into existing cargo inspection systems. Preferably, all components of the control management system are integrated into said frame element; alternatively, all or some components, e.g. individual sensors can also be attached to/or integrated into other parts of the cargo inspection system, such as the scanner or conveyor. The frame element can be implemented as a stand-alone closed or open frame, which can preferably be integrated into the load inspection system so as to enclose the conveyor. Alternatively, the control system may be implemented as one or more stand-alone ladders located next to the conveyor.

A variant embodiment of the control system according to the utility model consists of a modified cargo inspection system including: the control control system according to the utility model, an X-ray scanner for scanning cargo and a conveyor for transporting cargo into a scanner, such as the system for cargo inspection is preferably implemented as an x-ray cargo inspection system.

As this cargo inspection system incorporating the cargo control system described above, it will benefit from the advantages provided by the control system mentioned above. In particular, an autonomous scanning process can be performed by the cargo inspection system, as unsuitable or potentially dangerous cargo that does not meet certain pre-set criteria will not be allowed to be loaded on the conveyor or scanned by the scanner of the inspection system. cargo inspection. Additionally, such cargo inspection systems allow for remote inspection and assessment of cargo to be handled.

In one embodiment of the load inspection system according to the utility model, the control control system is located above the conveyor. As a result, the load may be subject to a preliminary inspection performed by the control system before or when it is placed on the conveyor. Pre-inspection preferably begins before said cargo is loaded onto the conveyor. In many cases, a fixed stand is provided in front of the conveyor where the preliminary inspection can take place. Alternatively, especially within the scope of fully automated cargo handling systems, the pre-check may also be performed while the cargo item is being held by an automated device, such as a robot responsible for loading the cargo loads onto the conveyor.

BG4102 UI

In one embodiment of the cargo inspection system according to the utility model, a distribution server is provided to collect and consolidate data from the control system as well as from the scanner. This distribution server is included in the cargo inspection system and together with the cargo inspection system are part of a common network. This facilitates the processing of data remote from the cargo inspection system. Data collected during pre-checking or cargo scanning can be sent to the distribution server for consolidation and preparation for further data processing.

In one embodiment of the automated cargo inspection system according to the utility model, the cargo inspection system further includes a remote data center for analyzing consolidated data and/or data from the control management system. The remote data center is connected to the cargo inspection system because the remote data center and the cargo inspection system are part of a common communication network. Therefore, the complex process of data analysis can be outsourced to a remote data center, and apart from the pre-inspection assessment, the cargo inspection system only needs to process the results of this analysis. As a result of the analysis of the consolidated data and/or data from the control system, the scanned cargoes may proceed further in the cargo processing cycle and/or be loaded onto an aircraft for transport.

It is appropriate to note that said central processing unit of the control management system may also be configured to evaluate signals from the remote data center.

Explanation of the attached figure

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the control system according to the utility model will be presented with the aid of the accompanying drawing as follows:

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a management control system as well as a cargo inspection system.

An example implementation of the utility model

According to the utility model of FIG. 1 shows a management control system 1 with a cargo inspection system 2. The management control system 1 is implemented as an independent frame element 10, which is arranged to cover a conveyor 11 of the cargo inspection system 2. The control system for control 1 may also be called ARC.

The control management system 1 includes first sensors 3 for determining the position and/or shape and/or size of cargo 5 to be processed in the cargo inspection system 2, as well as second sensors 4, whose purpose is to perform an analysis of the position of the load 5 with respect to the electromagnetic fields; some of these sensors 3, 4 are integrated directly into the frame element 10, some other sensors 3, 4 can be attached to or integrated into other elements of the load inspection system 2. e.g. the scanner 12.

In addition, the control system 1 includes a camera 7 for remote visual inspection of the position of the cargo 5, an optical symbol reader 8 for processing cargo documents 15. related to the cargo 5 and an information display 9 for visualizing information relevant to the processing 7

BG 4102 UI of the cargo 5. The camera 7 and the optical character reader 8 can be attached to or integrated into other elements of the cargo inspection system 2, e.g. the scanner 12.

The control system according to the utility model works as follows.

When the load 5 is placed on the conveyor 11, which at that moment is stationary, a preliminary inspection of the load 5 is performed by the control management system 1. Alternatively, if the conveyor 11 were to move, the load 5 would be positioned on a stationary preparation area, for example on a table located directly in front of the conveyor 11. The preliminary inspection includes analyzing the load 5 with respect to the electromagnetic fields emitted by it by means of the second sensors 4. as well as determining the position and/or shape and/or size of the load 5 using the first sensors 3. The results of the measurements are evaluated by a central processor 6 of the control management system 1.

If the evaluation meets predetermined processing criteria, then an activation signal is generated for further processing of the cargo 5 in the cargo inspection system 2. Said activation signal directly or indirectly leads to the activation of the conveyor 11 and transportation of the cargo 5 in the scanner 12 of the cargo inspection system 2. When in the scanner 12, the cargo 5 is scanned, for example using an X-ray scanner. When the control management system generates an activation signal that is sent to the cargo inspection system 2, the data used and generated by the evaluation of the measurements of the pre-check sensors is sent to the distribution server 13. The distribution server 13 collects and consolidates data , related to the load position 5 and prepares said data for further processing. After the scanner 12 completes the cargo scanning process 5, the data generated by the scanner 12. for example, X-ray images, is sent to the distribution server 13 for further consolidation with the evaluation data and, if applicable, the cargo data generated by the reader of characters 8.

Subsequently, the consolidated data set is sent to a remote data center 14 where it is analyzed and evaluated. Based on this process, automatic feedback signals are sent to the control system 1 and/or to the cargo inspection system 2, indicating permission or prohibition for further processing and transportation of the cargo 5.

Control system

Cargo inspection system

First sensors

Second sensors

Cargo

Central processor

Camera

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

Information display (screen)

Mounted frame element

Conveyor for transporting goods

BG 4102 UI

Scanner (e.g. X-ray)

Distribution server

Remote data center

Cargo documents 5.

Claims (1)

A control control system for automatically starting an autonomous scanning process, comprising a cargo inspection system consisting of an X-ray scanner for scanning loads and a conveyor for transporting loads into the scanner, characterized in that said control system (1) includes: - one or more first load sensors (3) to be processed by the known load inspection system (2); - one or more second sensors (4) for preliminary inspection, analyzing the load (5) in relation to the emission of dangerous electromagnetic fields, and - at least one central processor (6), which is configured to evaluate signals from the first and second sensors ( 3, 4) and for generating a signal for activating the autonomous scanning process performed by the known load inspection system (2) based on said evaluation; - at least one camera (7) for remote visual inspection of the load and - at least one information display (9) for displaying information related to the processing of the load position (5) as real-time feedback feedback. with staff or with a robotic device