WO2011152891A2 - Passenger scanning systems for detecting contraband - Google Patents

Passenger scanning systems for detecting contraband Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011152891A2
WO2011152891A2 PCT/US2011/023495 US2011023495W WO2011152891A2 WO 2011152891 A2 WO2011152891 A2 WO 2011152891A2 US 2011023495 W US2011023495 W US 2011023495W WO 2011152891 A2 WO2011152891 A2 WO 2011152891A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
passenger
current
sensor
scanning system
accordance
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/023495
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011152891A9 (en
WO2011152891A3 (en
Inventor
Christopher W. Crowley
Erik Edmund Magnuson
Alejandro Bussandri
Yotam Margalit
Hector Robert
Original Assignee
Morpho Detection, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/820,457 external-priority patent/US20110187535A1/en
Application filed by Morpho Detection, Inc. filed Critical Morpho Detection, Inc.
Priority to GB1213528.1A priority Critical patent/GB2489880A/en
Priority to CN2011800169033A priority patent/CN102884449A/zh
Priority to CA2788511A priority patent/CA2788511A1/en
Publication of WO2011152891A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011152891A2/en
Publication of WO2011152891A9 publication Critical patent/WO2011152891A9/en
Publication of WO2011152891A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011152891A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/44—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
    • G01R33/441—Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance [NQR] Spectroscopy and Imaging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N24/00—Investigating or analyzing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects
    • G01N24/08—Investigating or analyzing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects by using nuclear magnetic resonance
    • G01N24/084—Detection of potentially hazardous samples, e.g. toxic samples, explosives, drugs, firearms, weapons

Definitions

  • the embodiments described herein relate generally to inspection systems used to inspect a person and, more particularly, to an inspection system configured to inspect a person for a target material.
  • TSA Transportation Security Administration
  • a carrier such as an aircraft
  • contraband such as concealed weapons, explosives, and/or other contraband
  • the TSA requires that all passengers be screened and/or inspected prior to boarding the carrier.
  • Trace detection systems may detect and analyze particles and/or substances derived from a person to determine if the person has been in proximity to contraband items. However, such systems may not detect a contraband item concealed beneath multiple layers of clothing or inside a body cavity.
  • passengers arriving at the airport terminal are subjected to whole body imaging.
  • Whole body imaging systems such as millimeter-wave (MMW) and X-ray backscatter (XRB) systems, provide a picture of articles that might be hidden under clothing. However, the whole body imaging systems may not be able to detect all articles.
  • MMW millimeter-wave
  • XRB X-ray backscatter
  • NQR nuclear quadrupolar resonance
  • the NQR sensors operate to detect contraband objects in or on the passenger's shoes, socks, or articles of clothing.
  • such devices are most effective at detecting contraband located at lower extremities of the passenger.
  • at least some known inspection systems utilizing inductive sensors have employed various techniques for shielding the system from external noise.
  • One technique is to completely enclose the sensor in an electrically connected and grounded box.
  • Another technique which is commonly used for NQR sensors is to position the sensor within an enclosure having a wave-guide tunnel positioned at the entrance and exit to the inspection system. While such configurations have enjoyed considerable success in many respects, their use has been limited for inspecting humans since some people are wary or uncomfortable about having to walk and stand in confined spaces.
  • one known checkpoint system first screens passengers with a whole-body walk-through metal detector (WTMD).
  • WTMD walk-through metal detector
  • a wanding station which is a physical structure that controls the progress of the passenger.
  • the passenger may be considered a threat.
  • his or her mobility is controlled by the structure of the wanding station.
  • a security officer can use a metal detection wand to perform a localized scan of the passenger's body to resolve the alarm.
  • a QR sensor or a QR wand has limitations involving dynamic range, for example, as well as motion of an RFI reference relative to the QR sensor. Also, such an approach is theoretically limited in the case of multiple sources of RFI, which might occur in an airport setting.
  • the QR wand may also be limited with respect to sweeping scans in which whole portions of a passenger's body or the ground are to be scanned by sweeping the QR wand.
  • known QR wands are generally operated at or near an ambient temperature of the venue, which limits the accuracy of data obtained with such QR wands.
  • known QR wands are generally operated at a nominal operating frequency that is associated with the room temperature of the venue, which may limit the accuracy of data obtained with such QR wands. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a QR sensor system that overcomes the difficulties associated with the known QR wand.
  • Implanted medical devices are designed to be as small and light as possible, while maintaining the longest possible battery life. Accordingly, such medical devices use very low power electronics, which implies low voltage operation and limited frequency response for the active components (e.g. op amps). The combination of low voltage operation and limited frequency response can lead to increased susceptibility to high frequency overload of the active components which then interferes with the proper functioning of the overall device.
  • very low power electronics implies low voltage operation and limited frequency response for the active components (e.g. op amps).
  • the combination of low voltage operation and limited frequency response can lead to increased susceptibility to high frequency overload of the active components which then interferes with the proper functioning of the overall device.
  • a passenger scanning system includes a passenger screening area configured for a person to enter, and a shield surrounding at least a portion of the passenger screening area, wherein the shield is configured to reduce a radio frequency interference within the passenger screening area.
  • the system also includes one or more sensors each positioned in the passenger screening area at a height configured to be proximate one or more of an abdominal, groin and pelvic region of the entered person, wherein the one or more sensors is configured to generate a signal in response to a target substance located in the one or more of the abdominal, groin and pelvic region.
  • a passenger scanning system includes at least one wall and a platform coupled to the wall to define a chair configured to support a person.
  • the system also includes a detection system comprising at least one inductive sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field of the person indicative of a presence of a target substance.
  • a passenger scanning system in another aspect, includes a first sidewall, and a second sidewall positioned opposite the first sidewall, such that a passage is defined along a medial plane of the passenger scanning system and between the first and second sidewalls.
  • the system also includes a first current branch positioned within the passage and on a first side of the medial plane, and a second current branch positioned within the passage and on a second side of the medial plane opposing the first side, wherein the first current branch and the second current branch have anti-symmetric current flow.
  • the system also includes a safety device configured to limit undesirable heat generation within the passenger scanning system.
  • a screening device in another aspect, includes a transmission coil that is configured to apply radio frequency (RF) energy into a region of interest of a passenger at a frequency that is associated with a normal human body temperature, and a reception coil that is configured to detect an energy perturbation in response to the RF energy representative of a medical device on or within the passenger.
  • RF radio frequency
  • Figure 1 shows an abdomen scanner system that includes a passenger screening area.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of an abdomen scanner system incorporated as part of a passenger screening system.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of an abdomen scanner system incorporated as part of a passenger screening system.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of an abdomen scanner system incorporated as part of a passenger screening system.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative abdomen scanner system.
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the abdomen scanner system shown in
  • Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electrical architecture that may be used with the abdomen scanner system shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary inductive sensor that may be used with the abdomen scanner system shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • Figures 9, 10, and 11 are perspective, side, and end-views, respectively, of a lower extremity scanner system.
  • Figure 12 is an end-view of the scanner system shown in Figures 9- 11, with the inductive sensor omitted to show the sensor housing.
  • Figures 13A and 13B are schematic views depicting primary electrical components of an inductive sensor that may be used with the scanner system shown in Figures 9-12.
  • Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figures 9-11, with the inductive sensor positioned within the sensor housing.
  • Figures 15A and 15B are schematic views depicting primary electrical components of an alternative inductive sensor that may be used with the scanner system shown in Figures 9-12.
  • Figures 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the scanner system shown in Figures 9-11 including the inductive sensor shown in Figures 15A and 15B.
  • Figures 17A and 17B are schematic views depicting primary electrical components of another alternative inductive sensor.
  • Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the scanner system shown in Figures 9-11 including the inductive sensor shown in Figures 17A and 17B.
  • Figure 19 is an end-view of the scanner system shown in Figures 9- 11 , including an optional metal detector.
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternative lower extremity scanner system that is adapted for use in a multi-sensor inspection system.
  • Figures 21 and 22 are perspective and end-views, respectively, of a multi-sensor inspection system.
  • Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-sensor inspection system shown in Figures 21 and 22 taken along line 15-15 in Figure 22.
  • Figures 24, 25, and 26 are perspective, side, and end-views, respectively, of an alternative lower extremity scanner system.
  • Figure 27 is a top-view of a portion of the scanner system shown in Figures 24-26, showing a relative positioning of a left current branch and a right current branch.
  • Figure 28 is a side-view of the inductive sensor shown in Figures
  • Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the scanner system shown in Figures 24-26.
  • Figure 30 is block diagram of a system which may be implemented to control, manage, operate, and monitor the various inspection and detection systems shown in Figures 9-29.
  • Figures 31, 32, and 33 are perspective, top, and end-views, respectively, of a walkthrough detection portal including a quadrupole (QR) inspection system.
  • QR quadrupole
  • Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the walkthrough detection portal shown in Figures 31-33 taken along line 26-26 in Figures 33.
  • Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a shoe scanner system incorporated as part of a passenger scanning system.
  • Figure 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shoe scanner system incorporated as part of a passenger scanning system.
  • Figure 37 is a perspective view of a wanding station that may be used to scan a person for a target substance.
  • Figure 38 is an enlarged partial view of the wanding station shown in Figure 37 taken at area 38.
  • Figure 39 is a top plan view of the wanding station shown in Figure
  • Figure 40 is a side view of the wanding station shown in Figure 39 taken at line 5-5.
  • Figure 41 is a top plan view of an alternative wanding station.
  • Figure 42 is a side view of the wanding station shown in Figure 41 taken at line 7-7.
  • Figure 43 is a perspective view of a wand that may be used with the wanding station shown in Figures 41 and 42.
  • Figure 44 is a perspective view of a gantry that may be used with the wanding station shown in Figures 37-39 and/or the wanding station shown in Figures 41 and 42.
  • Figure 45 is a schematic view of a trace detection system that may be used with the wanding station shown in Figures 37-39 and/or the wanding station shown in Figures 41 and 42.
  • Figure 46 is schematic top view of an exemplary inspection checkpoint.
  • Figure 47 shows an exemplary screening device that may be used with the inspection checkpoint shown in Figure 46.
  • Figure 48 is a schematic view of an exemplary electrical architecture of the screening device shown in Figure 47.
  • Figure 49 is a schematic view of an exemplary interaction between the screening device shown in Figure 47 and a passenger.
  • Figure 50 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of screening a passenger.
  • Described herein are scanner systems that include inductive sensors positioned to find contraband located in or near a passenger's body.
  • embodiments of the scanner system can detect contraband concealed in a passenger's abdominal, pelvic and/or groin area, such as between the passenger's legs or inside a body cavity.
  • contraband refers to illegal substances, explosives, narcotics, weapons, a threat object, and/or any other material that a person is not allowed to possess in a restricted area, such as an airport.
  • embodiments of the scanner system can detect contraband positioned near the passenger's feet or in the passenger's shoes.
  • Figures 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of an abdomen scanner system for use in detecting contraband positioned within or near a passenger.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an abdomen scanner system 100 that includes a passenger screening area 102.
  • a passenger 104 to be scanned is located within passenger screening area 102.
  • One or more sensors 106 are positioned at a height expected to approximate the height of the abdomen of an average passenger.
  • Each sensor 106 may be implemented using any type of inductive sensor, including an NQR sensor, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor, a metal detection sensor, and the like.
  • NQR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • metal detection sensor and the like.
  • various embodiments will be described with reference to the sensor 106 implemented as an NQR sensor, but such description is equally applicable to other types of inductive sensors.
  • a height of the one or more sensors 106 is adjustable to match the abdominal height of each passenger 104.
  • the abdominal height is defined as a distance that extends approximately between the passenger's knee and chest.
  • shielding 108 is located around passenger screening area 106 to increase a signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Shielding 108 may include conductive plates connecting a floor (not shown) and a ceiling (not shown) in passenger screening area 106.
  • a characteristic length Ri of shielding 108 is less than a characteristic length R 2 of shielding 108.
  • sensors 106 are operated at or near a normal human body temperature, i.e., approximately 37.0 °C. In some embodiments, however, sensors 106 are operated within a range of the normal human body temperature, such as plus or minus approximately six degrees Celsius. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, sensors 106 are operated at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature. In some embodiments, however, sensors 106 are operated within a range of operating frequencies that is associated with a range of temperatures that includes the normal human body temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the operating frequency of sensors 106 is shifted by approximately 100 Hz per degree Celsius. Moreover, in some embodiments, the operating frequency of sensors 106 is shifted inversely with respect to temperature.
  • the operating frequency of sensors 106 decreases as the temperature increases.
  • the operating frequency of sensors 106 is controlled by an operator at control system 110.
  • sensors 106 are capable of operating at multiple frequencies. For example, sensors 106 may be operated initially in a safe mode, using a lower power, to detect a medical device, and may then be operated in a detection mode, using a higher power, to detect contraband.
  • each sensor 106 may provide radio frequency excitation signals and pick up resulting signals that indicate the presence of contraband.
  • each sensor 106 may be an NQR sensor that provides radio frequency excitation signals at a frequency generally corresponding to a predetermined, characteristic NQR frequency of the target contraband substance.
  • Each sensor 106 that is an NQR sensor also may act as a pick-up coil to detect any resulting NQR signals emanating from contraband concealed by passenger 104. These signals may be communicated to any suitable computing device for processing and analysis.
  • Abdomen scanner system 100 thus may use safe, non-ionizing radiation to target specific chemical components of contraband.
  • Each sensor 106 may be implemented using two antisymmetric current branches 112 and 114.
  • the term "anti-symmetric" refers to the condition in which current flows through current branch 112 of sensor 106 in a direction substantially opposite the direction of current flow through current branch 114, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1.
  • the anti-symmetric current flow produces counter-directed magnetic fields that are well-attenuated and have a topography that is especially suited for examination of the proximately positioned abdominal area of passenger 104, including body cavities.
  • the one or more sensors 106 include two sensors 106 located opposite each other in passenger screening area 102, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the one or more sensors 106 include two sensors 106 located between zero and 180 degrees apart from each other (not shown) in passenger screening area 102. These arrangements of two sensors 106 have the effect of reducing a susceptibility of abdomen scanner system 100 to radio frequency interference and targeting a sensitivity of abdomen scanner system 100 to the abdominal region of interest. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more sensors 106 have current branch 112 and current branch 114 located closer together than in traditional inductive sensors to create a smaller, more locally focused coil system that has a higher signal to noise ratio than traditional inductive sensors.
  • FIGs 2 and 3 illustrate alternative embodiments of the abdomen scanner system shown in Figure 1, wherein abdomen scanner system 100 is incorporated as part of a passenger screening system 116.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view
  • Figure 3 is a top view of abdomen scanner system 100 incorporated as part of a passenger screening system 116, including a MMW whole body imaging system 118.
  • passenger screening system 116 is shown as including a MMW whole body imaging system 118, it may also or alternatively include one or more of an XRB whole body imaging system, a trace detection system, a metal detector system, a wand detector system, or other passenger screening device.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 is shown as being physically integrated into MMW whole body imaging system 118, but in alternative embodiments abdomen scanner system 100 may be at a separate location from some or all other systems within passenger screening system 116.
  • Passenger 104 stands within passenger screening area 102. Passenger screening area 102 is surrounded by shielding 108. As shown in Figure 2, shielding 108 may be at least partially composed of semi-transparent material to reduce a perception by passenger 104 of confinement. In some embodiments, shielding 108 includes an aluminum honeycomb structure. [0068] MMW whole body imaging system 118 is located between shielding 108 and passenger 104. MMW whole body imaging system 118 is configured to provide a picture of articles that might be hidden under clothing of passenger 104. Inside MMW whole body imaging system 118 are one or more sensors 106 each including a current branch 112 and current branch 114.
  • Sensors 106 are located proximate passenger 104 in order to increase a sensitivity of abdomen scanner system 100 and limit an interference of MMW whole body imaging system 118 with sensors 106.
  • sensors 106 are located between MMW whole body imaging system 118 and passenger 104, in some embodiments sensors 106 produce only a small "shadow,” or obscured area, in a whole body image produced by MMW whole body imaging system 118, because of a compact size of sensors 106.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 may be integrated with MMW whole body imaging system 118 to reduce a footprint of passenger screening area 102.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 operates simultaneously with MMW whole body imaging system 118.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 may be integrated with MMW whole body imaging system 118 to reduce a time required to screen passenger 104 for contraband.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 operates in sequence with MMW whole body imaging system 118.
  • Figure 4 is another alternative embodiment of the abdomen scanner system shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of abdomen scanner system 100 incorporated as part of a passenger screening system 116, including an XRB whole body imaging system 120.
  • Passenger 104 stands within passenger screening area 102.
  • Sensors 106 are located proximate passenger 104 in order to increase a sensitivity of abdomen scanner system 100 and limit an interference of XRB whole body imaging system 120 with sensors 106.
  • sensors 106 are located between XRB whole body imaging system 120 and passenger 104, in some embodiments sensors 106 produce only a small "shadow,” or obscured area, in a whole body image produced by XRB whole body imaging system 120, because of a compact size of sensors 106.
  • shielding 108 is sufficiently thin to be located between passenger 104 and XRB whole body imaging system 120 without degrading a quality of an image produced by XRB whole body imaging system 120.
  • shielding 108 is equivalent to a thick sheet of aluminum foil.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 may be integrated with XRB whole body imaging system 120 to reduce a footprint of passenger screening area 102.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 operates simultaneously with XRB whole body imaging system 120.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 may be integrated with XRB whole body imaging system 120 to reduce a time required to screen passenger 104 for contraband.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 operates in sequence with XRB whole body imaging system 120.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an abdomen system 100
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the alternative abdomen scanner system 100.
  • system 100 includes at least one modality 122 for use as an explosive and/or narcotics detection system.
  • system 100 also includes a second modality (not shown) for use as a metal detection system. Examples of the second modality include, but are not limited to only including, millimeter wave imaging technologies, backscatter imaging technologies, or trace detection technologies.
  • system 100 also includes at least one computer (not shown in Figures 5 and 6), and a communications bus (not shown in Figures 5 and 6) that couples modality 122 and the computer.
  • the bus enables operator commands and inputs to be input into the computer and to be communicated to modality 122. Moreover, the bus enables output, such as detection data, generated by modality 122 to be communicated to the computer for analysis.
  • the computer includes one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable components or instructions stored thereon for performing the operations described herein.
  • modality 122 and the computer are provided in a single housing or chair 124.
  • modality 122 and the computer are separately housed, for example, to prevent tampering.
  • modality 122 is provided within chair 124.
  • system 100 includes a first wall 126 having a first end 128 and a second end 130, and a second wall 132 that is positioned substantially parallel to first wall 126 and includes a first end 134 and a second end 136.
  • First wall 126 and second wall 132 are each formed with an arcuate shape that has a radius that approximates a height of each wall 126 and 132.
  • system 100 includes a third wall 138 that is positioned substantially perpendicular to first and second walls 126 and 132 and extends from second end 130 to second end 136. Further, system 100 includes a fourth wall 140 that is positioned substantially parallel to third wall 138. Fourth wall 140 extends between first and second walls 126 and 132, and is positioned between first ends 128 and 134 and second ends 130 and 136. System 100 also includes a floor 142 that extends between first and second walls 126 and 132. Floor 142 also extends from first ends 128 and 134 towards fourth wall 140.
  • system 100 also includes a platform 144 that extends between first and second walls 126 and 132, and between third and fourth walls 138 and 140 such that platform 144 is positioned parallel to floor 142.
  • platform 144 includes an inductive sensor device (not shown in Figures 5 and 6), which is described in greater detail below.
  • First wall 126, second wall 132, and third wall 138 define an opening that enables a passenger to enter and exit chair 124 through the same opening.
  • first wall 126, second wall 132, third wall 138, and platform 144 define chair 124 to enable a passenger to sit during a scan.
  • first wall 126, second wall 132, and third wall 138 are integrally formed to define chair 124 in conjunction with platform 144.
  • first wall 126, second wall 132, and third wall 138 may form a substantially arcuate shape, such as a parabolic shape.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electrical architecture 146 of abdomen scanner system 100.
  • abdomen scanner system 100 includes modality 122, which is embodied using a quadrupole resonance (QR) detection system 148.
  • System 100 also includes a computer 150 and an alarm 152 that is coupled to QR detection system 148 and computer 150 via a communications bus 154.
  • QR detection system 148 includes a radio frequency (RF) subsystem including an RF source 156, a pulse programmer and RF gate 158, and an RF power amplifier 160.
  • RF radio frequency
  • RF source 156, pulse programmer and RF gate 158, and RF power amplifier 160 generate a plurality of RF pulses at a predefined frequency that are applied to a coil, such as an inductive sensor 162.
  • a communication network 164 transmits the RF pulses from RF source 156, pulse programmer and RF gate 158, and RF power amplifier 160 to inductive sensor 162.
  • Communication network 164 also transmits the RF pulses to from inductive sensor 162 to an RF detector 166.
  • FIG 8 is a schematic illustration of inductive sensor 162.
  • inductive sensor 162 is positioned in a recessed region (not shown) of platform 144 (shown in Figure 1).
  • inductive sensor 162 includes two anti-symmetrical current branches, namely a first current branch 168 and a second current branch 170, that are located on opposite sides of a medial plane 172 of abdomen scanner system 100.
  • Each current branch 168 and 170 conducts current in a substantially parallel path to first and second walls 126 and 132 (both shown in Figure 5).
  • current flows through first current branch 168 in a first direction 174, and flows through second current branch 170 in a second direction 176 that is opposite first direction 174.
  • inductive sensor 162 operated at or near a normal human body temperature, i.e., approximately 37.0 °C, as described above. In some embodiments, however, inductive sensor 162 is operated within a range of the normal human body temperature, such as plus or minus approximately six degrees Celsius. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, inductive sensor 162 is operated at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature.
  • inductive sensor 162 is coupled to the RF subsystem, which provides electrical excitation signals to current branches 168 and 170.
  • the RF subsystem uses a variable frequency RF source to provide RF excitation signals at a frequency that generally corresponds to a predefined, characteristic nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) frequency of a target substance.
  • NQR nuclear quadrupole resonance
  • the RF excitation signals generated by the RF subsystem are introduced to the passenger, including the lower abdomen and pelvic regions and/or the upper legs of the passenger, when the passenger is seated on platform 144.
  • inductive sensor 162 functions as a pickup coil for NQR signals generated by the passenger, thereby providing an NQR output signal that may be sampled to determine the presence of a target substance, such as an explosive material or other target substance, utilizing computer 150 (shown in Figure 7).
  • a target substance such as an explosive material or other target substance
  • inductive sensor 162 utilizes an electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shield to facilitate shielding sensor 162 from external noise and interference, and/or to facilitate inhibiting RFI from escaping from QR detection system 148 during the screening process.
  • EMI/RFI electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference
  • walls 126, 132, 138, and 140 (each shown in Figure 5) perform RF shielding for inductive sensor 162.
  • walls 126, 132, 138, and 140 are electrically coupled to each other, to floor 142 (shown in Figure 5), and to platform 144 to form an RF shield.
  • each of walls 126, 132, 138, and 140, floor 142, and platform 144 are fabricated from a suitably conductive material, such as aluminum or copper.
  • walls 126, 132, 138, and 140, floor 142, and platform 144 maybe integrally formed or may be coupled together, such as welded together.
  • first current branch 168 includes an upper conductive element 178 and a lower conductive element 180, which are separated by a non-conductive region.
  • second current branch 170 includes an upper conductive element 182 and a lower conductive element 184, which are separated by a non-conductive region.
  • First and second current branches 168 and 170 collectively define inductive sensor 162, and may be formed from any suitable conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper and/or aluminum.
  • Upper and lower conductive elements 178 and 180 are electrically coupled via a fixed- value resonance capacitor 186 and a tuning capacitor 188, which, in one embodiment, is a switched capacitor that is used to vary a tuning capacitance of inductive sensor 162.
  • Upper and lower conductive elements 182 and 184 are similarly situated.
  • first current branch 168 and second current branch 170 in a counter-clockwise direction, as shown by arrow 190. Accordingly, during operation, current flows through first current branch 168 in a first direction, and flows through second current branch 170 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
  • the current flows in such a manner due to different arrangements of positive and negative conductive elements in each current branch 168 and 170.
  • upper conductive element 178 is a positive conductive element and lower conductive element 180 is a negative conductive element.
  • upper conductive element 182 is a negative conductive element and lower conductive element 184 is a positive conductive element.
  • first and second current branches 168 and 170 are electrically coupled via a sensor housing.
  • a passenger sits in abdomen scanner system 100 such that one side of the passenger is positioned over first current branch 168, and a second side of the passenger is positioned over second current branch 170 such that the passenger is bisected by medial plane 172.
  • current is directed oppositely through current branches 168 and 170 such that the current flows from a passenger back side to a passenger front side along first current branch 168, and flows from the passenger front side to the passenger back side along second current branch 170.
  • the embodiments described herein allow focused detection of contraband concealed in areas that may be difficult to examine using other screening methods, including a passenger's abdominal, pelvic and/or groin area, such as between the passenger's legs or inside a body cavity.
  • the embodiments described herein use safe, non-ionizing radiation to target specific chemical components of contraband.
  • the embodiments described above can be combined with other passenger screening systems. As a result, a detection of contraband is improved and a time and area required for screening each passenger is reduced.
  • Figures 9-11 are perspective, side, and end-views, respectively, of a lower extremity scanner system 200.
  • System 200 is shown embodied as a walkthrough shoe scanner and includes left wall 202 and right wall 204.
  • Inductive sensor 206 is located between entrance ramp 208 and exit ramp 210. The left wall is supported by frame 212, and the right wall is supported by frame 214.
  • inductive sensor 206 may be positioned within a recessed region of the walkway, between the entrance and exit ramps. This recessed region will also be referred to as the sensor housing.
  • inductive sensor 206 has been omitted to show sensor housing 216, which is recessed within the walkway of scanner system 200.
  • inductive sensor 206 is operated at or near a normal human body temperature, i.e., approximately 37.0 °C. In some embodiments, however, inductive sensor 206 is operated within a range of the normal human body temperature, such as plus or minus approximately six degrees Celsius. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, inductive sensor 206 is operated at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature. In addition, inductive sensor 206 is operated within a range of operating frequencies that is associated with a range of temperatures that includes the normal human body temperature. As shown in Figures 9-11, inductive sensor 206 may be implemented using two anti-symmetric current branches 218 and 220. These current branches may be located on opposing sides of the medial plane of the inspection system. As shown in Figure 9, current branch 218 is positioned on one side of medial plane 220, while current branch 220 is positioned on the opposite side of the medial plane.
  • Inductive sensor 206 may be configured in such a manner that both current branches experience current flow that is generally or substantially parallel to the left and right walls.
  • the current branches may be placed in communication with an electrical source (not shown in this figure).
  • an electrical source not shown in this figure.
  • current branches may be placed in communication with an electrical source (not shown in this figure).
  • current branches may be placed in communication with an electrical source (not shown in this figure).
  • current branches flows through current branch 218 in one direction, while current flows through current branch 220 in substantially the opposite direction.
  • anti-symmetric current flow may be used to refer to the condition in which current flows through the current branches in substantially opposite directions.
  • Inductive sensor 206 may be implemented using a quadrupole resonance (QR) sensor, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor, a metal detection sensor, and the like.
  • QR quadrupole resonance
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • metal detection sensor a metal detection sensor
  • various embodiments will be described with reference to the inductive sensor implemented as a QR sensor, but such description is equally applicable to other types of inductive sensors.
  • current branches 218 and 220 collectively define a QR sheet coil or a QR tube array coil.
  • further discussion of the QR sensor will primarily reference a "QR sheet coil,” or simply a "QR coil,” but such description applies equally to a QR tube array coil.
  • QR sensor 206 includes, or is in communication with, an RF subsystem which provides electrical excitation signals to current branches 218 and 220.
  • the RF subsystem may utilize a variable frequency RF source to provide RF excitation signals at a frequency generally corresponding to a predefined, characteristic NQR frequency of a target substance.
  • the RF excitation signals generated by the RF source may be introduced to the specimen, which may include in certain embodiments the shoes, socks, and clothing present on the lower extremities of a person standing or otherwise positioned relative to the QR sensor.
  • the QR coil may serve as a pickup coil for NQR signals generated by the specimen, thus providing an NQR output signal which may be sampled to determine the presence of a target substance, such as an explosive.
  • QR sensor 206 typically requires some degree of electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding from external noise.
  • the QR sensor may also need shielding which inhibits RFI from escaping from the inspection system during an inspection process.
  • the best RFI shielding is normally an electrically connected and grounded box that completely encloses the RF coil of the QR sensor. This arrangement prevents external noise from directly reaching the RF coil.
  • Another common shielding technique is to position the RF coil within an enclosure having a wave-guide tunnel extension.
  • FIG. 9-12 show one example of a passive, open-access RF shield which may be used in conjunction with a QR sensor.
  • Shielding for system 200 may be accomplished by electrically connecting left and right walls 202 and 204, entrance and exit ramps 208 and 210, and sensor housing 216.
  • Each of the shielding components may be formed from a suitably conductive material, such as aluminum and/or copper.
  • the floor components stamps 208 and 210, and sensor housing 216) are welded together to form a unitary structure.
  • the left and right walls may also be welded to the floor components, or secured using suitable fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws and/or pins.
  • QR sensor 206 may be secured within sensor housing 216 using, for example, any suitable fasteners and/or fastening techniques as described above.
  • the left and right walls, entrance and exit ramps, and the sensor housing collectively define a substantially V-shaped shielded structure which provides a walkway through which persons may pass during an inspection process.
  • the left and right walls, the entrance and exit ramps, and the QR sensor may be covered with non-conducive materials, such as wood, plastic, fabric, fiberglass, and/or the like.
  • System 200 is shown having optional entrance and exit surrounds 224 and 226. These surrounds facilitate the ingress and egress of people walking through the inspection system.
  • the overall size and shape of system 200 is sufficient to provide the necessary electromagnetic shielding for the inductive sensor being implemented (for example, QR sensor 206).
  • Figure 10 shows left and right walls 202 and 204 having an overall height 228. This height is defined as the distance between a top surface of QR sensor 206 and the highest portion of the respective wall.
  • System 200 has a width 230, which is defined by the distance between walls 202 and 204.
  • Figure 11 shows system 200 having a medial plane 232, which is approximately parallel to the walls of system 200.
  • the embodiment of Figures 9-12 show the left and right walls formed with an approximate arcuate shape having a radius which approximates the height of the walls. Note that the walls have been optionally truncated at the entrance and exit. Truncating the walls facilitates the movement of people through the system, and further extends the notion of openness of the system.
  • Figure 13A is a simplified schematic diagram depicting some of the primary electrical components of QR sensor 206.
  • Left current branch 218 is shown having upper and lower conductive elements 234 and 236, which are separated by a non- conductive region.
  • right current branch 220 includes upper and lower conductive elements 238 and 240, which are also separated by a non-conductive region.
  • the left and right current branches collectively define the QR coil of the sensor, shown in Figures 9 and 11, and may be formed from any suitably conductive material, such as copper and/or aluminum, for example.
  • Upper and lower conductive elements 234 and 236 are shown electrically coupled by fixed-valued resonance capacitor 242 and tuning capacitor 244, which is a switched capacitor that is used to vary tuning capacitance.
  • Upper and lower conductive elements 238 and 240 may be similarly configured.
  • Figure 13A also includes several arrows which show the direction of current flow through the left and right current branches.
  • current flows through left current branch 218 in one direction, while current flows through right current branch 220 in substantially the opposite direction.
  • the reason that current flows through the two current branches in opposite directions is because the left and right current branches have a different arrangement of positive and negative conductive elements.
  • left current branch 218 includes a positive upper conductive element 234 and a negative lower conductive element 236.
  • right current branch 220 includes a negative upper conducive element 238 and a positive lower conductive element 240.
  • This arrangement is one example of a QR sensor providing counter-directed or anti-symmetric current flow through the current branches.
  • a person may place his or her left foot over left current branch 218 and his or her right foot over right current branch 220.
  • current is directed oppositely through each branch resulting in current flowing from toe to heal along left current branch 218, and from heal to toe along right current branch 220.
  • Figure 13B is a simplified schematic diagram depicting optional current balance wires in communication with the left and right current branches of QR sensor 206. Note that Figure 13B depicts the same QR sensor of Figure 13 A, but fixed- valued resonance capacitor 242 and tuning capacitor 244 of the left and right current branches have been omitted for clarity.
  • current balance wire 246 is shown electrically coupling upper conductive element 238 and lower conductive element 236.
  • Current balance wire 248 similarly couples lower conductive element 240 and upper conductive element 234.
  • the balance wires assist the QR sensor in maintaining the above- described anti-symmetric flow of current through current branches 218 and 220.
  • these current branches enable the positive and negative terminals of left and right current branches 218 and 220 to maintain the same, or substantially the same, current level.
  • Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of QR inspection system 200, showing QR sensor 206 positioned within sensor housing 216.
  • Left current branch 218 is shown producing a magnetic field which circulates in a counterclockwise direction about the current branch.
  • right current branch 220 produces a magnetic field which circulates in a clockwise direction about the current branch.
  • the direction of the magnetic fields generated by each current branch results from the particular direction of the current flowing through each respective branch. Since the current flows through each branch in opposite directions, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the magnetic fields generated by each of these branches likewise circulate in opposite directions.
  • the QR sensor shown in Figure 14 produces counter-directed magnetic fields which individually circulate about left or right current branches 218 and 220.
  • the QR sensor is implemented using a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the left and right current branches are electrically isolated from each other, and from conductive walls 202 and 204, by non-conductive regions 250, 252, and 254. These non-conductive regions permit the magnetic fields to circulate about their respective current branches.
  • Operation of an exemplary walkthrough QR inspection system may proceed as follows. First, a person may be directed to enter QR inspection system 200 at entrance 222. The person proceeds up entrance ramp 208 and stands with his or her feet positioned over QR sensor 206. To maximize the accuracy of the inspection process, the person will stand with his or her left foot positioned over left current branch 218 and his or her right foot over right current branch 220. At this point, the lower extremities of the person are QR scanned by QR sensor 206 to determine the presence of a target substance. This may be accomplished by the QR sensor providing RF excitation signals at a frequency generally corresponding to a predefined, characteristic NQR frequency of the target substance.
  • QR sensor 206 When acting as a pickup coil, QR sensor 206 may then detect any NQR signals from the target specimen. These signals may be communicated to a suitable computing device for processing and analysis, as will be described in more detail below.
  • QR sensor 25 may be designed to detect a change or shift in the QR tune frequency resulting from the presence of a conductive object, such as a knife, located at or in proximity to the lower extremities of the inspected person.
  • Figure 15A is a simplified schematic diagram depicting some of the primary electrical components of an alternative QR sensor 206. Similar to other embodiments, QR sensor 206 may be sized to be received within sensor housing 216 of the inspection system.
  • two current branches 218 may be positioned on one side of medial plane 232 of the inspection system (shown in Figure 11), and two current branches 220 may be positioned on the opposing side of the medial plane.
  • Both current branches 218 are shown having upper and lower conductive elements 234 and 236, and both current branches 220 have upper and lower conductive elements 238 and 240.
  • Figure 15A also includes several arrows which show the direction of current flow through the various current branches of the QR sensor. During operation, current flows through the left-two current branches 218 in one direction, while current flows through the right-two current branches 220 in substantially the opposite direction. As described above, the current flows through the current branches in opposite directions because the left-two and the right-two current branches have a different arrangement of positive and negative conductive elements.
  • Figure 15B is a simplified schematic diagram depicting optional current balance wires in communication with the various current branches of QR sensor 206. Note that Figure 15B depicts the same QR sensor of Figure 15 A, but fixed- valued resonance capacitor 242 and tuning capacitor 244 of the various current branches have been omitted for clarity.
  • current balance wire 246 is shown electrically coupling upper conductive element 234 of the outer current branch 218 with lower conductive element 240 of the outer current branch 220.
  • Current balance wire 248 similarly couples lower conductive element 236 of the outer current branch 218 with upper conductive element 238 of the outer current branch 220. The balance wires assist the QR sensor in maintaining the anti-symmetric flow of current between the right-two current branches 218 and the right-two current branches 220.
  • FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of QR inspection system 200, showing QR sensor 206 positioned within sensor housing 216.
  • the left-two current branches 218 are shown collectively producing a magnetic field which circulates in a counter-clockwise direction about these two current branches.
  • the right-two current branches 218 collectively produce a magnetic field, which circulates in a clockwise direction about these two current branches.
  • the right-two current branches 220 cooperate to generate a single magnetic field which circulates about both of these current branches.
  • the QR sensor shown in Figure 16 produces counter-directed magnetic fields using a plurality of adjacent current branches having current flow in one direction, and a plurality of adjacent current branches having current flow in substantially the opposite direction.
  • Figure 16 shows QR sensor 206 utilizing two adjacent current carrying branches to produce magnetic fields in one of the two illustrated directions.
  • the QR sensor may alternatively implement three or more adjacent current carrying branches to produce a magnetic field in a particular direction.
  • the various current branches are electrically isolated by non-conductive regions 250, 252, 254, and 256.
  • Operation of a walkthrough QR inspection system in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 16 may proceed as follows. First, a person may be directed to enter QR inspection system 200 at entrance 222. The person proceeds up entrance ramp 210 and stands within the inspection region defined by QR sensor 206. In some embodiments, the person will stand with his or her left foot positioned over the left-two current branches 218 and his or her right foot over the right-two current branches 220. At this point, the lower extremities of the person may be QR scanned by QR sensor 206 to determine the presence of a target substance using any of the techniques previously described.
  • Figure 17A is a simplified schematic diagram depicting some of the primary electrical components of an alternative QR sensor 206.
  • QR sensor 206 is similar in many respects to QR sensor 206 of Figure 15 A. The primary distinction relates to the arrangement of the four current branches of the sensor.
  • QR sensor 206 of Figure 15A has two adjacent current branches 218 positioned at the left side of the sensor, and two adjacent current branches 220 positioned at the right side of the sensor.
  • QR sensor 206 of Figure 17A utilizes adjacent current branches which have current flow in alternating directions. For example, looking from left to right, QR sensor 206 includes the following series of current branches, such as two first current branches 218 and two second current branches 220.
  • Figure 17B is a simplified schematic diagram depicting optional current balance wires in communication with the various current branches of QR sensor 206.
  • Figure 17B depicts the same QR sensor of Figure 17A, but fixed- valued resonance capacitor 242 and tuning capacitor 244 of the various current branches have been omitted for clarity.
  • balance wires 250, 252, 254, and 256 electrically couple their respective conductive elements.
  • Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of QR inspection system 200, showing QR sensor 206 positioned within sensor housing 216.
  • current branch 218 produces a magnetic field which circulates in a counter-clockwise direction
  • adjacent current branch 220 produces a magnetic field which circulates in a clockwise direction.
  • the two current branches on the right side of the QR inspection system may be similarly configured to produce magnetic fields.
  • the embodiment of Figure 18 may be modified to include additional pairs of current carrying branches.
  • the embodiment of Figure 18 is an example of a QR sensor having a plurality of current branches having current flow in one direction, and a plurality of current branches having current flow in substantially the opposite direction.
  • QR sensor 206 Operation of QR sensor 206 may proceed in a manner similar to that described in other embodiments. Note that the alternating current branch arrangement of QR sensor 206 provides a certain degree of sensitivity for conductive objects, permitting the detection of such objects in orientations which may not be possible by the QR sensors of other embodiments. As such, the QR sensor arrangement of Figure 18 may be used to augment or replace other types of QR sensors disclosed herein.
  • the QR sensor may be configured to detect metallic objects in a number of different orientations.
  • the inspection system may alternatively or additionally include a separate metal detection sensor.
  • a separate metal detection sensor One example of such a system is shown in Figure 19.
  • inspection system 200 is shown having metal detection sensors 258 in association with QR sensor 206.
  • Each of the metal detection sensors may be configured to detect conductive objects present at or within the vicinity of the lower extremities of the inspected person. Any variety of known metal detection sensors may be used.
  • FIG 20 is a perspective view of QR inspection system 200, which contains a QR sensor 206 (not shown in this figure).
  • System 200 is similar in many respects to QR inspection system 200, which is shown in Figure 9.
  • system 200 has been adapted to operate in conjunction with a portal detection system.
  • system 200 includes four nozzle interfaces 260 which are individually formed within the walls of the QR inspection system.
  • Each interface includes four nozzle apertures 262, which are sized to receive a linear jet array (not shown in this figure).
  • the nozzle interfaces are welded, bolted, or otherwise attached or formed within their respective walls and may be constructed using the same conductive materials as the walls.
  • Figures 21 and 22 are perspective and end-views, respectively, of multi-sensor inspection system 300.
  • Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the multi- sensor inspection system taken along line 15-15 of Figure 22.
  • the multi-sensor inspection system includes walkthrough QR inspection system 300 configured in association with portal detection system 302.
  • Portal detection system 302 includes portal 304 having sidewalls 306 and 308, a plastic ceiling or hood 310, and passage 312 extending between the sidewalls and beneath the ceiling.
  • the ceiling may include an inlet with a fan for producing air flow that substantially matches the air flow rate provided by the human thermal plume.
  • the ceiling further includes trace detection system 314, which is a system capable of detecting minute particles of interest such as traces of narcotics, explosives, and other contraband.
  • System 314 may be implemented using, for example, an ion trap mobility spectrometer.
  • portal detection system 302 may further include a plurality of air jets 316. The jets are arranged to define four linear jet arrays 318 ( Figure 23) with the jets in each array being vertically aligned.
  • the jets may be disposed in portal 304 to extend from a lower location approximately at knee level to an upper location approximately at chest level.
  • Each jet may be configured to direct a short puff of air inwardly and upwardly into passage 312 of the portal.
  • the jets function to disturb the clothing of the human subject in the passage sufficiently to dislodge particles of interest that may be trapped in the clothing of the inspected person.
  • the short puffs of air are controlled to achieve minimum disruption and minimum dilution of the human thermal plume.
  • the dislodged particles then are entrained in the human thermal plume that exists adjacent the human subject. Air in the human thermal plume, including the particles of interest that are dislodged from the clothing, is directed to trace detection system 314 for analysis.
  • FIGs 24-26 are perspective, side, and end-views, respectively, of inspection system 400.
  • inspection system 400 includes walls 402 and 404, and an inductive sensor 406 positioned within a walkway defined by the walls.
  • the inductive sensor is shown implemented as a QR sensor, but other types of inductive sensors may alternatively be used.
  • system 400 includes floor 408, which defines a substantially flat walkway between walls 402 and 404.
  • QR sensor 406 includes current branches 410 and 412 which protrude from the floor of the inspection system. The protruding current branches do not require a recessed sensor housing.
  • Electromagnetic shielding for the inspection system may be accomplished by electrically connecting floor 408 with left and right walls 402 and 404.
  • Each of these components of the shield may be formed from a suitably conductive material, such as aluminum and/or copper.
  • the left and right walls may also be welded to the floor component, or secured using any of the previously described techniques.
  • the left and right walls, the floor, and the QR sensor may be covered with non-conducive materials, such as wood, plastic, fabric, fiberglass, and/or the like.
  • Figure 27 is a top view of a portion of inspection system 500, showing the relative positioning of left and right current branches 65 and 70. Similar to other embodiments, current branches 65 and 70 have anti-symmetric current flow.
  • Figure 28 is a side view of QR sensor 406, which is in electrical communication with floor 408. Only right current branch 412 is visible in this figure, but left current branch 410 may be similarly dimensioned and positioned. The right current branch is shown having a generally arcuate shape which forms gap 414. The gap is defined by the region between the bottom of the current branch and the top of floor 408.
  • the current branch has length 416 and height 418. No particular length or height is required, but in general, the length of the current branches is such that they are slightly longer than the object or specimen being inspected.
  • Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of QR inspection system 400, showing QR sensor 406 in electrical communication with floor 408.
  • the left and right current branches 410 and 412 are shown producing counter-directed magnetic fields which individually circulate about their respective current branches.
  • a recess was formed in the floor of the inspection system to form a gap which allowed the magnetic fields to circulate.
  • the left and right current branches may be structured so that that they each form gap 414, which defines a non-conductive region between the current branch and floor 408. This non- conductive region or gap permits the magnetic fields to circulate about their respective current branches.
  • system 400 Another benefit provided by system 400 is that the inspection of a correspondingly higher location of the lower extremities of the inspected person may be accomplished. This is because the left and right current branches protrude from the floor of the inspection system, thus allowing the generated magnetic fields to engage the inspected person at a location which is further from the floor of the inspection station.
  • Figure 30 is block diagram of system 500, which may be implemented to control, manage, operate, and monitor, the various components associated with multi-sensor system 300. Note that description of system 500 will be made with reference to metal detector 502, trace detection system 314, and air jets 316, which are all optional components. In addition, Figure 30 will be described with reference to inspection system 400, but such description applies equally to the other inspection systems and various inductive sensors described herein.
  • System 500 is shown having a graphical user interface 504, processor 506, and memory 508.
  • the processor may be implemented using any suitable computational device that provides the necessary control, monitoring, and data analysis of the various systems and components associated with the various inspection and detector systems, including electrical source 502.
  • processor 506 may be a specific or general purpose computer such as a personal computer having an operating system such as DOS, Windows, OS/2 or Linux; Macintosh computers; computers having JAVA OS as the operating system; graphical workstations such as the computers of Sun Microsystems and Silicon Graphics, and other computers having some version of the UNIX operating system such as AIX or SOLARIS of Sun Microsystems; or any other known and available operating system, or any device including, but not limited to, laptops and hand-held computers.
  • Graphical user interface 504 may be any suitable display device operable with any of the computing devices described herein and may include a display, such as an LCD, LED, CRT, plasma monitor, and the like.
  • the communication link between system 500 and the various inspection and detector systems may be implemented using any suitable technique that supports the transfer of data and necessary signaling for operational control of the various components (for example, inductive sensor 206, metal detector 502, trace detection system 314, air jets 316) of the multi-sensor inspection system.
  • the communication link may be implemented using conventional communication technologies such as UTP, Ethernet, coaxial cables, serial or parallel cables, and optical fibers, among others. Although the use of wireless communication technologies is possible, they are typically not utilized because they may not provide the necessary level of security required by many applications, such as airport baggage screening systems.
  • system 500 is physically configured in close physical proximity to the inspection system, but system 500 may be remotely implemented if desired. Remote implementations may be accomplished by configuring system 500 and the inspection system with a suitably secure network link that includes a dedicated connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or the Internet, for example.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • MAN metropolitan area network
  • processor 506 may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof.
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • DSPDs digital signal processing devices
  • PLDs programmable logic devices
  • FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
  • processors controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof.
  • the embodiments described herein maybe implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures, functions, and the like, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein.
  • the software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in a memory unit (for example, memory 508), and executed by a processor (for example, processor 506).
  • the memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor using known communication techniques.
  • the memory unit shown in Figure 30 may be implemented using any type (or combination) of suitable volatile and nonvolatile memory or storage devices including random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, or other similar or effective memory or data storage device.
  • RAM random access memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • EPROM erasable programmable read-only memory
  • PROM programmable read-only memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • magnetic memory magnetic memory
  • flash memory magnetic or optical disk, or other similar or effective memory or data storage device.
  • FIG 31 is a perspective view of a QR inspection system 600, which includes an inductive sensor, such as a quadrupole resonance (QR) sensor 602.
  • the inductive sensor may be any suitable inductive sensor, such as a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor or a metal detection sensor.
  • QR inspection system 600 is adapted to operate in conjunction with a portal detection system.
  • QR inspection system 600 includes one or more nozzle interfaces (not shown) which are individually formed within the walls of QR inspection system 600. Each interface includes one or more nozzle apertures, which are sized to receive a linear jet array (not shown).
  • Figures 32 and 33 are top and end views, respectively, of QR inspection system 600.
  • Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of QR inspection system 600 taken along line 26-26 of Figure 33.
  • QR inspection system 600 includes a walkthrough QR inspection system configured in association with a portal detection system 604.
  • Portal detection system 604 includes a portal 606 having a first sidewall 608 and an opposing second sidewall 610.
  • a ceiling or hood 612 made of a suitable material such as a plastic material, is coupled to and between first sidewall 608 and second sidewall 610.
  • a passage 614 extends between first sidewall 608 and second sidewall 610 and beneath ceiling 612.
  • Ceiling 612 may include an inlet with a fan for producing air flow that substantially matches the air flow rate provided by the human thermal plume.
  • particles of interest will be entrained in the human thermal plume that exists in the boundary layer of air adjacent the inspected person 616, and will flow upwardly from person 616 to the detection apparatus in ceiling 612 of portal 606.
  • a trace detection system 618 is coupled to or with respect to ceiling 612 and is configured to detect minute particles of interest, such as traces of narcotics, explosives, and other contraband. Trace detection system 618 may be implemented using, for example, an ion trap mobility spectrometer.
  • portal detection system 604 may further include a plurality of air jets (not shown).
  • the air jets are arranged to define a plurality of linear jet arrays with the air jets in each jet array being vertically aligned.
  • Each air jet may be configured to direct a short puff of air inwardly and upwardly into passage 614 of portal 606.
  • QR sensor 602 includes two anti-symmetric current branches, namely first current branch 620 and opposing second current branch 622.
  • First current branch 620 and second current branch 622 are positioned within passage 614 and located on opposing sides of a medial plane 624 of QR inspection system 600.
  • first current branch 620 is positioned on a first side of medial plane 624
  • second current branch 622 is positioned on the opposite second side of medial plane 624.
  • first current branch 620 and second current branch 622 are substantially parallel and oriented in a vertical direction with respect to the ground or support surface of QR inspection system 600.
  • QR sensor 602 includes, or is in communication with, an RF subsystem which provides electrical excitation signals to current branches 620 and 622.
  • the RF subsystem may utilize a variable frequency RF source to provide RF excitation signals at a frequency generally corresponding to a predefined, characteristic NQR frequency of a target substance.
  • the RF excitation signals generated by the RF source may be introduced to person 616.
  • QR sensor 602 may serve as a pickup coil for NQR signals generated by person 616, thus providing an NQR output signal which may be sampled to determine the presence of a target substance, such as an explosive.
  • QR inspection system 600 includes a safety device 630 to prevent or limit formation of a conducting loop by person 616, which may produce undesirable heat at a contact point or area.
  • a safety device 630 to prevent or limit formation of a conducting loop by person 616, which may produce undesirable heat at a contact point or area.
  • safety device 630 includes one or more of the following: foot pads 632 and hand grips 634 positioned within magnetic field 636. Foot pads 632 and hand grips 634 are made of a suitable non-conductive material.
  • scanner system 200 is incorporated as part of a passenger screening system 700.
  • Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of shoe scanner system 200 incorporated as part of passenger screening system 700.
  • Passenger screening system 700 also may include one or more of a MMW whole body imaging system 702, an additional inductive sensor system 704, a trace detection system 706, a wand detector system (not shown), or other passenger screening device.
  • a passenger 708 enters at entrance 222, and then stands within an inspection region. The inspection region is positioned between a back wall and a front wall.
  • the back wall and/or front wall extend between a floor and a ceiling, allowing the back wall, front wall, entrance ramp 208, exit ramp 210, floor 408, ceiling 310 and sensor housings 216 (not visible in Figure 35) to be electrically connected to provide a more comprehensive RF shielding.
  • the back wall and/or front wall may be at least partially composed of semi- transparent material to reduce a perception by passenger 708 of confinement.
  • the back wall and/or front wall includes an aluminum honeycomb structure.
  • MMW whole body imaging system 702 includes a swing arm 710 that moves in a space between the back wall and passenger 708 and between the front wall and passenger 708. MMW whole body imaging system 702 is configured to provide a picture of articles that might be hidden under clothing of passenger 708.
  • One or more inductive sensors 206 are located within inspection region proximate floor 408. In some embodiments, one or more inductive sensors 206 are thus located such that a sensitivity of scanner system 200 to a target contraband substance associated with shoes of passenger 708 is increased, while an interference of MMW whole body imaging system 702 with one or more inductive sensors 206 is limited. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more inductive sensors 206 are located such that they produce substantially no "shadow," or obscured area, in a whole body image produced by MMW whole body imaging system 702.
  • passenger screening system 700 includes a separate inductive sensor system 704.
  • Inductive sensor system 704 may be, for example and without limitation, a metal detection system.
  • inductive sensor system may be an NQR sensor system targeted at regions of passenger 708 other than shoes or other footwear, for example and without limitation, an abdominal region of passenger 708.
  • the RF shielding provided by the back wall and front wall advantageously provides shielding for inductive sensor system 704 as well.
  • passenger screening system 700 includes a separate trace detection system 706.
  • trace detection system 706 is located within ceiling 310.
  • trace detection system 706 is located at another location within passenger inspection region.
  • the back wall and front wall may advantageously create a barrier to an airflow into and out of passenger inspection region to facilitate a detection of trace particles associated with passenger 708.
  • passenger screening system 700 is shown in Figure 35 as including a MMW whole body imaging system 702, it may alternatively include an XRB whole body imaging system 712, as shown in Figure 36.
  • Figure 36 is a perspective view of scanner system 200 incorporated as part of a passenger screening system 700, including an XRB whole body imaging system 712.
  • inductive sensor system 704 and trace detection system 706 are not shown in Figure 36, but in certain embodiments one or both may be included as described above.
  • inspection region lies between back wall and front wall.
  • XRB whole body imaging system 712 includes components 714 and 716.
  • components 714 and 716 are configured to generate an X-ray scanning beam directed at a passenger (not shown) located in inspection region, and to collect a resulting pattern of deflected X-rays at one or more detectors (not shown) included in one or both of components 714 and 716.
  • back wall and/or front wall extend between a floor (not shown) and a ceiling (not shown), allowing back wall, front wall, entrance ramp 208, exit ramp 210, and the floor and ceiling and sensor housings 216 (not visible in Figure 36) to be electrically connected to provide a more comprehensive RF shielding.
  • back wall is sufficiently thin to be located between inspection region and XRB whole body imaging system component 712
  • front wall is sufficiently thin to be located between the inspection region and XRB whole body imaging system component 716, without degrading a quality of an image produced by XRB whole body imaging system 712.
  • back wall and/or front wall are equivalent to a thick sheet of aluminum foil.
  • one or more inductive sensors 206 are located proximate the floor (not numbered) within the inspection region such that a sensitivity of scanner system 200 to a target contraband substance associated with shoes of passenger 708 (not shown) is increased, while an interference of XRB whole body imaging system 712 with one or more inductive sensors 206 is limited.
  • one or more inductive sensors 206 are located such that they produce substantially no "shadow,” or obscured area, in a whole body image produced by XRB whole body imaging system 712.
  • scanner system 200 may be integrated with XRB whole body imaging system 712 to reduce a footprint of passenger screening area.
  • scanner system 200 operates simultaneously with XRB whole body imaging system 712.
  • scanner system 200 may be integrated with XRB whole body imaging system 712 to reduce a time required to screen passenger 708 (not shown) for contraband.
  • scanner system 200 operates in sequence with XRB whole body imaging system 712.
  • a wand such as a QR wand
  • RFI shielding to reduce or eliminate RFI of the wand.
  • the RFI shielding is a room that doubles as a passenger handling structure, such as a passenger waiting area, a passenger control room, a privacy booth, and/or a wanding station.
  • a "wanding station" is referred to herein, the wanding station may be any suitable passenger handling structure.
  • the wand described herein can be used in conjunction with imaging-based security apparatus. Imaging-based security systems include a millimeter wave system, an X-ray backscatter system, and/or any other suitable security system.
  • Such imaging-based security apparatus when used for security screening, provide images of articles that may be hidden under a passenger's clothes.
  • an analysis is performed to determine the nature of the hidden article.
  • the analysis includes using a sensor, such as a chemical sensor, to determine if the hidden article is an explosive that has been concealed on the passenger.
  • location information regarding the hidden article is conveyed from the imaging system to a wanding station for automatic and/or operator directed positioning of a sensor, such as the wand, over the hidden article.
  • some embodiments described herein mitigate RFI by operating the wand in a shielded enclosure that can also function as a wanding station.
  • the wanding stations described herein prevent the passenger from exiting an inspection checkpoint until any anomalies and/or alarms have been resolved. Additionally, the wand is used in conjunction with an imaging system to identify anomalies. When used in conjunction with the imaging system, the wand does not need to perform sweeping scans. Rather, the wand is used in a stationary spot scan in which the anomalous article is targeted for analysis.
  • FIG 37 is a perspective view of wanding station 800 that may be used to scan a passenger.
  • Figure 38 is an enlarged partial view of wanding station 800 taken at area 38 of Figure 37.
  • Figure 39 is a top plan view of wanding station 800.
  • Figure 40 is a side view of wanding station 800 taken at line 5-5.
  • wanding station 800 includes an entrance 802, a first side wall 804, a second side wall 806, an end wall 808, and an exit 810.
  • wanding station 800 includes a top wall.
  • exit 810 includes a door 812 defined in first side wall 804, second side wall 806, and/or end wall 808.
  • wanding station 800 includes a first door 812 defined in first side wall 804 and a second door 812 defined in second side wall 806.
  • Entrance 802 may be open or include an entrance door for completely enclosing an interior space 814 of wanding station 800.
  • first side wall 804 and second side wall 806 are configured to define a narrow walkway 816 and a wider inspection area 818; however, first side wall 804 and/or second side wall 806 may have any suitable configuration.
  • first side wall 804, second side wall 806, end wall 808, and doors 812 are formed from a material that shields a wand 820 within wanding station from RFI.
  • first side wall 804, second side wall 806, end wall 808, and doors 812 can be formed from aluminum, honey-combed aluminum, honey-comb LEXANTM, copper mesh, stacked cylinders of shield material, sheet of shielding material, and/or any other suitable shielding material.
  • a honey-combed shielding material is shown in Figure 38.
  • the shielding material is at least partially transparent, however, the shielding material can be opaque to provide privacy.
  • wanding station 800 includes the top wall and/or the entrance door, the top wall and/or the entrance door are also formed from the shielding material. As such, wanding station 800 provides passive shielding of wand 820 for RFI.
  • Wand 820 is coupled to first side wall 804, second side wall 806, and/or end wall 808.
  • wand 820 is coupled to end wall 808 and is moveable with respect to end wall 808.
  • wand 820 is configured to move vertically and/or horizontally with respect to end wall 808.
  • Wand 820 may be coupled to end wall 808 using a mounting apparatus similar to the mounting apparatus shown in Figure 43, a gantry similar to the gantry shown in Figure 44, and/or any other suitable apparatus that enables wand 820 to function as described herein.
  • wand 820 is selectively positionable manually and/or automatically.
  • an image of the passenger acquired by an imaging system is used by a control system (not shown) to automatically position wand 820 to analyze an anomalous and/or an alarmed object as determined from the image.
  • a control system (not shown) to automatically position wand 820 to analyze an anomalous and/or an alarmed object as determined from the image.
  • an operator at the control system can use the control system to remotely control a position of wand 820.
  • an operator within wanding station 800 can manually position wand 820 with respect to the passenger.
  • Wand 820 is configured to detect metal, chemical compounds, and/or trace particles. More specifically, wand 820 includes a first current loop 822 and a second current loop 824. First current loop 822 has a first current 826 that flows in a first direction, and second current loop 824 has a second current 828 that flows in a second direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. First current loop 822 and second current loop 824 define a quadrupole resonance (QR) coil 830 within wand 820. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, end wall 808 includes image cutouts that enhance that shielding of end wall 808 to reduce a radiation resistance of QR coil 830.
  • QR quadrupole resonance
  • a plane 832 of QR coil 830 is substantially parallel to end wall 808 while being movable to be positioned over an area of the passenger to be scanned.
  • plane 832 of QR coil 830 can be oriented arbitrarily with respect to first side wall 804, second side wall 806, and/or end wall 808.
  • wand 820 can be a hand-held wand.
  • wand 820 is operated at or near a normal human body temperature, i.e., approximately 37.0 °C.
  • wand 820 is operated within a range of the normal human body temperature, such as plus or minus approximately six degrees Celsius. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, wand 820 is operated at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature. In some embodiments, however, wand 820 is operated within a range of operating frequencies that is associated with a range of temperatures that includes the normal human body temperature.
  • FIG 41 is a top plan view of an alternative wanding station 900 that may be used to scan a passenger.
  • Figure 42 is a side view of wanding station 900 taken at line 7-7 of Figure 41.
  • Figure 43 is a perspective view of a wand 916 that may be used with wanding station 916.
  • Wanding station 900 includes an entrance 902, a first side wall 904, a second side wall 906, an end wall 908, and an exit 910. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, wanding station 900 includes a top wall.
  • exit 910 includes a door 912 defined in first side wall 904, second side wall 906, and/or end wall 908.
  • wanding station 900 includes one door 912 defined in end wall 908.
  • Entrance 902 may be open or include an entrance door for completely enclosing an interior space 914 of wanding station 900.
  • first side wall 904 and second side wall 906 are substantially parallel to each other and each substantially located within one plane; however, first side wall 904 and/or second side wall 906 may have any suitable configuration.
  • first side wall 904, second side wall 906, end wall 908, and door 912 are formed from a material that shields a wand 916 within wanding station 900 from RFI.
  • first side wall 904, second side wall 906, end wall 908, and door 912 can be formed from aluminum, honeycombed aluminum, honey-comb LEXANTM, copper mesh, stacked cylinders of shield material, sheet of shielding material, and/or any other suitable shielding material.
  • the shielding material is at least partially transparent, however, the shielding material can be opaque to provide privacy.
  • wanding station 900 includes the top wall and/or the entrance door, the top wall and/or the entrance door are also formed from the shielding material. As such, wanding station 900 provides passive shielding of wand 916 for RFI.
  • Wand 916 is coupled to first side wall 904, second side wall 906, and/or end wall 908.
  • wand 916 is coupled to first side wall 904 and is moveable with respect to first side wall 904.
  • wand 916 is configured to move vertically and/or horizontally with respect to first side wall 904.
  • Wand 914 may be coupled to first side wall 904 using a mounting apparatus similar to the mounting apparatus shown in Figure 43, a gantry similar to the gantry shown in Figure 44, and/or any other suitable apparatus that enables wand 916 to function as described herein.
  • wand 916 is selectively positionable manually and/or automatically.
  • an image of the passenger acquired by an imaging system is used by a control system to automatically position wand 916 to analyze an anomalous and/or an alarmed object as determined from the image.
  • an operator at the control system can use the control system to remotely control a position of wand 916.
  • an operator within wanding station 900 can manually position wand 916 with respect to the passenger.
  • Wand 916 is configured to detect metal, chemical compounds, and/or trace particles. More specifically, wand 916 includes a current loop 918 that flows in a first direction to define a quadrupole resonance (QR) coil 920 within wand 916.
  • QR quadrupole resonance
  • a plane 922 of QR coil 920 is substantially parallel to first side wall 904 while being movable to be positioned over an area of the passenger to be scanned.
  • plane 922 of QR coil 920 can be oriented arbitrarily with respect to first side wall 904, second side wall 906, and/or end wall 908.
  • wand 916 can be a hand-held wand.
  • mounting apparatus is configured to maintain plane 922 of QR coil 920 substantially parallel to first side wall 904, second side wall 906, and/or end wall 908 while allowing wand 916 to be selectively positioned with respect to a passenger.
  • mounting apparatus 1000 includes a pair of vertical bars 1002 coupled to first side wall 904, second side wall 906, and/or end wall 908.
  • a sliding apparatus 1004 is coupled to vertical bars 1002 at cuffs 1006.
  • a pair of horizontal bars 1008 is coupled to cuffs 1006 such that horizontal bars 1008 extend between vertical bars 1002.
  • Cuffs 1006 include any suitable components that enable sliding apparatus 1004 to be automatically or manually positioned with respect to vertical bars 1002 and to be secured in position with respect to vertical bars 1002.
  • Wand 916 is mounted in a block 1010 that is coupled to horizontal bars 1008.
  • Block 1010 includes any suitable components that enable block 1010 to be automatically or manually positioned with respect to horizontal bars 1008 and to be secured in position with respect to horizontal bars 1008.
  • Cuffs 1006, block 1010, horizontal bars 1008, and/or vertical bars 1002 can include TEFLONTM to facilitate reducing friction between components of mounting apparatus 1000.
  • a communication link 1012 is coupled in communication with wand 916 via block 1010 and with a control system. Communication link 1012 enables sliding apparatus 1004 and/or block 1010 to be positioned with respect to vertical bars 1002 and/or horizontal bars 1008 according to instructions from the control system.
  • QR coil 920 can be relatively small to improve a filling factor and/or to reduce a likelihood of interaction of QR coil 920 and a medical device, such as a pacemaker.
  • FIG 44 is a perspective view of a gantry 1100 that may be used with wanding station 800 (shown in Figures 37-39) and/or wanding station 900 (shown in Figures 41 and 42).
  • gantry 1100 can be coupled within wanding station 800 and/or wanding station 900 to enable wand 820 and/or wand 916 to be selectively positioned with respect to a passenger.
  • gantry 400 is a servo controlled gantry mounted adjacent an exterior surface of first side wall 804 and/or 904, second side wall 806 and/or 906, and/or end wall 808 and/or 908.
  • FIG 45 is a schematic view of a trace detection system 1200 that may be used with wanding station 800 (shown in Figures 37-39) and/or wanding station 900 (shown in Figures 41 and 42).
  • trace detection system 1200 will be described with respect to wanding station 800, however, it should be understood that trace detection system 1200 can also be used with wanding station 900.
  • Trace detection system 1200 is configured to detect and/or identify trace particles and/or vapors associated with a passenger. More specifically, trace detection system 1200 includes an air system 1202 having one or more air intakes 1204 to collect trace particles and/or vapors from interior space 814 of wanding station 800.
  • air intakes 1204 are defined through a surface of wand 820, and an intake line 1206 is in flow communication with air intakes 1204 and a detector 1208.
  • Air from interior space 814 is captured by air intakes 1204 through the action of an intake motor 1210.
  • a control system controls the collection of air by communicating with an intake valve (not shown) and/or activates and deactivates intake motor 1210 directly to control air capture through air intakes 1204.
  • trace particles and/or vapors are identified in the air delivered through intake line 1206 by detector 1208, which uses any suitable trace particle and/or vapor detection technology.
  • detector 1208 is an ion mobility spectrometer that analyzes trace particles and/or vapors in the air delivered through intake line 1206. Output of detector 1208 may be analyzed by the control system and/or by an operator of the control system to evaluate whether an alarmed object and/or an anomalous object is associated with a target material, such as an explosive material and/or a narcotic material.
  • FIG. 46 is a schematic top view of an exemplary inspection checkpoint 1300.
  • Inspection checkpoint 1300 includes an entrance 1302 and an exit 1304. In series between entrance 1302 and exit 1304, inspection checkpoint 1300 includes a divesting area 1306, a baggage imaging system 1308, a passenger imaging system 1310, a composing area 1312, and a secondary screening station 1314.
  • inspection checkpoint 1300 includes two divesting areas 1306, two baggage imaging systems 1308, and two composing areas 1312.
  • inspection checkpoint 1300 may include any suitable number and/or configuration of components that enables inspection checkpoint 1300 to function as described herein. Components of inspection checkpoint 1300 are communicatively coupled to a control system 1316 for collecting and/or relaying data.
  • Passenger imaging system 1310 is configured to detect whether contraband and/or an anomalous item is associated with a passenger.
  • passenger imaging system 1310 may be a millimeter wave system, an X-ray backscatter system, and/or any other suitable security system. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, passenger imaging system 1310 includes a portal (not shown) in which the passenger is located during imaging.
  • inspection checkpoint 1300 also includes a preliminary screening station 1318 that facilitates screening passengers for medical devices, such as pacemakers and the like.
  • passengers are screened at preliminary screening station 1318 using a handheld wand (not shown in Figure 46) as described herein.
  • preliminary screening station 1318 includes a portal (not shown) that screens passengers for medical devices as the passengers move through passenger scanning portal 1318 and prior to the passengers entering passenger imaging system 1310.
  • preliminary screening station 1318 may be embodied as a scanning portal including an abdomen scanner having one or more inductive sensors that are positioned with respect to the passenger to detect medical devices on or within a passenger's body.
  • the inductive sensors are movable to varying heights to accommodate differently sized passengers.
  • the inductive sensors may include nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) sensors, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors, inductive metal detection sensors, and the like.
  • the abdomen scanner includes shielding that enhances a signal-to-noise ratio by reducing radio frequency interference and/or electromagnetic interference from the operating environment.
  • shielding may include conductive plates coupled to a floor and/or a ceiling of preliminary screening station 1318.
  • FIG. 47 illustrates an exemplary screening device 1400 for use in preliminary screening station 1318 (shown in Figure 46).
  • screening device 1400 includes a detector 1402 having a top surface 1404, an opposite bottom surface 1406, and an edge 1408 that extends about detector 1402 between top surface 1404 and bottom surface 1406.
  • detector 1402 includes a first end 1410 and an opposite second end 1412.
  • Top surface 1404, bottom surface 1406, and edge 1408 define a paddle-shaped, handheld wand.
  • screening device 1400 also includes a handle 1414 that is coupled to or integrated with second end 1412.
  • handle 1414 includes a first end 1416 coupled to detector second end 1412 and an opposing second end 1418.
  • handle 1414 includes an input device 1420 for receiving operator inputs. For example, an operator may adjust a frequency of pulses transmitted by detector 1402 and/or an intensity of the pulses transmitted by detector 1402. Alternatively, input device 1420 may be used to activate and/or deactivate screening device 1400. For example, an operator may deactivate screening device 1400, via input device 1420, during periods of inactivity.
  • detector 1402 includes one or more indicators, which may be visual indicators, such as lights, or aural indicators, such as speakers. For example, a first indicator 1422 may be selectively illuminated when a medical device is detected on or within a passenger. Similarly, a second indicator 1424 may be selectively illuminated when no medical device is detected on or within the passenger.
  • screening device 1400 is coupled to a computer, such as control system 1316. Accordingly, control system 1316 transmits operational commands and/or receives screening data from screening device 1400. Control system 1316 and screening device 1400 communicate via a cable 1426 that may also be used to provide power to screening device 1400. In an alternative embodiment, screening device 1400 is cordless and is powered by one or more batteries (not shown).
  • FIG. 48 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrical architecture 1500 of screening device 1400.
  • detector 1402 includes a transmission coil 1502 and a reception coil 1504.
  • Transmission coil 1502 transmits pulses towards a region of interest within a passenger.
  • transmission coil 1502 transmits pulses at a selected frequency that is substantially higher than an operation frequency of known medical devices.
  • at least some known medical devices operate in a frequency band that is less than approximately 1 kilohertz (kHz) or 2 kHz according to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
  • AAMI Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
  • the AAMI supports operations by scanning and/or screening devices in a frequency band that is approximately one thousand times that of operating frequencies of known medical devices.
  • transmission coil 1502 transmits pulses with a low intensity of energy, as supported by the above AAMI and IEEE standards.
  • detector 1402 and, more particularly, transmission coil 1502 and reception coil 1504 is operated at or near a normal human body temperature, i.e., approximately 37.0 °C. In some embodiments, however, detector 1402 is operated within a range of the normal human body temperature, such as plus or minus approximately six degrees Celsius. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, detector 1402 is operated at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature.
  • detector 1402 is operated within a range of operating frequencies that is associated with a range of temperatures that includes the normal human body temperature.
  • the operating frequency of detector 1402 is shifted by approximately 100 Hz per degree Celsius.
  • the operating frequency of detector 1402 is shifted inversely with respect to temperature.
  • the operating frequency of detector 1402 decreases as the temperature increases.
  • the operating frequency of detector 1402 is controlled by an operator at control system 1316.
  • detector 1402 is capable of operating at multiple frequencies. For example, detector 1402 may be operated initially in a safe mode, using a lower power, to detect a medical device, and may then be operated in a detection mode, using a higher power, to detect contraband.
  • reception coil 1504 detects any perturbation in energy in response to the pulses transmitted by transmission coil 1502. For example, reception coil 1504 detects an opposite magnetic field, such as a reflected pulse, that is emitted by a medical device within the region of interest in response to the pulse transmitted by transmission coil 1502. Reception coil 1504 generates a signal representative of, for example, an intensity of the reflected pulse and/or a time period during which the reflected pulse was detected, and transmits the signal to control system 1316.
  • an opposite magnetic field such as a reflected pulse
  • control system 1316 is coupled to screening device 1400 via cable 1426.
  • Control system 1316 receives the signal from reception coil 1504 via cable 1426 and analyzes the signal to determine whether a medical device is present on or within the passenger.
  • Control system 1316 includes a sampling circuit 1506, such as a processor or a controller, which analyzes the signal.
  • Sampling circuit 1506 monitors a length of the time period that the reflected pulse is detected, and compares the length to an expected length of time of a reflected pulse that may be received from a passenger that does not have an implanted medical device.
  • sampling circuit 1506 uses a preselected averaging time that is related to the higher frequency and/or the lower power used by transmission coil 1502. Based on the analysis of the signal, control system 1316 causes detector 1402 to output a result using, for example, first indicator 1422 and/or second indicator 1424.
  • FIG 49 is a schematic diagram of an interaction between screening device 1400 and a passenger 1602.
  • passenger 1602 has an implanted medical device. Specifically, passenger 1602 has a pacemaker 1604 that is connected to his heart 1606 via an electrical lead 1608.
  • control system 1316 (shown in Figures 46-48) selectively activates transmission coil 1502.
  • transmission coil 1502 transmits pulses into a region of interest of passenger 1602 using a selected frequency and a selected intensity. Each pulse causes pacemaker 1604 and/or lead 1608 to emit a reflected pulse.
  • Reception coil 1504 detects the reflected pulse, and transmits a signal representative of the reflected pulse to control system 1316 via cable 1426 (shown in Figures 47 and 48).
  • Control system 1316 determines the presence of pacemaker 1604 and/or lead 1608 based on a time-averaged comparison of the signal from reception coil 1504. For passengers 1602 without a medical device, such as pacemaker 1604, reception coil 1504 does not detect a reflected pulse that extends beyond a specified time period thus indicating that there is no medical device, such as an implanted medical device, on or within passenger 1602.
  • Figure 50 is a flowchart 1700 that illustrates an exemplary method of screening a passenger, such as passenger 1602 (shown in Figure 49), for an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker 1604 (shown in Figure 49) and/or an electrical lead 1608 (shown in Figure 49) for use with pacemaker 1604. More specifically, the method shown in Figure 50 may be used with inspection checkpoint 1300 having preliminary screening station 1318 (both shown in Figure 46). Moreover, the method shown in Figure 50 is performed by control system 1316 (shown in Figures 46-48) by sending commands and/or instructions to components of inspection checkpoint 1300. In some embodiments, a processor within control system 1316 is programmed with code segments configured to perform the method shown in Figure 50.
  • the method shown in Figure 50 is encoded on a computer-readable medium that is readable by control system 1316.
  • control system 1316 and/or the processor is configured to read computer- readable medium for performing the method shown in Figure 50.
  • the method shown in Figure 50 is automatically performed continuously and/or at selected times.
  • the method shown in Figure 50 is performed upon request of an operator of inspection checkpoint 1300 and/or when control system 1316 determines to perform the method shown in Figure 50.
  • passenger 1602 enters 1702 inspection checkpoint 1300 via entrance 1302 (shown in Figure 46).
  • passenger 1602 removes items, such as metal items, and places any baggage within baggage inspection system 1308 (shown in Figure 46).
  • Passenger 1602 then enters preliminary screening system 1318.
  • a preliminary screen is performed 1704 of passenger 1602 using screening device 1400 (shown in Figures 47 and 48) to detect 1706 the presence of a medical device, such as pacemaker 1604 and/or lead wire 1608 (both shown in Figure 49).
  • control system 1316 selectively activates transmission coil 1502 (shown in Figures 48 and 49).
  • transmission coil 1502 transmits pulses into a region of interest of passenger 1602 using a selected frequency and a selected intensity.
  • transmission coil 1502 operates at an operating frequency that is associated with the normal human body temperature.
  • Each pulse causes pacemaker 1604 and/or lead 1608, if present on or within passenger 1602, to emit a reflected pulse.
  • Reception coil 1504 (shown in Figures 48 and 49) detects the reflected pulse, and transmits a signal representative of the reflected pulse to control system 1316 via cable 1426 (shown in Figures 47 and 48) or via wireless communication.
  • Control system 1316 determines the presence of pacemaker 1604 and lead 1608 based on a time-averaged comparison of the signal from reception coil 1504.
  • a secondary screen is performed 1708 of passenger 1602 using a screening means that is different than passenger imaging system 1310.
  • a screening means is a manual search or pat down of the passenger by an operator, such as a Transportation Security Agency (TSA) agent or a security officer (not shown).
  • TSA Transportation Security Agency
  • any suitable screening means for detecting contraband may be used at secondary screening station 1314 such that the screening means does not pose a substantial threat of causing interference or harm to an implanted or worn medical device.
  • a primary scan of passenger 1602 is performed 1710 using passenger imaging system 1310. More specifically, passenger imaging system 1310 uses a modality to collect data related to passenger 1602 and objects associated with passenger 1602. Using the data collected by passenger imaging system 1310, an operator, such as a TSA agent or a security officer, and/or control system 1316 determine 1712 if an alarm object is associated with passenger 1602.
  • an operator such as a TSA agent or a security officer, and/or control system 1316 determine 1712 if an alarm object is associated with passenger 1602.
  • the term "alarm object” refers to an object that is suspicious and/or unclear from the collected data related to passenger 1602.
  • the suspicious object may include contraband.
  • the term "contraband” refers generally to illegal substances, explosives, narcotics, weapons, a threat object, and/or any other material that a passenger is not allowed to possess in a restricted area, such as an airport.
  • the primary scan may of passenger 1602 may be performed 1710 using detector 1402 is capable of operating at multiple frequencies.
  • screening device 1400 may be operated initially in a safe mode, using a lower power, to detect whether a medical device within or worn by passenger 1602, and may then be operated in a detection mode, using a higher power, to determine 1712 if an alarm object is associated with passenger 1602.
  • a computer such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory.
  • the computer typically has at least some form of computer readable media.
  • computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
  • Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media.
  • modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media.
  • Examples of well known detection systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
  • Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with any number and organization of components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.
  • processor refers generally to any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein.
  • RISC reduced instruction set circuits
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuits
  • PLC programmable logic circuits

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CN102884449A (zh) 2013-01-16
WO2011152891A3 (en) 2012-03-22

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