Patent Application-Methods and apparatus for detection of contraband using terahertz radiation

Methods and apparatus for detection of contraband using terahertz radiation
US 20060022140 A1

                                             https://www.google.com/patents/US20060022140               

Publication number	US20060022140 A1
Publication type	Application
Application number	US 11/140,558
Publication date	Feb 2, 2006
Filing date	May 27, 2005
Priority date	May 27, 2004
Also published as	WO2006085904A2, WO2006085904A3
Inventors	James Connelly, Jeffrey Stillson
Original Assignee	L-3 Communications Security And Detection Systems, Inc.
Export Citation	BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
Referenced by (25), Classifications (7), Legal Events (1)
External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet

 

ABSTRACT

An inspection system and methods for inspecting items using terahertz radiation that may be used to detect contraband (e.g., explosives, weapons and drugs) within items under inspection. Terahertz radiation may be transmitted through and/or reflected from an item. The density and/or a physical property of one or more regions within an item may be determined. Terahertz radiation may be used to inspect surface regions of an item and/or other regions of an item. Terahertz radiation may used in combination with and/or in addition to another inspection modality.

DESCRIPTION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/575,107, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Detection of Contraband Using Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy,” filed on May 27, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to contraband detection systems that use terahertz radiation.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Contraband detection systems are used to inspect items, such as luggage and packages, to detect the presence of contraband (e.g., weapons, explosives and drugs). Contraband detection systems may be used to inspect items at various locations, such as airports, points of entry and secure buildings. Multiple types of contraband detection systems are known, e.g., x-ray inspection systems and explosive trace detection systems.

X-ray inspection systems may inspect an item by detecting radiation transmitted and/or scattered from regions of the item. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,700 to Krug et al. entitled, “Detecting Explosives or other Contraband by Employing Transmitted and Scattered X-rays,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes an x-ray inspection device for detecting a specific material of interest using transmitted and/or scattered x-rays. Some x-ray inspection systems determine physical properties of portions of an item under inspection, for example, density and/or atomic number, by detecting transmitted and/or scattered x-rays.

Some inspection systems may use more than one inspection modality to inspect an item (e.g., for multi-level screening). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,393 to Krug et al. entitled, “Detecting Contraband by Employing Interactive Multiprobe Tomography,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes an inspection system that uses more than one inspection modality to inspect an item.

A novel inspection system employing terahertz radiation is described below. Terahertz radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation in the range generally between what may be considered microwave and infrared radiation. This range extends from approximately 0.1×10¹² Hz to approximately 3×10¹² Hz, and is generally not visible to a human. Methods for generating and detecting terahertz radiation are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,552 entitled, “Terahertz Transceivers and Methods for Emission and Detection of Terahertz Pulses Using Such Transceivers,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a system for emitting and detecting terahertz frequency electromagnetic pulses.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method of inspecting an item that includes a plurality of regions. The method includes detecting terahertz radiation that has interacted with the plurality of regions. The method also includes determining a density of each of the plurality of regions.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of inspecting an item that includes a plurality of regions. The method includes detecting terahertz radiation reflected from the item. The method also includes determining a physical property of each of the plurality of regions.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an inspection system that includes an inspection region adapted to receive an item under inspection. The system includes a terahertz radiation source located adjacent to the inspection region. The system also includes a terahertz radiation detector located adjacent to the inspection region. The system further includes a controller/processor coupled to the terahertz radiation detector that receives detection information from the terahertz radiation detector and determines, at least partially based on the detection information, density information about the item under inspection.

In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method of determining the presence of a threat object within an item under inspection. The method includes inspecting the item using a first inspection modality to produce first inspection information. The method also includes detecting terahertz radiation that has interacted with the item under inspection. The method also includes determining second inspection information at least partially based on the detected terahertz radiation. The method further includes determining third inspection information at least partially based on the first and second inspection information

Rapiscan full-body scanners to be removed from airports

My Note: The Rapiscan scanner employs backscatter x-ray, so this is not an obvious news article about THz, however, this could open the door for the TSA to look to THz systems to replace the ionizing, x-ray systems now in operation in many airports. L-3 which employs millimeter wave technology, used in other airports will reap the early benefits.  Whether a THz system will also be considered remains to be seen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/19/us/tsa-to-remove-invasive-body-scanners.html
Unpopular Full-Body Scanners to Be Removed From Airports

By RON NIXON
WASHINGTON — After years of complaints by passengers and members of Congress, the Transportation Security Administration said Friday that it would begin removing the controversial full-body scanners that produce revealing images of airline travelers beginning this summer.
  The agency said it canceled a contract, originally worth $40 million, with the maker of the scanners, Rapiscan, after the company failed to meet a Congressional deadline for new software that would protect passengers’ privacy. Since going into widespread use nearly three years ago, the scanners have been criticized by passengers for being too invasive and are the subject of lawsuits from privacy groups.
  The T.S.A. began deploying the scanners in 2010, after an attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian citizen, to blow up a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines flight by setting off explosives hidden in his underwear. The T.S.A. said that 174 of the machines are currently being used at airport checkpoints around the country. Another 76 are housed at a storage facility in Texas.
  Rapiscan will be required to pay for removing the scanners. In a statement, Deepak Chopra, the company’s president, said the decision to cancel the contract and remove the scanners was a “a mutually satisfactory agreement with the T.S.A.” The company said that scanners would be used at other government agencies.
  The removal of the Rapiscan scanners does not mean that all full-body scanners will be removed from airport security checkpoints. A second type of full-body scanner does not produce revealing images. Instead, it makes an avatar-like projection on security screens.
  The T.S.A. said those machines, which should be in airports by June, will allow quicker scans than those using X-rays.
  “This means faster lanes for the traveler and enhanced security,” the agency said.
Also see: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2013/01/18/tsa-abandons-rapiscans-nude-body-scanners/

Focus on L-3 Security & Detection Systems

My Note: I mentioned that ThruVision, was a possible candidate for the supplier of passive THz scanning devices to the NYPD, but that's just supposition. I've noticed a lot of searching on my blog related to L-3, (which supplies the current active millimeter wave radio frequency, devices), and thought I would put today's focus on their product line.

With more than 50,000 systems deployed and supported around the globe, L-3 Security & Detection Systems (SDS) is a leading supplier of security screening solutions. For more than 30 years, L-3 SDS has developed and manufactured cutting-edge products using advanced technologies that include 3-D computed tomography; automated, conventional and high-energy X-ray; active millimeter wave imaging; metal detection; and energetic trace explosives detection.

L-3 SDS solutions are used by the aviation and transportation industries, regulatory and customs authorities, government and law enforcement agencies, and commercial and other secure facilities. Applications include the screening of people, vehicles, baggage, cargo and packages for explosives, firearms, drugs, contraband and intellectual property.

Checkpoint Security

L-3's comprehensive family of advanced screening solutions enhance the security and efficiency of checkpoints at airports and other transportation centers, courthouses, correctional institutions, embassies and other highthreat facilities, including commercial facilities. Whether you need to guard against threats and contraband or are concerned with protecting intellectual property, we have an offering for every entry point of your facility - from the lobby to the loading dock to the mailroom.

Designed to detect explosives, firearms, drugs and other contraband, our checkpoint screening products incorporate a variety of proven technologies such as automated, conventional, and X-ray; safe active millimeter wave; metal detection; and, energetic materials detection for trace explosives.

Checked Baggage Screening

Freestanding, in-line and multilevel automated explosives detection systems (EDS) for screening checked baggage and parcels feature L-3's proprietary CT and advanced technology (AT) and meet the most demanding explosives detection performance, speed and reliability standards in the industry.

From major international hubs to regional passenger terminals, airports around the globe rely on L-3 EDS to enhance security and meet increasingly demanding throughput, infrastructure and cost requirements.

Cargo Solutions

Recognizing diverse cargo inspection needs, L-3's cargo solutions offer customs and security officers a portfolio of configurable high-energy X-ray screening platforms and unparalleled integration and support services that keep commerce flowing smoothly - everywhere cargo travels. L-3 delivers the industry's most advanced cargo imaging and detection capability - ClearView^TM Imaging - generating cargo views with superior penetration and dynamic range. Our new ClearView^TM Workstation offers configurable image enhancement tools that help operators maximize the accuracy and efficiency of their risk assessments.

Air Cargo Screening

For more than a decade, L-3 has been providing airports and shippers with a line of conventional X-ray inspection systems for break-bulk, skids, pallets and ULDs. L-3 has more than 10 X-ray systems qualified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for air cargo screening of break-bulk freight and skids. L-3's air cargo deployment of a multi-sensor scanner to inspect large air cargo pallets for Dutch Customs at Schiphol International Airport is one of the most advanced cargo systems in the world. Our equipment screens cargo ranging from containers of fruits and vegetables to electronics, and is currently in operation at shipping, forwarding and certified cargo screening facilities (CCSF).

I also wanted to share an interesting link I came across today, which compares MMW, and backscatter X-Ray devices

http://www.justchromatography.com/general/backscatter-mmw-p1

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Makeover for Airport Body Scanners?

Image via CrunchBase

SPIE Newsroom
8 September 2010

SPIE Corporate Member L-3 Communications Holdings, which makes scanners for airport security lines, is delivering software upgrades in the United States that may ease passengers' privacy concerns about the so-called "naked" cameras that have recently been installed in airports in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. The body scanners see through clothing and reveal clear outlines of passengers' anatomies.

L-3 Communications and OSI Systems Inc.'s Rapiscan are delivering the upgrades that show a generic figure rather than an actual image of a passenger's body parts. The new display would mark sections of a person's body that need to be checked.

The revisions "certainly address most of the privacy concerns," Peter Kant, a Rapiscan executive vice president, said in an interview. Every passenger will generate an avatar that "looks like a guy wearing a baseball cap," he said.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration aims to add the software to the machines, which sparked complaints, as more airports get the scanners. As of 27 August, 194 of the devices were in use at 51 U.S. airports.

"TSA continues to explore additional privacy protections for imaging technology," Greg Soule, a spokesman for the security agency, said in an e-mail.

An alternative system to the controversial body scanners using a passive terahertz security camera was the subject of a recent article in SPIE Professional magazine. Researchers at the Institute of Photonic Technology Jena in Germany see this approach as a promising solution to worries about health effects as well as privacy concerns.

The scientific challenge of using a passive imaging technology is to achieve enough sensitivity in the detector to identify weapons and other hidden hazardous materials. The THz camera developed at IPHT is able to record images with a frame rate of up to 10 Hz. That is close to video but not sufficient to image a person passing the camera at a walking pace without motion blurring. For that reason, the forthcoming fourth-generation camera will use a receiver with 50 detectors to achieve full video rate at 25 Hz.

Bloomberg Businessweek article
SPIE Professional article (SPIE Member login required)

L3 receives contract for airport security.

(UPDATE- I have learned from reliable sources that there is NO connection between L3 and API, on the current millimeter wave machine selected by TSA. L3 purchased this technology from a third party several years ago.)






The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking sources for Whole Body Imager (WBI) systems for screening of passengers to be used in our Nation’s airports. The TSA will examine each Offeror’s response to this announcement to determine those vendors who have satisfactorily met the minimum requirements as specified in the white paper requirements section of this announcement. The TSA intends to establish a Qualified Product List (QPL) based on the overall performance of each Offeror’s WBI against TSA specifications and reasonableness of price. Only Offerors who respond to this announcement and demonstrate compliance to TSA’s requirements, as specified in the TSA WBI Procurement Specification, dated May 2008, will be eligible for placement onto the QPL. This will be an open QPL, meaning that the Offeror will be able to submit white papers to the contracting officer at any time, although testing will only occur at the discretion of the TSA. If initial testing finds that the product fails to meet the basic requirements, a vendor will not be permitted to retest sooner than 30 business days after the failure, unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government. If the product fails a second test, the product will be locked out of future testing for six months, unless the Government determines it is in TSA’s best interest to allow further testing. Only Offerors who successfully complete testing will be placed on the QPL and be considered for a contract award.






Requirements for the WBI system have been broken into four tiers with progressively increasing levels of requirements. The vendor has the choice to meet the requirements of the different tiers. To be added to the QPL, each vendor must meet all Tier I requirements. A higher-level system must meet all the requirements of the tiers below it. For example, a Tier III system must meet all Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III requirements. Potential examples of Tier I requirements include Security Technology Interface Program (STIP), privacy filters, and the ability to scan an individual in the 95th percentile for height. The tier structure primarily reflects progressively increased requirements for performance to potentially include multiplexing and explosives detection. (see attachments for full announcement)


Added: Dec 30, 2009 2:38 pm
The Transportation Security Administration awards an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IQIQ) contract to L3 Communications for supplies and services associated with the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) systems
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