SYSTEM AND METHOP FOR THE DETECTION. RECORDING AND REPORTING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is a system and method for the detection, recording, and reporting of matter and energy related to hazardous and illegal substances in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces. The system and method relate to the early detection of hazardous materials and illegal actions commonly associated with criminal and terrorist activities. This "around-the-clock" security shield integrates audio, video and sensor detection (passive deterrence) with real-time monitoring, communications, and data recording (active deterrence).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most anti-terrorism experts agree that present security measures in the United

States are woefully inadequate. The nagging problem of cargo containers is but one example. Thousands of these containers enter U.S. ports every day, and then move by truck and rail to our major cities, towns and villages. Manpower requirements and budget woes make comprehensive inspections an impossible dream in the minds of those responsible. Lacking the proper resources on the one hand, and beset by-time constraints and logistical problems on the other hand, authorities must now content themselves with inspecting only a tiny traction of the total volume of cargo shipments.

[0003] The overburdened inspection process is further compromised by the general lack of security in freight operations. Insurance providers for the container industry report that as many as 5% of international container movements develop some kind of problem during transit. Too often cargo containers are misrouted, stolen, lost, damaged and/or excessively delayed.

Generally speaking, these problems represent a hodgepodge of causes, from sloppy human error to devious criminal intent.

[0004] Cargo containers, as a measure of inadequate security, represent only the tip of the iceberg. There are other glaring examples, such as rental trucks, truck-trailers, distribution centers, railroad cars, and personnel entry points for airports, schools, buildings, subways, train stations, sports arenas, concert halls, theme parks, etc. One could go on citing examples of security risks but, suffice it to say, the invention was developed to enhance public security, to frustrate and prevent criminal and terrorist activity before the intent can be realized.

[0005] When the invention was in the initial design stage, the primary focus was the

"wish list" of reporting and detection needs set forth by government authorities and the shipping industry. Out of that study came the design goal: the creation of a device that would frustrate criminal and terrorist activity in the making and, at the same time, provide the shipping and transportation industry with the means to eliminate many of the oversight errors that drive up costs, infuriate shippers, thwart the inspection process, and impose yet another element of risk on public security. There will probably never be an absolute public safeguard but, in the interim, vigilance and early detection are surely the next best thing, and the invention provides both.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Briefly stated, the system of the invention can function as a stationary or mobile recording-reporting device fp£|he detection of biological agents, toxic chemicals, dirty bombs, electromagnetic radiation, human presence, drugs associated with volatile organic chemicals, and occasions of negligent oversight.

[0007] The primary component of the system is a solid-state detection unit housed in a compact case which may be mounted for mobile or stationary applications. The detection unit includes a variety of detectors and sensors, a processor or controller, a power supply, and communications interfaces. Units are installed in various locations, and each unit is in continuous communication with a monitoring center via a monitoring system.

[0008] In its mobile configuration (for use in, e.g., cargo containers, railroad cars, trucks, etc.) the case is mounted inside the cargo carrier. A thin peel-and-press solar panel and embedded antenna array is mounted on the exterior of the cargo carrier. The unit is powered by two independent storage batteries and is equipped with a plug-in interface for an external battery charger. The solar panel automatically recharges the batteries. Each unit is equipped with a "sleep & stand-by" power saving mode. Multiple detectors in the unit scan the cargo as it is loaded into the carrier, and they continue to scan on preset time intervals after the carrier is sealed and in transport, monitoring the interior for any buildups or leaks of hazardous materials. A GPS unit provides information on the geographic location of the unit. The antenna array is used to transmit and receive data to and from a reporting and monitoring facility.

[0009] In its stationary configuration (for use in, e.g., warehouses, distribution centers, personnel and vehicle entry points, etc.) the detection unit may be shrouded as appropriate for the particular application and hardwired for power. In the event of a power failure, the two independent storage batteries act as a redundant power supply.

[0010] There is nothing problematic about the individual technologies that the system employs. All of the components (sensors, data recorder, GPS system, etc.) are high quality solid- state units that are in individual use today. This marriage of proven technologies, and the creation of a tamper-proof housing unit with multiple reporting features, will raise the level of public security and increase the efficiency of cargo movements on land and sea, a combination that has long been needed. ■

[0011 ] The detection unit includes multiple anti-tamper devices within its casing. If a detector is damaged the unit will report and record the event; if the antenna array is disabled, the master system will report the event and alert authorities. In either instance, authorities can access the data recorder at the next checkpoint to determine the extent of the tampering. If the unit stops reporting altogether, something is wrong and the cargo carrier will be physically investigated at the first opportunity.

[0012] Detection units can be installed or retrofitted tσ monitor and safeguard a wide variety of cargo carriers and facilities including, for example, the following: shipping containers, rental trucks, trailer-trucks, railroad cars, cargo bays and holds, loading docks, elevators, warehouses, distribution centers, weigh stations, border checkpoints, storage facilities and units, baggage handling facilities, trucking fleets (e.g., commercial delivery service and private delivery fleets), personnel entry points (e.g., to airports, schools, buildings, subways, train stations, sports arenas, concert halls), and vehicle entrances to critical facilities (e.g., power plants, refineries, nuclear facilities and storage sites, ports, manufacturing plants, railroad stations, bus terminals, airports, water reservoirs and purification plants, dams, and military installations).

BRCEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Fig. t depicts a detection unit including the solid-state components and integrated circuit board.

[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates the peel-and-paste solar panel mat with embedded antennas for use with a detection unit.

[0015] Fig. 3 depicts the sensors and the types of data that are processed, recorded and reported by the detection unit.

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates the detection unit communications with controllers and authorities.

[0017] Fig. 5 depicts the ways that the detection unit issues event notifications and then activates an audio and/or video response upon command from the monitoring system.

[0018] Fig.6 shows the monitoring system of the invention implemented on a wide area network (WAN) with monitoring centers.

[0019] Fig. 7 shows the local area network (LAN) for a monitoring center of the system.

[0020] Fig. 8 shows a sample controller's screen display at a monitoring center.

[0021] Fig. 9 shows a sample event report summary as displayed on portable computer screen display for use by a government agency or shipping company.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The central component of the system of the invention is detection unit 2 as shown in Fig. 1. An integrated circuit board 4 contains the processor 6, many of the solid-state detectors and sensors, and various communications ports which are described in detail below. Circuit board 4 and other components of detection unit 2 are mounted in a housing 8, which is preferably an aluminum case with dimensions of approximately one foot wide by four feet long by one inch thick. If required for a particular application, the dimensions of housing 8 may be made smaller.

[0023] Processor 6 controls all of the functions of detection unit 2 and is connected to receive inputs from the various sensors and detectors. Processor 6 processes and controls the storage and transmission of data from detection unit 2. Any suitable microprocessor or microcontroller, with appropriate associated interface and memory circuits, may be used. Processor 6 is programmed to detect "events" based on inputs from the various sensors and detectors, and to generate land transmit a signal to a monitoring center in response to the detection of such an event. Processor 6 may also be programmed to activate cameras, microphones and other devices upon command from the monitoring system. In addition, processor 6 manages the power-saving modes and all other operating parameters of detection unit 2.

[0024] Detection unit 2 is powered by two independent storage batteries 10 a,b and is equipped with a plug-in interface for an external battery charger (not shown). Batteries 10 a,b preferably have a usage life of six months without recharging.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, an integrated solar panel and antenna array 12 is provided.

Preferably, panel 12 is a thin, flexible, self-adhesive "peel-and press" solar cell mat with embedded antennas 14 a,b. Solar panel and antenna array 12 may conveniently be mounted on the exterior of a mobile cargo container, truck, etc. Solar panel and antenna array 12 is connected to circuit board 4 via a cable (not shown) that plugs into watertight, tamper-proof connectors 16 a,b and automatically and continuously recharges batteries 10 a,b.

Detectors and Sensors in the Detection Unit

[0026] A wide variety of sensors and detectors can be included in detection unit 2, and the configuration can be varied for the particular application. In a mobile application, sensors can be activated periodically and turned off at intervals to conserve power. In a hard-wired stationary application, the sensors may operate continuously. To achieve the full benefits of the invention, detection unit 2 preferably includes the following types of detectors and sensors, which are preferably solid-state devices mounted on circuit board 4 or, if not suitable for board mounting, elsewhere within housing 8 or at the location to be monitored:

[0027] Micro Bomb Detector 18: A "dirty bomb" consists of low-level radioactive material propagated by a conventional explosive. Many radiation detection devices exist today but few are able to detect the presence of a dirty bomb. Most Geiger tube based devices, for example, improperly report (or fail to report) radiation levels below their low-level range. And CDS (cadmium sulphide) based detectors, when not in very close proximity to a dirty bomb, are too slow to report low levels of radioactivity.

[0028] The invention preferably employs a state-of-the-art micro-bomb detector 18 such as the Micro Bomb Detector MBD Series 2240 or Electronic Dosimeter DMC 2000XB. Such devices can identify the presence of low-level radiation and radioisotopes associated with dirty bombs. This type of detector has a solid-state, high-gain sensor with long distance range, and an intelligent microprocessor that processes the amplified signal 67 times a second, thus controlling outputs and signal to report ambient radiation levels.

[0029] Micro-bomb detector 18 serves as a highly tuned early warning system for dirty bombs by integrating a solid-state radiation detector, an ultra high-gain amplifier, and an intelligent microprocessor to filter out background radiation. The chances of locating a dirty bomb or suspicious radioisotopes will increase exponentially as micro bomb detectors begin to travel throughout our communities and highway system.

[0030] Multi-Gas Analyzer 20: Detection unit 2 includes a multi-gas analyzer 20 that detects and identifies chemical agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Gas analyzer 20 uses surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor arrays and electrochemical cells to detect gases such as:

• VX V-agents

• GA Tabum

• GB Sarin

• GD Soman t GF Cyclohexyl Sarin

• HD Mustard

• HN3 Nitrogen Mustard

• AC Hydrogen Cyanide

• CG Phosgene

• Hydride GasesArsine, Diborane, Silane

• Halogen Gases Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine

• Acidic Gases Sulfur Dioxide

[0031 ] Electromagnetic Radiation ("EMR") Detector 22: Detection unit 2 includes an electromagnetic radiation detector 22 that can locate the source of electromagnetic interference quickly and reliably. Consisting of a built-in antenna, amplifier and Schottky barrier detection diodes, EMR detector 22 can cover a frequency range of 50 Hz to 1500 MHz with a typical sensitivity of 25uV/cm (500 MHz, far field setting). Detector 22 has three positions: OfF, High Sensitivity (far field) and Low Sensitivity (near field). It is ideally suited for the following applications:

• Tracing local sources of electromagnetic interference {EMI)

• EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) pre-testing

• Quick radiation check for transmitters

• Type Broadband radio frequency range (approx. 50 Hz to 1500 MHz)

• Typical sensitivity 25yV/cm (at 500MHz, far field setting)

[0032] Volatile Organic Compound ("VOC") Detector 24: Detection unit 2 includes a photo-ionization detector 24 that provides linear, part-per-million readings for many toxic gases and vapors that are virtually undetectable by any other means. VOC detector 24 can incorporate substance specific toxic sensors, and it is well suited for the measurement of volatile organic compounds such as gasoline, benzene, paint, degreasers, jet fuel, and most organic solvents.

[0033] VOC detector 24 may also include a gas chromato graph which can, for example, analyze benzene in 30 seconds and other organics, such as toluene, ethlbenzene, and m-xlene (BTEX), in two minutes. Accuracy is in the parts-per-billion range, which means that the photoionization detector can accurately measure low levels of VOCs (0-2000 ppm) without the annoyance of false alarms that are so prevalent with other "broadband" sensors. This is an important feature because many VOCs are toxic at levels well below the sensitivity of most multi-gas monitors.

[0034] Video Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with two optical inputs 26 a,b, two digital inputs for telemetry 28 a,b, and two outputs for control 30 a,b. The optical inputs 26 and digital inputs 28 can be used to monitor desired states and conditions, and/or to trigger alarms. Video inputs are recorded automatically or by remote trigger under control of the monitoring center. One of the digital telemetry inputs 28 may be used to accept an input from motion detector 46; upon detecting motion, an event is recorded and video cameras 32 and/or infrared camera 34 may be activated.

[0035] Upon command (either at an automatic preset interval controlled by processor 6 or by a remote real-time check initiated by a controller at a monitoring center), forward and aft video/still cameras 32 a,b take single pictures, or live video feed, and transmit them back to the controller via optical inputs 26 a,b. In addition, an infrared camera 34 can be triggered when the

truck-trailer, container, warehouse or other enclosed space is sealed to detect for human presence.

[0036] Audio Detection: Detection unit 2 includes a microphone 36. In the event the video system is somehow disabled, the controller can trigger microphone 36 and listen for movement or voice sounds inside the trailer-truck, container, warehouse or other enclosed space when it is sealed . If desired, conversations during loading operations can also be monitored and/or recorded by the controller at a monitoring center.

[0037] Access Detection; Detection unit 2 is equipped with one or more proximity sensors 38. Each time the doors are opened on the carrier, warehouse or other enclosed space, proximity sensor 38 will trigger a digital camera 40 and send an event transmission to the monitoring center if the electronic lock mode is "on". Digital camera 40 acts as a security camera, recording events at preset time intervals for so long as the doors of the space remain open.

[0038] Location Detection; For mobile applications, detection unit 2 is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) device 42 that provides real-time geographic location reporting continuously or upon demand. Data from the GPS device 42 is recorded at preset intervals.

[0039] Humidity Sensor: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a humidity sensor 44 that records at preset intervals. Humidity sensor 44 sends an event transmission to the monitoring center whenever the humidity exceeds the preset limit.

[0040] Interior Motion Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with an interior motion detector 46 which will respond to any undue movement (humans moving about, shifting cargo, etc.) within the carrier or other enclosed space when it is sealed . Motion sensor 46 responds by triggering video cameras 32 and sending an event transmission to the monitoring center.

[0041] Temperature Sensor: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor 48 that records at preset intervals and sends an "event" transmission to the monitoring center whenever the temperature exceeds a preset limit.

[0042] Manifest & Weight Input: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a slot plug 50 that acts as a scanner interface and a weight mat data input connector. Shippers and transporters can upload weight and manifest information into the internal data storage unit, if they so choose.

[0043] Vibration & Shock Detection: Detection unit 2 is equipped with a vibration/shock detector 52 which sends an event transmission to the monitoring center whenever the shock or vibration impact exceeds the preset limit.

[0044] RFID: Detection unit 2 includes a radio frequency identification (RFDD) device

54 which can automatically identify the unit for inspection via a laptop computer orhaαd-held device. This feature is especially advantageous for inspection at facilities such as ports, border stations, highway checkpoints and the like.

[0045] External Detector Input Port: An external detector input port 56 permits the connection of an external device such as a weighing system, or a video camera for, e.g., inspection of the underside of a vehicle at a vehicle access point. The port accepts analog or digital inputs from the external device.

[0046] Air pump: An air pump 58 may be included to provide air samples to multi-gas analyzer 20 and VOC detector 24, if necessary. An ah* pump is not needed for ambient air detectors.

[0047] Tamper Detection: Various devices and systems may be incorporated into detection unit 2 to detect any tempering. For example, if case 8 is opened or if detection unit 2 is removed from its installed location an event signal is generated and sent to the monitoring center.

REPORTING & DATA RECORDING

[0048] Historical Data Storage: Detection unit 2 is equipped with an internal data storage unit 60. Data storage unit 60 preferably utilizes flash memory, which is reliable, nonvolatile and consumes little power, but a hard disc drive or the like may also be used. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, data recorded by the sensors, detectors, cameras, microphone and GPS is routed by processor 6 to data storage unit 60. The data can be retained in data storage unit 60 for at least 90 days. The stored data will provide a history of GPS locations, hazardous material detections, the time and place carrier doors were opened and closed, and any instances of unit tampering.

[0049] The recording/reporting system software includes an intelligent data-logging capability, which means that shippers and/or transporters can select particular data for recording based on time interval, distance and event. The data selected can be maintained in internal data storage unit 60 for weeks or months.

[0050] As shown in Figs.4 and 5, detection unit 2 includes wireless transceiver 62 by which detection unit 2 can maintain continuous contact with the monitoring system. Transceivei 62 is also used to upload data to the monitoring system, send event notifications to the monitoring centers, and receive commands from a monitoring center, and permits polling of the detection unit 2 by the monitoring system.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the monitoring system operates on a wide area network

(WAN) comprising monitoring centers 64a-g., each of which may be assigned to cover, e.g., a particular geographic region or type of installation. Although satellite 66 is shown the WAN communications may occur by wired or wireless telephone, satellite, or other means. Each monitoring center 64 may operate as a local area network (LAN) as shown in Fig.7. The LAN includes a server or router 68, a plurality of mainframe computers 70 and user stations 72, each including a display 74 for administrators and controllers. The LAN may communicate with the WAN via wired and wireless links 76.

At each monitoring center 64, mainframe computer 70 downloads historical data from the detection units 2. Twenty-four hour logistical and communication support will be maintained by monitoring centers 64 and the downloaded data is displayed to keep the controllers updated. Controllers may view the status of the individual detection units 2 on displays 74.

[0052] A typical controller's screen display 78 is shown in Fig. 8. Unit ID's 80 are displayed for each detection unit 2 monitored by the individual controller. For each detection unit 2, various information is displayed, including type of event 82 and geographic location 84. Historical location data 86 may also be displayed, and location and movement may be tracked on map 88. The controller may access data, cameras and microphones via unit access buttons 90. Video and still photographs may be viewed hi screen 92.

[0053] When an event is triggered at a detection unit 2 and the data is transferred via the

WAN to the monitoring center 64, mainframe computer 70 will transfer that individual detection unit 2 to a human-controller display 74. An alert with the relevant data may also be automatically transmitted to the federal Homeland Security department, another government agency, the shipping company or other appropriate authority. The agency or shipping company may communicate with the controller to determine the cause of the event and take the proper action.

[0054] As stated earlier, should the mainframe computer 70 lose all contact with a detection unit 2, the mainframe computer 70 will automatically "red line" the unit and notify the controller. For example, the ED for such a unit may flash on the screen as shown in Fig. 8. In such an event, the monitoring centers and their controllers will have access to Homeland Security, the shipping companies and other agencies as required.

[0055] The monitoring system is designed to connect with a wide range of cell phone modems, VHF/UHF for digital radios, wireless LAN systems and satellite modems (ORBCOMM). The two-way communication is based on SMS, GPS or IX data packets. A cell phone/LAN transponder may link to a laptop computer or handheld unit, which allows industry and/or government officials to obtain fast, accurate readouts of both real-time and recorded data

upon demand. This feature is useful for law enforcement personnel doing a spot check of a container or facility, or responding to an event signal. It is also useful for border patrol officers inspecting a truck at a border crossing, security personnel at a vehicle entry point to a facility, and the like. A typical screen display 94 showing event data as seen by the government agency or shipping company on a laptop or handheld unit is depicted in Fig. 9. This display reports the unit ID 96, the nature of any event 98, the geographic location of the unit 100, historic location 102, mapping of the locations 104, live video feeds 106 and other pertinent information.

[0056] The monitoring system is designed to report on all concerns that have been expressed by government agencies and shipping industry, including the following:

• Signed BD of carrier and/or container

• Transactions

• Dirty bombs

• Biological agents

• Doors opened/closed

• Location - latϊtadeλongitude/altrtude

• Tampering incidents

• Chain of possession

• Electromagnetic radiation

• Human presence

• Presence of drugs associated withVOCs

• Silent and mayday reports

• Toxic chemicals

• Intrusion detection

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Undue interior motion

[0057] The foregoing is intended to represent one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additional modifications and

enhancements of the present invention may be apparent to those of skill in the art.