Other

David D Caulfield

Michael A Curran

Robert Tarini

Airports and other public places require security measures for the screening of human subjects for illicit objects and materials concealed from view beneath clothing. However, at present most of such screening processes involve only metal detectors, which are inherently incapable of detecting non-metallic illicit objects and materials. For this reason, there remains a strong need for novel systems and methods that can detect all types of materials. The present invention provides for a portal detection system that is configured for safe, rapid, and non-invasive scanning of human subjects. For this purpose, the portal detection system utilizes acoustic technology to achieve this end. The portal detection systems of the present invention may optionally be used in conjunction with conventional metal detection means. The invention encompasses portal detection systems, their use in scanning human subjects, and corresponding methods of scanning human subjects for illicit objects and substances.

Acoustic portal detection system

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in detecting the substance of an object contained within an enclosure. The apparatus is comprised of an acoustic transmitter for transmitting a pulse of acoustic energy at a first side of the enclosure. A first acoustic receiver is provided for receiving acoustic energy reflected from the object to produce a reflected acoustic energy signal. A second acoustic receiver is provided for receiving acoustic energy which has been transmitted or refracted through the object to produce a transmitted acoustic energy signal. A signal processor is connected to the transmitter and to said first and second receivers. The signal processor processes the transmitted pulse of acoustic energy, the reflected acoustic energy signal and the transmitted acoustic energy signal to produce an object signature indicative of the object. A comparator is provided for comparing the object signature with the signature of known objects to determine the substance of the object. In accordance with the present invention, 'enclosure' is defined as being a hollow box like structure having an object to be detected and identified with respect to its substance located therein, for example, a suitcase containing and object, or a quantity of material having an object to be detected and identified with respect to its substance buried therein, for example, an object buried in the earth relatively close to the surface.

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Spruce Grove, Canada

David D Caulfield