Morpho Detection, Inc.

Other

Ge Homeland Protection, Inc.

Quantum Magnetics, Inc.

Invision Technologies, Inc.

Ge Invision Inc.

Smiths Medical International Limited

Sondre Skatter

Samit Kumar Basu

Geoffrey Harding

Armin Uwe Schmiegel

Walter Irving Garms

Kenneth Robert Mann

Todor Petrov

Matthew Allen Merzbacher

Gabriel Zienert

Francois Mesqui

Timothy Rayner

Keith Alan Clark

Sauveur Chemouni

Mohammad Qassim Mohammad Khasawneh

A method for generating a two-dimensional image of an object using a CT scanner is provided. The method includes selecting an imaging surface for the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, selecting a viewing direction that is non-parallel to the imaging surface, rotating an x-ray source of the CT scanner around the object through a plurality of views, wherein the x-ray source projects x-rays towards a detector array opposite the x-ray source. For each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the method includes acquiring using the detector array, from the plurality of views, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to the viewing direction, and combining the data values acquired for the pixel to calculate a final value for the pixel. The method further includes generating the two-dimensional image of the object based on the calculated final values for each pixel.

Systems and methods for generating two-dimensional images from projection data

An X-ray CT scanner for imaging an object is provided. The scanner includes an X-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams, a detector array including a plurality of detector elements, and a precollimator positioned between the X-ray emitter and the object, the precollimator configured to prevent the emitted X-ray beams from being directly incident on a first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and allow the emitted X-ray beams to be directly incident on a second subset of said plurality of detector elements. A processing device communicatively coupled to the detector array is configured to determine a signature of the object based on a first set of data acquired using the first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and tomographically reconstruct an image of the object based on a second set of data acquired using the second subset of said plurality of detector elements.

Systems and methods for imaging and determining a signature of an object

A method of performing a security inspection of a container including a plurality of objects includes irradiating the container with polychromatic x-rays, reconstructing a 4-D voxelized representation defining a momentum transfer spectrum, and generating a 3-D image by determining a single value at each voxel as a function of the momentum transfer spectrum. The method further includes segmenting the voxels into segments of contiguous voxels that map onto at least one object. The method also includes computing an aggregated momentum transfer spectrum over at least a portion of the contiguous voxels through at least one of aggregating the spectra of the contiguous voxels for each segment and defining a supervoxel that includes voxels with the object exclusively and voxels in a neighborhood, regardless of association with the object. The method further includes classifying the object as one of a threat and a non-threat based on the aggregated momentum transfer spectrum.

X-ray diffraction imaging system with signal aggregation across voxels containing objects and method of operating the same

Use of the present invention provides a method and system for selecting the winning tickets in a lottery game. The method adds to traditional lottery games a social network element, which will influence the winning ticket selection process. The top prize level is still determined by a traditional random draw, but lower-level prizes are determined based on a ticket-holder's proximity in the social network to players that won the higher-level prizes. In a simple form the 2level prizes will go to players that have direct connections in the social network (friends) to a 1prize winner. Players can manage their social network independently from purchasing the tickets. Traditional sales outlets may be used for ticket sale. Pre-existing social networks may be utilized in the dedicated social network for the game.

System and method for selecting winning tickets in a lottery game

Use of the present invention provides a method and system for generating the winning combination of numbers in a lottery game. The method determines a winning number combination from among a plurality of number combination entries submitted by a plurality of players, each of which could submit their entries from a plurality of locations. A unique algorithm assigns significance to the position of the numbers in each number combination entry by presenting the players with a template comprised of a plurality of sections. After all number combination entries have been received, the winning numbers are generated by a hybrid process. In at least one of the sections, the winning selection is the selection in that section that received the least bets among all the possible selections in the current game cycle. The winning numbers for the remaining sections are generated by a traditional random drawing. Concatenating the winning selections in all sections thus forms the winning number combination.

Method and system for selecting winning numbers in a lottery game

A system for detecting contraband. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type (and/or a third type) of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan (and/or the third scan), the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

System for detecting contraband

An integrated detection system that includes a first threat detection apparatus and a second threat detection apparatus is provided. The first threat detection apparatus may identify one or more areas within an item of baggage that may contain threats. Example threats include, but are not limited to, explosives, weapons, illegal drugs, and hazardous matter, among others. The remaining areas are in theory deemed clear of threats. The second threat detection apparatus may be configured to inspect only the suspect areas of the item of baggage that was previously identified by the first threat detection apparatus. This improves throughput and lowers the false positive rate. A method for intelligently fusing the independent information obtained by the first and second threat detection apparatuses is also provided.

System and method for integrating explosive detection systems

According to one aspect of the invention, a contraband detection apparatus is provided and a method of detecting contraband are provided. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan, the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

System and method for detecting contraband

An explosives detection system which includes computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors for identifying particular explosive compounds present in passenger baggage. The CT sensor may be configured to automatically identify the presence or absence of bulk military, commercial, and sheet explosives during CT scanning of the baggage. Similarly, the QR sensor may be configured to responsively generate RDX and PETN signals during QR scanning of the passenger baggage. Using any of a variety of inspection protocols, the explosives detection system may generate an output alarm based upon data obtained from the CT and QR sensors.

Explosives detection system using computed tomography (CT) and quadrupole resonance (QR) sensors

A method and apparatus is disclosed for mapping the relevant material properties of a log, such as knot location and extent. The outer shape of the log under bark is also revealed using this method, and the boundary between the heartwood and sapwood is accurately mapped. The apparatus includes three x-ray sources and arrays of x-ray detectors, for measuring the attenuation of the wood in the log. Deviations in attenuation are related to changes in density, which are indicative of knots and other defects. Accurate estimates of shape, density and knot location render improved sawing decisions at the headrig of a sawmill, which improve the yield of high quality lumber from a given log. The techniques may also be used in a system for sorting logs according to quality.

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Oakland, CA, United States of America

Sondre Skatter