Automated security scanning process

Abstract

This invention automates a portion of the existing process by applying computerized comparative assessment program to the image presented on the operator's viewing screen. This is accomplished by creating a computerized image database of all known weapons, dangerous articles, and other prohibited items. At the same time the scanned container's contents data is converted to the image presented on the operator's viewing screen, the same data is computer compared to the weapons database. Just as the human mentally compares learned weapons database against what he or she sees on the monitor, the computer accomplishes the same process, except much more timely and accurately. When the computer identifies data from the scanned image that correlates to it's prohibited items database, it alerts the security operator by any number of common means and highlights the image on the security operator's monitor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to terrorist threat detection systems and more specifically to an airport automated security scanning process. The horror of the World Trade Center devastation and the attack on the Pentagon teaches us that automated security scanning in airports and other locations is a serious endeavor that needs priority. Requirement and process currently exists to inspect the inside of carry-on bags, luggage, and other containers to determine if weapons, dangerous articles, and other prohibited items are hidden within. This is generally accomplished by passing a container through and x-ray scanning machine while a security operator observes the container's contents on a monitor screen (such as the process generally observed at an airport security checkpoint). This is an effective process if / and only if the operator is fully trained, experienced, has the time needed to properly evaluate what he / she sees on the monitor, and last, b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention automates a portion of the existing process by applying computerized comparative assessment program to the image presented on the operator's viewing screen. This is accomplished by creating a computerized image database of all known weapons and dangerous items. At the same time the scanned container's contents data is converted to the image presented on the operator's viewing screen, the same data is computer compared to the weapons database. Just as the human mentally compares learned weapons database against what he or she sees on the monitor, the computer accomplishes the same process, except much more timely and accurately. When the computer identifies data from the scanned image that correlates to it's prohibited items database, it alerts the security operator by any number of common means and highlights the image on the security operator's monitor.

The invention / process allows more containers, baggage, etc. to be security scanned and assessed in a given amount of time. The invention / process augments the human operator in a manner that increases human operator ability to identify weapons and / or dangerous items during the security scan that he or she could normally miss without computerized augmentation. The invention / process does not get tired or bored with the tedious process it accomplishes, so the effects of human complacency and loss of attention to detail are greatly reduced. The invention / process can be used "stand-alone" without human oversight to security scan containers, baggage, and cargo, etc. when and where security is not the highest priority.

With advent of low cost-high powered computers with extensive data storage capacity, there is no human alternative that can prove as efficient and effective in accurately comparing scanned images to it's prohibited items database.

Problems solved by technology

With advent of low cost-high powered computers with extensive data storage capacity, there is no human alternative that can prove as efficient and effective in accurately comparing scanned images to it's prohibited items database.

Images