Detection of concealed explosives and contraband

Abstract

The invention is a detector for detection of concealed explosives, drugs and contraband using x-rays imaging and powder pattern techniques and ultrasonics. In case of inspection of carry-on baggage a combination of computer-aided x-ray transmission imaging and x-ray diffraction analysis is used to screen, confirm and localize threats. The x-ray transmission is used to segregate dense baggage and cargo which are inspected by x-ray backscatter imaging to identify suspicious objects. All suspicious objects are carefully analyzed by x-ray diffraction. In another embodiment a slow processing system uses diffraction for identification of threats and x-ray radiography for localization of the objects. In case of drugs concealed in compartments aboard marine vessels or air crafts a hand-held x-ray system is disclosed which can be used in three modes of operation: x-ray transmission, x-ray backscatter, or x-ray diffraction dependent on the architecture of the compartment. In case of buried mines an oscillating dual-energy x-ray backscatter imaging is used for antipersonnel mines and a combination of x-ray backscatter imaging and prompt gamma detectors is used for antivehicle and antiaircraft mines. Ultrasonic detectors are disclosed for detection of explosives on persons. Also, a tracking system based on bar-code identification system and a central computer is disclosed for baggage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.