Threat scanning machine management system Number:7,183,906 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere. Additionally, the threat scanning machine management system can be accessed and monitored remotely from a web browser via secure Internet access.<H management, scanning, Threat, scanning, 7183906.html, Patent, pto, 7183906

Title: Threat scanning machine management system

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere. Additionally, the threat scanning machine management system can be accessed and monitored remotely from a web browser via secure Internet access.

Patent Number: 7,183,906 Issued on 02/27/2007 to Zanovitch, et al.

Inventors: Zanovitch; Joseph (Barton, NY), Douglas; Susan (Candor, NY), Heaton; Michael (Owego, NY), Bender; Tonya (Owego, NY)
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)

Appl. No.: 10/804,088

Filed: March 19, 2004

Current U.S. Class: 340/518 ; 340/5.3; 340/5.32; 340/521; 340/541

Current International Class: G08B 29/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 340/541,518,521,5.12,5.3,5.32,5.7

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Primary Examiner: Pope; Daryl C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Miles & Stockbridge PC Carmichael; James T.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dynamically configurable maintenance and control system for threat scanning machines located in an airport, the system comprising: a threat scanning machine in the airport, adapted to communicate via a network; and a control computer, adapted to communicate via the network with the threat scanning machine and to dynamically re-configure the system by selecting a threat scanning machine for addition to the system; wherein said selecting is performed in real time in response to current conditions in the airport and wherein one or more control computers are connected to a central control computer and said one or more control computers are adapted to facilitate centralized maintenance and control of multiple threat scanning machines.

2. The maintenance and control system of claim 1, wherein the control computer can transmit operational software to the threat scanning machine and command the threat scanning machine to reprogram with operational software and operate with operational software.

3. The maintenance and control system of claim 2, wherein the control computer can collect data from threat scanning machines and store said data.

4. The maintenance and control system of claim 3, wherein the control computer can display images from threat scanning machines.

5. The maintenance and control system of claim 4, wherein the control computer can transmit test images to threat scanning machines.

6. The maintenance and control system of claim 5, wherein the control computer can transmit threat profiles to the threat scanning machines.

7. The maintenance and control system of claim 6, wherein the control computer generates reports containing information about the performance of threat scanning machines.

8. The maintenance and control system of claim 7, wherein the control computer maintains a list of authorized users of the threat scanning machines and a list of the access credentials of the authorized users and the control computer transmits said list of authorized users and said list of access credentials to the threat scanning machines.

9. The maintenance and control system of claim 8, wherein the control computer is a portable computer.

10. The maintenance and control system of claim 9, wherein the communication network is a wireless network.

11. A method of centrally maintaining and controlling threat scanning machines located in an airport, the method comprising: connecting a control computer to a communication network; connecting a threat scanning machine to a communication network; loading the control computer with software to communicate with threat scanning machines; initiating communication between control computer and threat scanning machine; dynamically re-configuring the network by the control computer selecting a threat scanning machine in real time in response to a condition, and transmitting operational software from the control computer to the selected threat scanning machine.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of transmitting operational parameters from control computer to threat scanning machine.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of receiving data from threat scanning machines in the control computer.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of receiving images from the threat scanning machines in the control computer.

Description

The present invention relates generally to system management, and, more particularly, to the management of threat scanning machines.

Threat scanning machines are often employed in locations where safety and security are at issue. Transportation facilities, for example, airports, train stations, seaports, and the like, may employ threat scanning machines to detect security threats within passenger or freight baggage. Other facilities, such as office buildings, government buildings, court houses, museums and the like may employ threat scanning machines to detect restricted items being carried by a person seeking entry to the facility. A threat scanning machine, as used herein, refers to any device capable of detecting an object defined as a threat. A threat, as used herein, can be anything that is restricted from being brought aboard a vehicle, into a building or into an area.

Threat scanning machines may be of different make and model, including carry-on bag scanning machines, checked-bag scanning machines, walk-through metal detectors, x-rays, computerized tomography devices, magnetic resonance imaging devices, and the like, thus requiring individualized maintenance and control of each machine's software and data components. The task of individually maintaining and controlling each machine may be time consuming, prone to error and expensive. For example, when supervisor attention is required at a particular machine, the supervisor must physically go to the machine, assess the situation and provide guidance to the threat scanning machine operator. As another example, when the software in an existing threat scanning machine needs to be upgraded, the media containing the upgrade may be required to be carried from machine to machine in order to perform the upgrade. The diversity of threat scanning machine types and the varied locations of threat scanning machines pose obstacles to the efficient management of the threat scanning machines.

In an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system, the threat scanning machines are connected to a communication network. One or more control center computers are connected to the communication network. The threat scanning machines, possibly of different make and model, are adapted with hardware and software to allow them to communicate over the network with the control center computer. The control center computer is adapted with software and/or hardware to control and manage threat scanning machines. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control computer can transmit data, such as, for example, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machine; and the threat scanning machines may transmit data, such as, for example, images and performance data to the control computer.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a supervisor may view the images or performance data of a threat scanning machine remotely on the control center computer, assess the situation and assist the threat scanning machine operator remotely, thereby permitting the supervisor to manage multiple threat scanning machines in an efficient manner. In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the threat scanning machine management system may be dynamically configurable, the network may be a wireless network, and the control center computer may be a portable device, thus permitting a superior to manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system showing the control centers connected to a threat scanning machine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system showing the details of an exemplary threat scanning machine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system showing the details of an exemplary control center in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the logical functions of an exemplary threat management module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a remote management module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a maintenance server module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control center database and web service connections in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary control and maintenance system showing a web browser connection in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary threat scanning machine architecture in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system showing an exemplary approach to network security in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system showing exemplary security components in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system showing exemplary alternative approaches to the network connection of security equipment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary message interface between a threat scanning machine and the threat scanning machine management system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the main menu screen;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the items of the Remote Management menu;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the items of the Threat Management menu;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the items of the Maintenance Server menu;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the items of the Threat Image Projection (TIP) Management menu;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing Event information;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing User Administration data;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Fault Reporting selection dialog;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Report Filter selection dialog;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing System Administration data;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a download schedule;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing the System Administration screen;

FIG. 27 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Throughput Report;

FIG. 28 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Personnel Report;

FIG. 29 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Current Alarm Report;

FIG. 30 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing an Historical Bag/Threat Information Report;

FIG. 31 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Threat Type Information Report;

FIG. 32 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing an All Actions Taken Information Report;

FIG. 33 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a File Management Report;

FIG. 34 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Profile Management Report;

FIG. 35 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Download Management Report;

FIG. 36 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a TIP Image Management Report;

FIG. 37 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface showing a Fault Report; and

FIG. 38 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the threat scanning machine management system user interface adapted for use on a handheld or portable computer showing the main menu screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein may show the various components of the threat scanning machine, and corresponding command and control center, collocated, it is to be appreciated that the various components of the system can be located at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a telecommunications network and/or the Internet or within a dedicated communications network. Thus, it should be appreciated that the components of the threat scanning machine and the command and control center, respectively, can be combined into one or more devices or collocated on a particular note of a distributed network, such as a telecommunications network. As will be appreciated from the following description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the communications network can be arranged at any location within the distributed network without affecting the operation of the system. Also, the exemplary embodiments shown provide a layout of the system in which the subsystems (i.e. Threat Management, Remote Management, and Maintenance Server) are shown separately for conceptual clarity and for illustrative purposes in both the threat scanning machines and the command and control center. However, it should be appreciated, that other layouts, groupings, and/or arrangements of the subsystems within the system can be used.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or a combination thereof, or any known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements.

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system 100. In particular, a command and control center 102 forms a top level of a system hierarchy and is interconnected by a network 112 to a next level comprising command and control centers 104. A command and control center 104 is interconnected with a threat scanning machine 106 by the network 112. A command and control center 104 is interconnected to command and control center 108 and to command and control center 110 via the network 112. A command and control center 110 is interconnected to one or more threat scanning machines 106 via the network 112.

The threat scanning machine management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 represents, for purposes of illustration, an exemplary configuration of command and control centers connected to each other and to threat scanning machines. However, it should be appreciated that the system 100 can be configured in order to be adaptable to various contemplated uses of the present invention. The configuration of the system 100 may be static or dynamic depending on contemplated uses of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, a transportation facility may have an existing network (not shown), and in such a case, the threat scanning machine management system 100 may be adapted to the existing network. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, if an existing network within a transportation facility is insufficient to be able to adapted to meet the communications requirements of the threat scanning machine management system 100 for any reason, such as low bandwidth or poor security, for example, then a new network can be installed for the threat scanning machine management system 100 to communicate over. However, it should be appreciated that any communications medium that allows the threat scanning machines and the control centers to communicate may be used with equal success. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the command and control centers and the threat scanning machines communicate over the network 112 using standard protocols common in the industry. Examples of standard protocols include, for example, HTTP, IIOP, RMI, SMTP, SSL, SHTTP and the like. Examples of a network 112 include wired or wireless solutions such as Ethernet, fiber optic, or the like. However, it should be appreciated that any present or future developed networks and/or network protocols which perform the tasks required for a command and control center to communicate with a threat scanning machine may be used with equal success according to the present invention.

In operation, the exemplary command and control center 110 communicates with one or more threat scanning machines 106 via the network 112. The command and control center 110 may transmit data to the threat scanning machine, for example, operational software, authorized users and credentials, threat profiles, etc. The operational software may comprise any combination of software for the operation of the scanning system and/or software for the operation of the management system 100. The authorized users and credentials, which may include, for example, a list of user login names and passwords. Threat profiles may include data that the threat scanning machine uses to aid in identification of threats, for example the shape of potential threat items, and/or the physical properties of an item that may indicate a potential threat. However, it should be appreciated that the data transmitted from the command and control center 110 to the threat scanning machine 106 may be any data required for the management and operation of the threat scanning machine and could be used with equal effectiveness according to the present invention.

The exemplary threat scanning machine 106 communicates with the command and control center 110. The threat scanning machine my receive data from the command an control center 110 and/or may transmit data to the command and control center 110. The data that the threat scanning machine may transmit to the command and control center 110 may include, for example, performance data, requests for operator assistance, threat detection data, and/or the like.

The exemplary command and control center 110 may communicate with one or more command and control centers 104 and/or 102. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the command and control centers 110 are interconnected to command and control centers 104. The command and control centers 104 are interconnected to command and control center 102. In this exemplary embodiment and configuration of the present invention control centers are arranged in a hierarchical manner to provide for the centralized management of many threat scanning machines 106 from a central command and control center 102, thus providing more efficient management of the threat scanning machines 106.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a threat scanning machine management system. In particular, a command and control center 104 at one level is interconnected with a command and control center 110 of another level. The command and control center 104 comprises, in addition to standard control center components, a threat management module 206, a remote management module 208 and a maintenance server module 210. The exemplary command and control center 110 comprises, in addition to standard control center components, a threat management module 222, a remote management module 224 and a maintenance server module 226. The exemplary command and control center 110 is interconnected to one or more exemplary threat scanning machines 106. The exemplary threat scanning machines 106 comprise, in addition to standard threat scanning machine components, a threat scanning machine computer 202 and a scanning system 204.

The exemplary threat scanning machine computer 202 comprises, in addition to standard computer hardware and software components, a management system interface module 220 and a scanning system interface module 218. The management system interface module 220 comprises a threat management module 212, a remote management module 214, and a maintenance server module 216. The exemplary threat management module 212, remote management module 214, and maintenance server module 216 are adapted to provide the interface and logic necessary for the threat scanning machine 106 to be connected to the maintenance and control system; these modules also communicate with the scanning system interface module 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the threat scanning machine computer 202 may be a standard PC. In another exemplary embodiment, the threat scanning machine computer 202 may be a specialized computer adapted specifically to control the threat scanning machine 106.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the threat scanning machine management system 100 may be designed to adapt to any existing threat scanning machine computer 202 in order to allow the threat scanning machine 106 to connect and communicate within the threat scanning machine management system.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system interface module 220 can be housed in a computer separate from the threat scanning machine computer 202; this construction may be useful in situations where the execution of the system interface module 220 may present too great a processing and/or communications burden for the threat scanning machine computer 202.

In operation, the exemplary threat management module 206 of the command and control center 104 communicates with the threat management module 222 of the command and control center 110. The threat management module 222 of the command and control center 110 communicates with the threat management module 212 of the threat scanning machine 106. The threat management information comprises any information related to the management of threats. Examples of such information include Threat Image Projections (TIP), which are non-threat images with threats inserted into them for testing purposes, threats detected within a particular piece of baggage, or messages alerting the threat scanning machine operators to specific or general types of security risks that may be present or that may be attempted.

The exemplary remote management module 208 of the command and control center 104 communicates with the remote management module 224 of the command and control center 110. The remote management module 224 of the command and control center 110 communicates with the remote management module 214 of the threat scanning machine 106.

The exemplary maintenance server module 210 of the command and control center 104 communicates with the maintenance server module 226 of the command and control center 110. The maintenance server module 226 of the command and control center 110 communicates with the maintenance server module 216 of the threat scanning machine 106.

The command and control center 110 and the threat scanning machine 106 may communicate with each other using a predefined interface format. A predefined format allows for the command and control center 110 to be connected to any threat scanning machine 106 that has been adapted to work in accordance with the present invention. The tables below provide an example of a predefined interface between the comma