Stand-off vehicle under-carriage inspection and detection system for deterring vehicle bombers from a safe stand-off distance

• US 20050270373A1
• Filed: 03/24/2005
• Published: 12/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard Steven Trela
• Original Assignee: Richard Steven Trela
• Inventors: Trela, Richard Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,474,205 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A military and homeland security anti-terrorism security checkpoint machine, system and method of detecting and deterring terrorist infiltrations or attacks by vehicle bombs upon entry into high risk locations. The described invention provides a means to safeguard security checkpoint personnel, by allowing an inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicles approaching a security checkpoint to occur from a remote machine a safe stand-off distance away. Via the strategic use of a combination of machines, security actions and methods of inspection all calculated to isolate suspicious reactions and behavior, security officers can better evaluate the intent of persons approaching the checkpoint from a safe distance away as well as review in real-time, a high quality digital video image of the full undercarriage of the vehicle upon as it drives over the machine. Additionally, supporting communications equipment and systems are employed in the use of the present invention that allows real-time communication between the vehicle and the stand-off security personnel, which can be useful in isolating suspicious behavior in persons entering a facility, while still a safe stand-off distance away. Digital image storage of the under-carriages of entering cars can be utilized for security training or proof of diligence in security procedures for legal and insurance purposes as well.

Claims

1. A stand-off vehicle security checkpoint machine and wireless audio/video communications system in accordance with drawing FIGS. 1-9 and comprising:

A automatic digital video vehicle undercarriage image scanner for conducting remote video inspections of a vehicles'"'"' under carriage as it passes over it;

A means of wirelessly transmitting said scanned under carriage digital video images to a base station, a safe standoff distance away

A base station receiver and viewing screen for the real-time review of said scanned under carriage digital video images of said vehicles undercarriage a, safe stand-off distance away,

A digital image storage system for the storage of said scanned digital images of the undercarriage for a on-the-spot review or later review by a security officer;

A network interface system capable of enabling remote viewing of the gathered by security or law enforcement agency personnel via a network LAN or WAN system;

2. A machine and long range security checkpoint communications system in accordance and in use with the machine and system of claim 1, for signaling approaching vehicles from a long standoff distance away from a security checkpoint comprising;

A housing and tower for supporting long range traffic signal communications components further wherein;

in said housing and tower is a green laser light, power supply and lens arrangement capable of sending a green long distance “

Go”

signal light a half mile or more to signal oncoming traffic approaching a security checkpoint;

in said housing and tower a red laser light, power supply and lens arraignment capable of sending a red, long distance warning “

Stop”

signal light a half a mile or more to signal oncoming traffic approaching a security checkpoint;

in said tower a long range camera system that allows a close up inspection of vehicle approaching a checkpoint to note suspicious reactions or to identify the occupants;

A radio transmitter and microphone capable of communicating real-time warnings to oncoming vehicles to stop before approaching any closer to a security checkpoint via their car radio;

A radio transmitter capable of playing a pre-recorded message in real-time instruct oncoming vehicles to follow specific security procedures before approaching a security checkpoint via their car radio;

3. In accordance with claim 1 a remote control security alert transmitter system comprising;

A remote control security alert activation transmitter system for initiating a warning system to vehicles approaching a checkpoint;

A remote control security alert receiver and relay system for triggering long range red laser traffic signal “

Stop”

light warnings to be initiated to vehicles approaching a security checkpoint;

A remote control security alert receiver and relay system for triggering a prerecorded radio message announcing an audible warning to approaching vehicles halt immediately.

A remote control security alert activation transmitter for registering a positive match against a terrorist watch list for initiating a warning system to vehicles approaching a checkpoint;

A remote control security alert receiver and relay system for triggering long range red laser traffic stop signal light warnings to be initiated to vehicles approaching a security checkpoint;

A remote control security alert receiver and relay system for triggering a prerecorded radio message announcing to a car matching a watch list description to halt immediately.