Magnetic screening system
First Claim
1. A magnetic screening system, comprising:
- an arrangement of gradiometers each including at least three magnetometers;
a gradiometer processor in communication with the magnetometers that scales outputs from the magnetometers with unequal weights and combines the scaled outputs to orient a direction of sensitivity of the respective gradiometer toward a volume of interest; and
at least one arrangement processor in communication with the arrangement of gradiometers that uses the gradiometers in a collective manner to detect a target object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetic screening system uses directional gradiometers with high resolution and accuracy to measure magnetic field signatures of target objects (e.g., gun, knife, cell phone, keys) in a volume of interest. The measured signatures can be compared to signatures of known objects stored in a local database. Various mathematical processes may be used to identify or classify target object signatures. In a network of magnetic screening systems, the magnetic screening systems can transmit signatures to a central signature database, and a management computer can share the central signature database with all of the magnetic screening systems on the network. The magnetic screening system can operate in multiple modes, such as a tracking mode, measurement mode, and self-test mode. Through use of unique processes and designs, the magnetic screening system can achieve a high rate of processing persons for target objects.
49 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A magnetic screening system, comprising:
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an arrangement of gradiometers each including at least three magnetometers;
a gradiometer processor in communication with the magnetometers that scales outputs from the magnetometers with unequal weights and combines the scaled outputs to orient a direction of sensitivity of the respective gradiometer toward a volume of interest; and
at least one arrangement processor in communication with the arrangement of gradiometers that uses the gradiometers in a collective manner to detect a target object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operating a magnetic screening system, comprising:
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applying unequal weights to outputs of at least three magnetometers in a gradiometer in an arrangement of gradiometers;
combining the unequally weighted outputs to orient a direction of sensitivity toward a volume of interest; and
using the gradiometers in a collective manner to detect a target object. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A magnetic screening system, comprising:
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means for applying unequal weights to outputs at least three magnetometers in a gradiometer in an arrangement of gradiometers;
means for combining the unequally weighted outputs to orient a direction of sensitivity toward a volume of interest; and
means for using the gradiometers in a collective manner to detect a target object.
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Specification