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  System and method for adapting a software control in an operating environmentUSPTO Application #: 20080019478Title: System and method for adapting a software control in an operating environment Abstract: A system and method for detecting a substance using x-ray fluorescence is disclosed. The detected substances may be explosives or controlled substances that have a specific chemical fluorescent signature. An energy source transmits an x-ray beam at a target. The target may be in a container or under a surface. The beam interacts with the target to produce fluorescent energy. An x-ray detector is at an angle relative to the energy source and gathers the fluorescent energy. The angle differs according to the physical configuration of the system. A portable embodiment will have a different angle than a stationary embodiment. A cooling mechanism cools the x-ray detector. The fluorescent energy is analyzed and processed by a multichannel analyzer and a computer. The computer determines whether the fluorescent energy from the target matches known fluorescent energies of specific substances. If the substance is detected, appropriate indications are made to prevent damage or acceptance of the substance. (end of abstract)
Agent: Hogan & Hartson LLPIPGroup, Columbia Square - Washington, DC, US Inventors: Wade M. Poteet, Harold K. Cauthen, Timothy D. Shriver USPTO Applicaton #: 20080019478 - Class: 378045000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: X-ray Or Gamma Ray Systems Or Devices, Specific Application, Fluorescence, Composition Analysis The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080019478. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claim benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/344,787 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Substance Detection, Inspection, and Classification Using X-ray Fluorescence," filed Jan. 7, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to substance and material identifying, including detection, inspection, and classification. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system operating in the x-ray portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to identify specific elements and unique mixtures of elements that are components in controlled substances. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0005] Detection of explosives and controlled substances is increasing in importance. Whether at the airport, a building, or in military applications, quick and confident detection is needed for safety and convenience. Detection techniques are preferable to random searches that require one to make their selves and bags available for visual searches. Plus, detection techniques may be employed for a higher confidence level that everyone or everything has been subjected. Current detection techniques may include neutron activation analysis, x-ray absorption and scattering, resonance fluorescence directly on nuclei in the substance, quadrupole resonance with the nucleus of atoms, and various chemical sensors. [0006] Neutron activation may require a large energy source, such as an accelerator, that consumer high power to be capable of measuring the ratios of atomic constituents directly, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. X-ray absorption and scattering may require complex predictive software, which may result in a high false alarm rate. Resonance fluorescence may require a large, complex energy source for operation. Quadrupole resonance techniques may suffer from a short range of reliable detection. Chemical sensors may have a slow response and a short range, and may not operate reliably under certain environmental conditions, such as high humidity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method and system for identifying substances using x-ray fluorescence. Substances may include explosives or controlled substances. These substances may have certain chemical properties that make them identifiable. The disclosed embodiments may include a low power system having increased reliability that is capable of operating at large, safe standoff distances from suspected substances without a large energy source, predictive software, or high power consumption. Unattended operation may be possible, and a decreased response time provides identification of suspect substances in a quicker and more reliable manner. [0008] The disclosed embodiments may be advantageous in numerous settings to detect substances using a thorough and non-intrusive manner. The disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into processes, systems, and apparatuses desiring remote, non-invasive sensing of multiple elements in complex mixtures. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized for high explosive monitoring and detection, land mine explosive constituent detection, and controlled substance detection in secured buildings, areas, and the like. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized to control internal and external perimeter pollution and contaminant at industrial plant sites, to monitor effluent from nuclear plants and test sites, to monitor and control waste dump sites, to monitor nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons by-products and hazardous emissions, and the like. By using x-rays, the disclosed embodiments may enhance the detection and removal of buried land mines, unexploded ordinance, and other explosive devices. [0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. [0010] According to the disclosed embodiments, a system for detecting a substance is disclosed. The system includes an energy source to transmit an x-ray beam at a target to produce fluorescent energy. The system includes an x-ray detector to detect the fluorescent energy from the target. The x-ray detector is at an angle relative to the energy source. The system includes a multichannel analyzer to receive the fluorescent energy from the x-ray detector. The system includes a computer coupled to the multichannel analyzer to determine whether the fluorescent energy corresponds to the substance. [0011] According to the disclosed embodiments, a portable system for detecting a substance under a surface is disclosed. The portable system includes a detection module and a support module. The portable system includes an energy source within the detection module to transmit an x-ray beam at a surface location. The energy source is mounted on an equipment support. The portable system also includes an x-ray detector within the detection module to detect fluorescent energy from a vapor plume corresponding to the surface location. The x-ray detector is at an angle relative to the energy source and mounted on the equipment support. The portable system also includes a portable multichannel analyzer within the support module to receive the fluorescent energy. The portable system also includes a computer within the support module coupled to the portable multichannel analyzer to determine whether the fluorescent energy corresponds to the substance. The portable system also includes a battery within the support module to supply power to the detection module and the support module. [0012] According to the disclosed embodiments, a method for detecting a substance is disclosed. The method includes directing an x-ray beam at a target from an energy source. The method also includes interacting the target with the beam to produce fluorescent energy. The method also includes detecting the fluorescent energy from an x-ray at an angle from the energy source. The method also includes analyzing the fluorescent energy to determine whether the fluorescent energy corresponds to the substance. [0013] According to the disclosed embodiments, a method for detecting a substance is disclosed. The method includes providing power to an energy source to transmit an x-ray beam. The method also includes producing fluorescent energy from an item in response to the x-ray beam. The method also includes detecting the fluorescent energy over an integration period at an x-ray detector. The method also includes processing the fluorescent energy. The method also includes determining whether the item is the substance according to the fluorescent energy. [0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: [0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an x-ray fluorescence detection system according to the disclosed embodiments. [0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an x-ray fluorescence detection system according to the disclosed embodiments. [0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an x-ray fluorescence detection system for detection of concealed substances and explosives buried in the ground or hidden beneath a surface in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a portable x-ray fluorescence detection system according to the disclosed embodiments. [0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for detecting substances using x-ray fluorescence according to the disclosed embodiments. Continue reading... Full patent description for System and method for adapting a software control in an operating environment Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this System and method for adapting a software control in an operating environment patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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