A method of detecting a material with a high atomic number, including positioning a test object in a muon detection apparatus; gathering a set of test data; reconstructing a set of test muon tracks; identifying a set of outlier muon tracks having large scattering events; identifying an outlier spatial domain region; determining outlier region scattering density estimates; determining if the outlier region scattering density estimates are indicative of the presence of the material with the high atomic number; generating a detector notification, when the outlier region scattering density estimates are indicative of the presence of the material with the high atomic number; and providing the detector notification to a user. A system for detecting a material with a high atomic number may include a muon detection apparatus and a processing system communicatively coupled to the muon detection apparatus and including at least one processor operable to generate a detector notification.

A method includes receiving distributed sensing information on one or more characteristics associated with a subject from sensors distributed between a starting location spaced from a resolution location and the resolution location, the resolution location including a targeted screening area, the characteristics being obtained from the sensors observing a plurality of candidate subjects including the subject; determining, based on the information on the characteristics, which category of a plurality of categories is to be associated with the subject for a targeted screening process to be performed in which respective categories correspond to different thresholds applied in the targeted screening process; and electronically communicating information for the category associated with the subject to an electronic device, to direct the subject to a location of the targeted screening area which corresponds to the category, for performing the targeted screening process of the subject corresponding to a threshold associated with the category.

Provided is a system for monitoring radiation based on a monitoring post, the system implemented to perform aerial radiation measurement for the altitude in the vertical direction based on the location in which monitoring posts are installed, thereby efficiently predicting the movement path and the contaminated area of radioactive materials, and efficiently distinguishing radioactive leakage from the ground surface and radioactive materials that float and move from the outside.

A container includes multiple panels defining an interior volume, with a first panel including a composite material. A first beam detector element positioned within the interior volume detects a directed radiation scan beam that includes a modulated query message. Also positioned within the interior volume are a security element to detect an intrusion and an identification element communicatively coupled to the first beam detector element to store an identity of the container and to produce a query response message without breaking a seal of the container. A transmitter element is coupled to the identification element to transmit a response message to a receiver unit. The beam enters the inter volume along a path directed through the first panel, across a portion of the interior volume and onto the first beam detector element allowing for determination of a material property of contents of the interior volume.

A three-dimensional (3D) x-ray tomographic imaging system includes an x-ray source fixedly attached to a first unmanned vehicle, which can be aerial or otherwise configured for locomotion, and an x-ray detector. A vehicle controller is configured to be operated by an operator, and an optical camera is mounted to the first unmanned vehicle at a fixed position relative to the x-ray source, and an optical pattern is fixed at a position relative to the x-ray detector. The x-ray source and x-ray detector are configured to be positioned on substantially opposite sides of the object, while the x-ray source is rotated radially around the object to one or more imaging positions.

The present specification discloses systems and methods for identifying and reporting contents of a tanker, container or vehicle. Programmatic tools are provided to assist an operator in analyzing contents of a tanker, container or vehicle. Manifest data is automatically imported into the system for each shipment, thereby helping security personnel to quickly determine container contents. In case of a mismatch between container contents shown by manifest data and the contents as ascertained from the scanning system, the container or vehicle may be withheld for further inspection.

A system for detecting clandestine materials employs a lightweight neutron-source that can be mounted to a remotely controlled mobile platform for flexible and high standoff scanning of possibly explosive materials. In one embodiment, aerial drones hold the neutron-source and detectors for highly flexible remote scanning.

The present specification discloses systems and methods for integrating manifest data for cargo and light vehicles with their X-ray images generated during scanning. Manifest data is automatically imported into the system for each shipment, and helps the security personnel to quickly determine the contents of cargo. In case of a mismatch between cargo contents shown by manifest data and the X-ray images, the cargo may be withheld for further inspection. In one embodiment, the process of analyzing the X-ray image of the cargo in conjunction with the manifest data is automated.

An apparatus and method are provided for detecting indeterminate objects of interest contained within an encompassing medium using radiation event counts. Statistical analysis of measured events, such as local gamma radiation counts, is used to determine the probability of an object's presence in a field area. Event-detecting nodes are used to establish the baseline event activity such as background radiation (including environmental factors) in the field area, at a location determined unlikely to contain objects of interest due to geologic context or previous digging. Each node then independently detects and quantifies event activity, in an area to be evaluated, to derive evidence of the probability that an object of interest is within the medium. The calculated probabilities are then used to guide exploratory digging by indicating the likely direction and depth of an object of interest relative to the apparatus.

In a transportation security technique, images are stored that are received from image capturing equipment deployed at respective screening nodes. The images are analyzed using a machine learning model, where presence of a particular object in an image indicates that a threat condition exists at the screening node. The analyzed images are transmitted to threat assessment components in accordance with predetermined criteria. An indication that the particular object is observed in the image is received from the threat assessment components. An indication that the particular object is observed in the image is transmitted to the screening node responsive to receiving the indication that the particular object is observed in the image. An indication of whether the particular object is present at the screening node is received. The machine learning model is trained based on the received indication of whether the particular object is observed in the image.