Detecting objects in shipping containers by vibration spectral analysis
US8571829B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/001
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Objects in a cargo shipping container are detected by measuring vibration resonant frequency peaks of the container. The mass of an object on the floor of the container effects the vibration resonance of the container, enabling the object to be detected. A vibration source and a plurality of accelerometers are either attached to the steel structure of the container, or are disposed on a supporting structure, such as a cargo crane or lift, so that they contact the container. The vibration source causes the container to vibrate, and the accelerometers detect the vibration resonance of the container. A mismatch between a cargo manifest and an observed cargo, or detection of an object having relatively high mass, e.g., due to lead shielding, can justify a manual inspection. The process uses synchronous processing to achieve the sensitivity needed, is unobtrusive, and does not slow the flow of cargo through a facility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.