U.S. patent application number 09/234626 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for apparatus and system for rapidly attaching identifiers to items.
Invention is credited to CHIEU, TRIEU C., MOSKOWITZ, PAUL A., VON GUTFELD, ROBERT J..
Application Number | 20020073646 09/234626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26753149 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020073646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VON GUTFELD, ROBERT J. ; et
al. |
June 20, 2002 |
APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR RAPIDLY ATTACHING IDENTIFIERS TO ITEMS
Abstract
A system for processing containers, includes a sensor for
sensing contents of a closed container, an identifier applicator
for applying, based on an output of the sensor, a predetermined
identifier to the container, a controller for controlling the
sensor and the identifier applicator, and a read-out device for
reading the identifier and communicating a result of read-out of
the identifier to the controller.
Inventors: |
VON GUTFELD, ROBERT J.; (NEW
YORK, NY) ; MOSKOWITZ, PAUL A.; (YORKTOWN HEIGHTS,
NY) ; CHIEU, TRIEU C.; (SCARSDALE, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGINN & GIBB, PC
1701 CLARENDON BLVD
SUITE 100
ARLINGTON
VA
22209
US
|
Family ID: |
26753149 |
Appl. No.: |
09/234626 |
Filed: |
January 21, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60072242 |
Jan 23, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64F 1/368 20130101;
G01V 5/0008 20130101; G06K 19/0716 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/54 |
International
Class: |
B65B 057/00 |
Claims
Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and
desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A system for processing containers, comprising: a sensor for
sensing contents of a closed container; an identifier applicator
for applying, based on an output of said sensor, a predetermined
identifier to said container; a controller for controlling said
sensor and said identifier applicator; and a read-out device for
reading said identifier and communicating a result of read-out of
said identifier to said controller.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said identifier
applicator comprises a tag applicator for applying tags.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tag applicator
comprises a gaseously-driven device for propelling said tag to said
container.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tag applicator
comprises a pivotable arm, controlled by said controller, for
applying said tag to said container.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said identifier
applicator comprises a label applicator.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said label applicator
comprises a pivotable arm controlled by said controller, for
applying a label to said container.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor senses
whether said contents of said container has predetermined
characteristics, wherein, when said contents of said container has
said predetermined characteristics, said identifier applicator
applies an identifier having a first characteristic to said
container, and wherein, when said contents of said container has a
characteristic other than said predetermined characteristics, said
identifier applicator applies an identifier having a second
characteristic to said container.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said identifier
comprises a 1-bit tag for indicating one of said container having
said predetermined characteristics and said container being devoid
of said predetermined characteristics.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein said identifier
comprises a radio-frequency identification tag, said tag being
encodable for indicating contents of said container.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein a pressure-sensitive
adhesive is provided on a surface of said identifier to be attached
to said container.
11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising first and
second loading queues for storing first and second identifiers for
loading to said identifier applicator.
12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an
interrogator for interrogating said identifier after said
identifier has been affixed to said container by said identifier
applicator.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said interrogator
comprises a hand-held radio-frequency scanner.
14. The system according to claim 2, wherein first and second types
of tags are attachable to said container, said first type of tag
comprising a dummy tag, and said second tag comprising a functional
tag, wherein each of said first and second tags comprises one of a
1-bit tag and a multi-bit radio frequency (RF) tag.
15. The system according to claim 2, further comprising first and
second queues for stacking first and second types of tags
respectively, wherein, within each queue, said tags are stacked
such that a release layer is provided between adjacent tags.
16. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tags have a
rectangular shape having a primary surface and a secondary surface,
and wherein said tags are stacked face-to-face such that a primary
surface of a first tag faces a primary surface of a second,
adjacent tag.
17. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tags have a
rectangular shape having a primary surface and a secondary surface,
and wherein said tags are stacked edge-to-edge such that a
secondary surface of a first tag faces a secondary surface of a
second, adjacent tag.
18. The system according to claim 2, wherein at least some of said
tags comprise radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for being
written to and read from.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said tags comprise
RFID tags for a predetermined type of containers and dummy tags for
other types of containers.
20. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tags comprise
1-bit tags for being one of armed and unarmed for predetermined
types of container and the other of armed and disarmed for other
types of containers.
21. The system according to claim 2, wherein said tags comprise
1-bit tags for a predetermined type of containers and dummy tags
for other types of container.
22. The system according to claim 20, wherein said 1-bit tags
comprise magnetic tags.
23. The system according to claim 18, wherein said RFID tags
comprise radio frequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLC circuit
therein.
24. The system according to claim 1, wherein each said
predetermined identifier has substantially a same outward
appearance as another said predetermined identifier.
25. An apparatus for tagging a container and for use with a sensor
for sensing contents of the container, comprising: an identifier
applicator for applying a predetermined identifier to a container
depending upon a sensed contents of said container; first and
second queues of first and second predetermined identifiers,
respectively, for being provided to said identifier applicator
based upon the sensed contents of said container; and a controller
for controlling said first and second queues and actuating said
identifier applicator at a predetermined time, to apply one of said
first and second predetermined identifiers to said container
depending upon a sensed contents of said container.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said identifier
applicator comprises a tag applicator for applying tags.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tag
applicator comprises a gaseously-driven device for propelling a tag
of said tags to said container.
28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tag
applicator comprises a pivotable arm, controlled by said
controller, for applying said tag to said container.
29. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said identifier
applicator comprises a label applicator.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said label
applicator comprises a pivotable arm, controlled by said
controller, for applying a label to said container.
31. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein first and second
types of tags are attachable to said container, said first type of
tag comprising a dummy tag, and said second tag comprising a
functional tag, and wherein each of said first and second tags
comprises one of a 1-bit tag and a multi-bit radio frequency (RF)
tag.
32. The apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising first
and second queues for stacking first and second types of tags
respectively, wherein, within each queue, said tags are stacked
such that a release layer is provided between adjacent tags.
33. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tags have a
rectangular shape having a primary surface and a secondary surface,
and wherein said tags are stacked face-to-face such that a primary
surface of a first tag faces a primary surface of a second,
adjacent tag.
34. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tags have a
rectangular shape having a primary surface and a secondary surface,
and wherein said tags are stacked edge-to-edge such that a
secondary surface of a first tag faces a secondary surface of a
second, adjacent tag.
35. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein at least some of
said tags comprise radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for
being written to and read from.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said tags comprise
RFID tags for a predetermined type of containers and dummy tags for
other types of containers.
37. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tags comprise
1-bit tags for being one of armed and unarmed for predetermined
types of containers and the other of armed and disarmed for other
types of containers.
38. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said tags comprise
1-bit tags for a predetermined type of containers and dummy tags
for other types of containers.
39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said 1-bit tags
comprise magnetic tags.
40. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said RFID tags
comprise radio frequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLC circuit
therein.
41. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein all of said
predetermined identifiers have substantially a same outward
appearance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for
attaching identifiers (e.g., tags, labels, etc.) to inanimate
objects, and to a system for identifying contents of the inanimate
objects and tagging the objects based on the contents detected.
[0002] Description of the Related Art
[0003] Many government agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs, Border Patrol,
Department of Agriculture, etc.) and civilian entities have a need
to screen containers and baggage, and to identify suspicious (e.g.,
"suspect") baggage which may contain products (e.g., drugs,
contraband, explosives, conventional or biotechnological/chemical
weaponry, etc.) that are dangerous and/or illegal in the U S. or
into secured areas.
[0004] The conventional methods of detection of parcels or baggage
include x-rays, neutron spectroscopy, and other odor detection
schemes (e.g., sniffing dogs or chemical sensors). With the
proliferation of smuggling into and terrorism in the industrialized
and other nations and the increased travel both within
international borders and interstate borders by travelers, the
number of items (baggage) which should be checked has increased
dramatically in the last decade.
[0005] To prevent long lines and congestion at airports,
debarkation ports, train stations, and other sensitive areas and
yet still check parcels and baggage sufficiently to provide
adequate security, a system for rapidly tagging "suspect" luggage
for subsequent detailed inspection is required. Conventional
systems and methods have not been able to reliably identify such
"suspect" baggage in a timely manner.
[0006] Some airports currently have neutron detectors to sense
explosives. However, these devices are very expensive
(approximately $1,000,000) and are not fast enough to handle large
quantities of articles/freight rapidly.
[0007] Another detector has been reported (by Bofors Applied
Technologies of Sweden) which includes a portable biosensor
"sniffer" that incorporates antibodies. However, this system has
not been fielded yet, and is likely to be very expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing problems and drawbacks of the
conventional systems, it is therefore an object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus and system for quickly
identifying and rapidly tagging "suspect" containers or luggage for
subsequent detailed inspection.
[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system for
identifying contents of a container, includes at least one device
for sensing contents of a closed container, a tag applicator for
tagging the container with a predetermined tag depending upon the
container being sensed to have contents having predetermined
characteristics, a controller for controlling the sensing device
and the tag applicator, and a device for writing to the tag the
encoded information derived from the sensing devices. The tag can
be read by a separate tag reader located at a site where human
intervention can be undertaken based on the information on the tag,
as read by the tag reader.
[0010] The tag applicator may include a gaseously-driven (e.g.,
air) gun for propelling the tag to the container, or a pivotable
arm controlled by the controller, for applying the tag to the
container.
[0011] With the unique and unobvious structure and system of the
present invention, rapid sensing of different species of atoms
and/or molecules (gaseous) emanating from closed baggage, boxes or
containers and rapid tagging of the bag after sensing have been
achieved.
[0012] Thus, the invention provides a system for rapidly
identifying and tagging "suspect" luggage or containers for
subsequent detailed inspection.
[0013] Further, the system makes it necessary to inspect by human
intervention only those articles that have been deemed to be
"suspicious", thereby saving the time and expense of inspecting all
articles. Generally, this procedure increases the throughput of the
articles that can be safely and reliably passed through (processed)
by Customs, for example, without human intervention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will
be better understood from the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to the present
invention for identifying and attaching tags to items of interest
(e.g., containers, luggage or the like) and including at least one
sensor (several sensors being shown to detect a variety of atoms
and/or molecules emanating from the articles passing by these
sensing devices);
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a tag applicator 4
for receiving tags from queues of tags, according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of a tag applicator 4 for
clamping a tag 101(201) onto a container according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3(B) is a side view of the tag applicator according to
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3(C) is a side view of a tag restraining member 40 of
the tag applicator shown in FIG. 3(B);
[0020] FIG. 3(D) is a side view of the tag applicator according to
the second embodiment of the present invention and showing a
computer-controlled loading tag release 51;
[0021] FIG. 3(E) is a side view of the end of the tag applicator
(e.g., arm 30) with a tag for being applied to an article according
to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3(F) is a side view of the tag applicator according to
the second embodiment of the present invention and showing a
loading from a side of the tag applicator;
[0023] FIG. 3(G) is a side view of the tag applicator according to
the second embodiment of the present invention and the stacking of
the tags in a loading holder 50' with a release layer 53 between
adjacent tags; and
[0024] FIG. 3(H) is a side view of the tag holder in which the tags
are stored edge-to-edge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown a block diagram of the inventive system for
rapidly identifying and attaching tags to objects of interest
(e.g., containers, baggage, and the like).
[0026] Briefly, a first preferred embodiment of the system includes
a processor 1, a detector 2 (or a plurality of different detectors
including primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, gaseous
sensors) for detecting contents of a container (e.g., baggage,
suitcase, etc.) passing through an inspection site, for example, by
a moving belt or the like, a memory 3 for storing predetermined
indicia indicating a high probability of predetermined contents of
interest (e.g., explosives, drugs including refined narcotics and
unrefined/unprocessed crop products, explosives, hazardous
chemicals, biological weapons, food items, etc.) and further
storing predetermined codes based on tags (or labels or other
suitable identifiers) to be applied to a container reflecting such
predetermined contents, a tag/label (or other suitable identifier)
applicator 4 for applying a tag (or label) to an item of interest
after the contents of the container have been detected by detector
2, an interrogation unit 5 for interrogating a tag attached to a
container, an alarm/display 6 for indicating when a tag has been
interrogated and found to be "suspect" (e.g., considered to
possibly contain contraband, etc.), and a tag writer for writing
information to a tag based upon sensed contents thereof.
[0027] Detector 2 preferably includes at least one of a mass
spectrometer, laser absorption analyzer, gaseous sampler etc.
Sensors presently exist for sensing parts/million of gaseous
species and in some cases can achieve this in a matter of several
seconds.
[0028] Some suitable candidate detection machines include Chemical
Gas Species Sensors developed by NASA Lewis Research Center, a
"Mini Gas Detector", Model No. MD-16, "Portable Toxic Gas
Detector", TGKA Series, and "Transportable Toxic Gas Detector",
TG-XA Series, each produced by CEA Instruments, Inc.
[0029] Additionally or alternatively to the above detectors,
detectors produced by Neotronics Inc. under the Model Names of
"NEOTOX-XL" (single gas monitoring), "MiniGas" (multi-gas
monitoring), "EXOTOX 60/75" (multi-gas monitoring), "EXOTOX 50 CO2"
(for carbon dioxide monitoring and other gas monitoring), "DigiFlam
2000" (for flammable gas detection), and/or "Safe-T-Cube" (area
monitoring) could be provided. Moreover, single- and multi-point
systems may be used which are networked together.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a first preferred embodiment of the
tag applicator 4 is shown. For clarity and ease of understanding,
the same structures in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 1 are shown with the same
reference numerals.
[0031] In FIG. 2, two queues 100, 200 of tags 101, 201 are shown
for feeding a tag application applicator 4. In an exemplary
implementation, the tag applicator 4 includes a gaseously-driven
(e.g., air or other gas) gun. Alternatively, two guns may be used
(e.g., one gun for each queue of the two different tags).
[0032] The tag applicator 4 (e.g., air gun) preferably is mounted
on a rigid stand 20, made of metal or hardened plastic, and
preferably is fired remotely by depressing an electronic actuator
(not shown). Such an actuator may be operated manually (e.g., by a
human operator), or actuated by automated means through use of
robotics or the like.
[0033] Specifically, upon sensing various criteria such as position
of the container, suspected contents of the container, etc. by the
detector(s) 2, including predetermined sensors, the tag applicator
would be actuated automatically.
[0034] As mentioned above, the gun preferably is permanently
mounted on a solid surface to assure stability and aim. Thus, the
gun will always be attached at the same height with respect to the
belt or floor level on which the baggage rests. Of course, the
positioning of the gun could be made adjustable to accommodate
various heights and shapes of containers. Such positioning of the
gun can be automated, as would be known by one of ordinary skill in
the art taking the present specification as a whole. Further, the
gun may be actuated as the container is moving on the belt or
designed to fire at the container when the container is stopped on
the moving belt by known position sensing devices.
[0035] Thus, the gun fires the tags at the baggage. The gun is
provided preferably with an automatic feed (shown schematically in
FIG. 2) to load the tags after firing. Specifically, the gun is
reloaded via a slotted arm which brings a new tag into place after
each firing. The air gun is commercially available from a variety
of sources, and is generally well-known. There also exist other
gaseously-driven guns (not necessarily air) such as those made by
the Tippmann "Pro-Lite" Spyder Model CO.sub.2-propelled, having a
.68 caliber, for example, which fire paint balls. These guns have a
relatively large caliber which make them especially suitable for
the present invention.
[0036] As mentioned above, the tags 101, 201 preferably are
positioned in a plurality (e.g., in the present implementation, two
queues are used) of tag queues 100, 200.
[0037] A first tag queue (e.g., 100) includes, for example, tags
containing silicon or the like, to which information can be written
remotely regarding the nature of the contents of the "suspect"
luggage. For example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag
could be employed, as discussed in further detail below.
[0038] Alternatively, the tag may simply indicate that further
investigation is warranted. For example, such a tag could be a
1-bit tag (discussed in further detail below) and could be encoded
with binary data (e.g., "0" or "1") indicating a "suspect" bag or a
"non-suspect" bag, as appropriate. Examples of such tags are
commercially available by companies such as Sensormatic
Corporation, Checkpoint Systems Inc., SenTech Corporation, and
Knogo Corporation.
[0039] As mentioned in further detail below, the tags preferably
have a highly adherent (adhesive) substance 21 located within a
diameter or their areal dimensions (in the case of non-circular
tags) somewhat smaller than that of the tag. Such positioning of
the adhesive 21 minimizes wrinkling of the tag. For example, the
adhesive substance 21 is preferably located approximately 1/8 in.
to 1/4 in. from the edge of the tag. The tags preferably are
stacked, one atop another along a circumferential surface, to avoid
the tags from sticking to one another by virtue of the adhesive. As
shown in FIG. 2, the loading mechanism for the gun is slotted to
hold the tags not yet applied.
[0040] A second queue 200 includes the dummy tags 201. The dummy
tags 201 preferably have an external configuration which appears
similar to (or identical) the silicon-based tags 101 in queue 100.
However, these dummy tags preferably contain no silicon and no
information encoded therein, thereby to minimize the cost of the
dummy tags. Alternatively, the dummy tags may contain silicon or
the like, but simply not have any information encoded therein.
Thus, the dummy tags 201 indicate that the luggage is not
"suspect", and no further investigation is necessary.
[0041] Additionally, as mentioned above, a 1-bit RF or magnetic tag
(Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag) may be used, which,
when affixed to the luggage, is used simply to flag the item as
being suspect without necessarily describing the suspected
contents.
[0042] Preferably, the tag should be as unobtrusive as possible but
removable without damage to the tagged item. Further, the tags may
be designed to be collected (e.g., removed from the baggage) at the
conclusion of the inspection process and be reused, after being
"recharged" or some other suitable processing.
[0043] As mentioned above, preferably all of the tags look
substantially identical but, for example using a typical magnetic
tag such as the Sensormatic Ultramax.TM., there will be two
different types. One type will be a dummy tag, as mentioned above,
including an empty tag encapsulation shell or a shell containing
only a soft magnetic strip without the hard magnetic bias strip
required for the tag to resonate upon entering, for example, a 58
kHz magnetic interrogation field.
[0044] For a suspicious article, the tag will be a functional
(e.g., containing both hard and soft magnetic material such that it
will set off a buzzer or indicate an alert on a computer screen
when subjected to a 58 kHz magnetic field). The exteriors of the
two tags preferably look substantially exactly alike to any
observer in order not to arouse suspicion on the part of the
article owner and each article must have such a tag in order to
pass inspection.
[0045] For a 1-bit radio frequency (RF)/resonant tag such as those
commercially available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., the two tags
will appear alike (e.g., all tags will have the same outward
appearance), but the tags attached to the suspect luggage will be
active (e.g., resonate typically at 8.2 MHZ) and ring an alarm or
sound an alert when interrogated. In contrast, the non-suspect
baggage will have the same tag, but deactivated by having an open
circuit due to the usual method of disabling such tags with high RF
power.
[0046] As mentioned above, the tags 101, 201 preferably include a
pressure-sensitive adhesive 21 on one of the surfaces of the tag
which adheres to container 22 (e.g., luggage such as a suitcase,
bag, or the like as shown in FIG. 2) after firing. For example,
suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives 21 would include any form of
double-backed sticky material. For example, a sticky material with
very high adhesion, such as Pressure Sensitive Adhesive,
manufactured by 3M Corporation, under the tradename of 3M "Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive", may be used. Other types of adhesive may
include a viscous ink such as that used for various printing
applications, which dries very quickly (e.g., less than 1 second)
after application.
[0047] At a tag writing station, the tag writer 7, controllable
based on an input from processor 1, writes to the tags. Depending
on the type of tag employed, the tag writer 7, for example, may
include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver to write information to
the tag. Alternatively or additionally to the RF transceiver, if a
magnetic tag is employed alternatively or additional to a RF tag, a
device for selectively creating a magnetic field could be employed
for selectively activating/deactivating the tag. Such devices are
well-known to those ordinarily skilled in the art, and thus, for
brevity, will not be further described herein. It is noted that
while different types of tags (e.g., RF or magnetic) may be
simultaneously employed by the system according to the present
invention, the simplest embodiment has tags which are all the
same.
[0048] In FIG. 2, downstream from the tag application station, an
inspector is shown holding the interrogation unit 5 for
interrogating the tag at the inspection station. The bag having the
tag is movable from the tag application station to the inspection
station preferably by a conveyor belt 23 or the like.
[0049] Preferably, the interrogation unit 5 includes a hand-held
radio unit such as a scanner and RF/DC unit. Alternatively, a fixed
unit could be used. Further, it is envisioned that no human
operator may be necessary given certain design modifications and
system configuration and pathways. The signal from the hand-held
radio unit 5 is provided as an uplink, for example, to processor 1
shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] In the operation of the present invention, the sensing
information from detection unit 2 is digitized by the processor 1
(including an analog-to-digital converter therein), and the
information is transmitted to a database (e.g., memory 3). As soon
as the bag/article has its tag attached, the information from the
database in memory 3 is transmitted (written onto) to the tag
(e.g., assuming the tag is a silicon-based radio frequency (RF)
tag).
[0051] To assure the database information correlates with the
proper bag, some pre-coded tag information may be sensed by a
transceiver before the transceiver transmits the digitized sensor
information to the tag.
[0052] When the tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag,
detailed information can be written on the tag describing the
suspected contents based on the sensor analysis, the amount of
information depending on the memory capacity of the tag. In that
case, the tag is a multi-bit tag.
[0053] However, a 1-bit tag (binary tag) can also be used with the
tag placed in one of two possible states (e.g., either magnetized
or not magnetized). Similarly for 1-bit RF tags, such as a tag
manufactured by Checkpoint Systems Inc., the resonant circuit is
either activated or deactivated. For both 1-bit tags described
above, the information is transmitted to the tag by a magnetic
field or by an RF resonant field, respectively. For such tags, the
information is binary (e.g., representing only that the bag is
suspicious or not). Alternatively, these two types of tags can be
used each in a pre-set stage so that the tag applicator 4 is
prompted to attach the appropriate tag's state.
[0054] In the passageway from where the bag is picked up by an
owner to the final human inspection area, such as the customs
officer, there preferably are no passageways, bathrooms, etc. where
containers may be compromised such as by the tag being exchanged
with a blank tag to fool the customs agent. Additionally, video
cameras scan the passageway to ensure that there is no tampering
with the tag or container.
[0055] At the customs or inspection station, the inspector can read
the tag with the hand-held interrogation unit (reader) to determine
if the bag is suspicious. Since, generally bags are not always
hand-inspected, this type of information will help speed up the
customs inspection process as well as alert the customs agent to
potential contraband or dangerous materials.
[0056] In FIG. 2, the article is on the moving conveyor belt 23 and
as it passes the appropriate position as determined by a sensing
unit, the gun is made to fire a tag at the article. The sensing
unit may be a photocell or the like (e.g., an optical or mechanical
unit for sensing position) or similar device well-known in the art
to sense position. The position sensing signal is transmitted to
the microprocessor 1 to activate the tag application (e.g., the
gun) process.
[0057] Second Embodiment
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 3(A)-3(H), a second embodiment of the tag
application apparatus 4 is shown. Once again, for clarity and ease
of understanding, the same structures in FIGS. 3(A)-3(H) as in
FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown with the same reference numerals.
[0059] The second embodiment is an improvement over the first
embodiment in that, while the first embodiment is more rapid and
can process more baggage/articles in a predetermined time than that
of the second embodiment described below, the first embodiment is
less effective due to recoil at the baggage-/article-tag
interface.
[0060] Further, since pressure of the tag is impulsive, there is
less chance of the tag sticking reliably in the first embodiment,
especially if the baggage has a crease or wrinkle in the region at
which the gun is aimed. The second embodiment was designed to
overcome these disadvantages of the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the tag application apparatus 4
according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
includes a pivotal arm 30 for clamping a tag (e.g., 101 or 201)
onto the container (e.g., baggage/article) using force sufficient
to cause the tag to stick to the baggage/article. Two types of tags
are fed into the arm 30, and can be selected automatically or
manually depending on the information provided by the detector 2
(e.g., suspect" or "not suspect"). It is noted that instead of a
tag, a label having similar characteristics as the abovementioned
tags may be employed.
[0062] Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the tags
preferably have a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied on a surface
thereof to ensure mounting on the container. As in the first
embodiment, the containers/articles to be tagged are preferably
placed on a moving belt 23 (e.g., conveyor belt or the like) to
increase the automation of the process.
[0063] FIG. 3(B) illustrates the pivotal arm 30 in greater detail.
The arm is pivotable about a pivot pin 32 mounted on a mounting
structure (not shown). With such a mounting, the arm 30 is movable
between a first position for selecting a tag and a second position
at which the tag is applied to a container. The arm 30 is made
pivotable to the first and second positions by a hydraulic piston
33 or the like controlled by the processor 1 and various automated
sensing/detecting devices (not shown).
[0064] Loading arms (e.g., tag holders/feeders) 34, 35, are
provided respectively for the two queues of tags (e.g., "real" tags
101, and "dummy" tags 201). The loading feeders are coupled to the
processor 1 such that the proper tag is provided to the pivotal arm
30 for application to the containers. The respective tags are made
available to the loading arm 30 by the feeders having appropriate
dimensions to accommodate the particular tag.
[0065] FIG. 3(B) also shows a retaining member 31 for retaining the
container 22 while the arm 30 pivots/swings and applies a tag
thereto. It is noted that two or more tag holders may be employed
or alternatively two independent arms may be employed.
[0066] The preferred embodiment for the swinging arm is to load the
tags edgewise, then drop one tag into the horizontal portion of the
applicator after which pressure is applied. A mechanical release 40
(e.g., shown in FIG. 3(C) at the end of the arm allows the tag to
be disconnected from the arm. The mechanical release 40 is
retractable as shown and allows the tag to be selected reliably and
quickly.
[0067] As another example, a simpler loading mechanism includes a
stack of tags loaded from the top of the arm and two feeders, one
for each type of tag.
[0068] Thus, the mechanical arm has an automatic feed to hold the
tags (preferably formed as circular tags, but if rectangular tags
are employed the rectangular tags also would preferably be stacked
edgewise). It is noted again that the tags have a highly adherent
substance located within a diameter somewhat smaller than that of
the tag. The tags will be stacked, one atop the other along a
circumferential or edgewise surface, to avoid the tags from
sticking to one another. The arm and the load mechanism for the gun
is slotted to hold the tags not yet applied. Once again, if
rectangular tags are employed, the rectangular tags may be stacked
either face-to-face (e.g., so that a primary surface of a first tag
faces a primary surface of an adjacent second tag), or edgewise
(e.g., so that a secondary surface of a first rectangular tag faces
a secondary surface of an adjacent second tag). If the rectangular
(or circular) tags are oriented in a face-to-face manner, a release
layer described below preferably is employed.
[0069] The slotted arm is hinged vertically. As the item passes
through the designated space, the arm 30 rapidly swings down with a
tag and applies the tag using a predetermined amount of pressure.
The slot is wide enough to hold the tags, but is folded over to
prevent the tags from falling out. For this embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3(B), there is a retaining member that prevents the baggage
from sliding away from the arm, thereby allowing the pressure to be
applied.
[0070] Further, FIG. 3(D) illustrates the arm and a tag loading
holder in a modified embodiment in which a tag loading holder 50 is
shown with the tags stacked edgewise. At the bottom of the holder
50, a computer/processor 1 controlled loading tag release 51 is
employed. The tag release 51 may be configured, for example, as a
spring-activated shutter mechanism or the like. The tags are pushed
by a hydraulic (or similar means) computer/processor-controlled
piston 52, and the tag shown in FIG. 3(D) is shown in place for
attachment to a container. It is noted that, while FIG. 3(D) shows
only one holder 50, a plurality of holders may be provided as would
be known by one of ordinary skill in the art within the purview of
the present application.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3(C), at a bottom surface, the arm 30 has
two retracting members 40 that permit the tag to be released from
the slot within the arm 30 that holds the tags. In this method of
mounting, there is no recoil so that adherence of the tag to the
container is reasonably certain and reliable.
[0072] FIG. 3(E) illustrates the adhesive on the side of the tag to
be applied to the container by the arm 30 and the hydraulic (or
similar means) computer/processor-controlled piston 52. As
mentioned previously, the release/retracting members 40 are
computer-controlled to open and shut at appropriate times.
[0073] Immediately after multi-bit RF tag attachment, a base
station (the tag writer 7 including, for example, a transceiver)
encodes (writes to) the tag to give it a unique ID. The
identification is simultaneously transferred to the database in
memory 3, a technique well-known in the art.
[0074] As mentioned above, the tags may include first and second
types of tags attachable to the container. The first type of tag
may include a dummy tag, and the second type of tag may include a
functional tag, or vice-versa. Each of the first and second tags
may include either a 1-bit tag or a multi-bit radio frequency (RF)
tag.
[0075] The first and second queues may are for stacking first and
second types of tags respectively, such that within each queue, the
tags are stacked. A release layer may be provided between adjacent
tags, as shown in FIG. 3(B), especially with regard to tags stacked
face-to-face in the tag holder/feeder.
[0076] The tag may have any geometric shape such as a circular
shape or a rectangular shape having a primary surface (e.g., the
relatively large surface area surfaces of a rectangular shaped
object and a secondary surface (e.g., the edgewise surfaces). The
tags may be stacked face-to-face such that a primary surface of a
first tag faces a primary surface of a second, adjacent tag.
Alternatively, the tags may be stacked edge-to-edge such that a
secondary surface of a first tag faces a secondary surface of a
second, adjacent tag. Similar stacking arrangements may be provided
for the circular tags.
[0077] At least some of the tags may include radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags for being written to and read from. The
RFID tags may be provided for a predetermined type of bags and
dummy tags for other types of tags. Dummy tags generally are less
expensive than RFID (or 1-bit) tags.
[0078] The 1-bit tags may be one of armed and unarmed for
predetermined (e.g., suspicious) types of bags and the other of
armed and disarmed for other types (e.g., not suspicious) of
bags.
[0079] Moreover, the tags may comprise 1-bit tags for a
predetermined type (e.g., suspicious) of bags and dummy tags for
other types (e.g., not suspicious) of tags.
[0080] The 1-bit tags may include magnetic tags and the RFID tags
may include radio frequency 1-bit tags comprising a RLC circuit
therein.
[0081] Instead of loading the attachment arm as above, the
attachment arm may be loaded from the side as shown in FIG. 3(F)
with a side tag loader 50'. The tag release 51 is formed by a
shutter or the like which is computer-controlled. The piston
position during loading is shown by 52', whereas the piston
position during tag attachment is shown with reference numeral 52".
Similarly to the earlier embodiments, a release layer 53 is
provided between the tags in the tag holder 50'. Specifically, the
release layer 53 covers the adhesive on a tag prior to application
of the tag to a container, thereby to prevent the tags sticking
together in the holder. A gaseous (e.g., air) stream designated by
reference letter Z is provided at the tag application point to
separate the release layer 53, thereby to ready the tag for
application to the container.
[0082] FIG. 3(G) illustrates stacking of tags for the embodiment of
FIG. 3(F). FIG. 3(H) illustrates stacking of tags edgewise.
[0083] In lieu of the tags and as mentioned above, bar code labels
may be attached to the baggage by the pivotal arm 30. Here, the
sensor information is fed to the processor 1 which then prints a
bar code label (preferably two-dimensional) with sensor
information. This information is read by the inspector with the
hand-held interrogation unit 5 (e.g., bar code scanner).
Preferably, one of two different bar code labels with minimal
information can be attached, one indicative of no suspected
contraband problem, while the other label indicates suspicion.
[0084] It should be clear by those ordinarily skilled in the art
within the purview of this application that tag attachment also may
occur on the top of the bag/article using the swinging arm or on
any exposed surface using the air gun.
[0085] Thus, with the invention as already described above, the
tags can be attached by a gaseously-driven (e.g., air) gun or by an
automated hinged arm.
[0086] The same system can also be used for inspecting baggage
(articles) at a time of airport boarding. For example, the sensors
can be used to sense the contents of checked baggage traveling
along a conveyor. Once again, a tag is affixed as previously
described and encoded after attachment with the sensor information
(or 1 of 2 possible 1-bit tags is attached in one of two states
indicating "danger" or "no danger"). The tag information is read by
the baggage handler prior to loading article(s) onto the aircraft.
Based on that information, a decision is made to either load or
pull the article(s) off for further inspection.
[0087] Generally, the sensing and tag attachment system is not
limited to airports but can have application in any transportation
system, where large amounts of baggage or freight are handled in
order to rapidly check the contents of closed containers. Moreover,
the system can be used for rapid inspection of any movement of
large quantities of freight, etc. through a passageway where some
information is required regarding possible contraband or attempted
illegal shipment of goods based on content.
[0088] The present invention achieves rapid sensing of different
species of molecules (gaseous) emanating from closed baggage
(articles) or suitcases. After the chemical sensing, the sensor
information is transmitted to a database. The database activates
one of several means for rapidly attaching a tag (e.g., the form of
the rapid attachment mechanism constituting part of the present
invention). Either a 1-bit or a multi-bit radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag can be used for the tagging. If the tag
is an RFID tag, detailed information can be written on the tag
describing the suspected contents based on the sensor analysis
immediately after tag attachment.
[0089] For 1-bit tags, they can be used in one of two magnetic
states. Alternatively, an active or dummy tag can be used to
provide the distinction between a suspicious/non-suspicious item.
Once again, the sensor information in the database determines which
tag to use.
[0090] While the invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the appended claims.
[0091] For example, since it is difficult to conceal the tag, every
item should be tagged using dummy tags for those items that are not
suspect, and using functional look-alike tags for those that are
suspect (or vice-versa). In this mode, passengers picking up their
luggage are less likely to be suspicious since every item has a
look-alike tag and must have the tag upon reaching the final
inspection station. Thus, if only suspect items are tagged, the
owner may become suspicious and abandon the bag or attempt to rip
the tag off of the article/baggage. The above procedure would
reduce the likelihood of such abandoning the bag or ripping the tag
off.
[0092] A preferred mode of operation is one in which all tags are
removed prior to leaving the terminal. Read/write tags such as RFID
tags can be reused by the baggage or freight department.
[0093] Further, in yet another embodiment, 1-bit tags which are all
the same (e.g., have the same structure and composition) may be
employed. Alternatively, as mentioned above, multi-bit tags which
are written to may be employed.
* * * * *