U.S. patent application number 10/983379 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for physical geolocation system.
Invention is credited to Gray, D. Anthony, Knaebel, David B., Shepard, Donald F..
Application Number | 20050261841 10/983379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35376288 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050261841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shepard, Donald F. ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Physical geolocation system
Abstract
A real-time system for determining the geographic movements of
an individual or object by sampling particulates contained thereon.
The system includes particle collection, sample preparations, and
sample analysis using three primary modes of detecting certain
particulates. The first mode involves the imaging of pollen,
spores, or other biological material which are visible through a
light microscope when properly stained or prepared. The second mode
involves the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction to amplify
and detect target nucleic acid sequences. The third mode involves
the use of X-ray diffraction to identify mineral particles. The
results from any mode, or any combination of modes, are analyzed by
comparison to a reference database containing geographic
information and the results are compiled by a controller for visual
display.
Inventors: |
Shepard, Donald F.;
(Evergreen, CO) ; Knaebel, David B.; (Manlius,
NY) ; Gray, D. Anthony; (Liverpool, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOND, SCHOENECK & KING, PLLC
ONE LINCOLN CENTER
SYRACUSE
NY
13202-1355
US
|
Family ID: |
35376288 |
Appl. No.: |
10/983379 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60518109 |
Nov 7, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/40 20180101;
G16H 50/80 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/032 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for determining the geographic history of a target,
comprising: a sample preparation module for preparing particles
collected from a target for analysis; at least one analysis module
interconnected to said sample preparation module for collecting
information about said particles and identifying said particles
based on said collected information; and a controller
interconnected to said at least one analysis module for determining
the geographic history of said target based on the identity of said
particles.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a particle collection
module for collecting particles from said target.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said particle collection module
comprises a high volume air sampler.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein said particle collection module
comprises a swab for collecting particles from said target.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein said high volume air sampler
generates an aqueous suspension of said particles.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said sample preparation module
comprises an automated sample preparation workstation.
7. The system of claim 2, further comprising a fluid handler for
robotically distributing an aqueous suspension of said particles to
said sample preparation module.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said sample preparation module
comprises means for dividing said aqueous suspension into
sub-samples.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis module
comprises a DNA analysis module.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis
module comprises an image analysis module.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one image
analysis module comprises an automated microscopic imaging
system.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said automated microscopic
imaging system comprises: a microscope for viewing said particles;
an automated stage for receiving said particles from said sample
preparation module and positioning said particles for viewing by
said microscope; and a CCD camera interconnected to said microscope
for capturing an image of said particles.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis
module comprises a DNA analysis module.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said DNA analysis module
comprises a real-time polymerase chain reaction for amplifying
genetic material contained in said particles.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one analysis
module comprises an XRD module.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said x-ray diffraction module
comprises a COTS scanning device for generating high-definition
diffraction spacings of said particles.
17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database
interconnected to said at least one analysis module and said
controller, wherein said database contains identifying information
about said particles and geographic information about said
particles.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said at least one analysis
module compares said particles to said data and determines the
identity of said particles.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said controller determines the
geographic history of said target by retrieving geographic
information about said particles from said database.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein said at least one analysis
module comprises: an automated microscopic imaging system; a DNA
analysis system; and an x-ray diffraction system.
21. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display
interconnected to said controller for displaying a map of the
geographic history of said target.
22. A system for monitoring a predetermined geographic location for
the appearance of a foreign particle, comprising: a particle
collection module for collecting a sample from said geographic
location; a sample preparation module interconnected to said
particle collection module for receiving said sample and preparing
said sample for analysis; and at least one analysis module
interconnected to said sample preparation module for collecting
information about said sample and comparing said collected
information against a database to determine the identity of
particles in said sample; and a controller for determining whether
said particles are foreign said geographic location.
23. The system of claim 22, further comprising a transmitter
interconnected to controller for transmitting the identity of
particles in said sample to a central controller.
24. A method of determining the geographic history of a target,
comprising the steps of: collecting a sample of particles from said
target; identifying at least one particle in said sample; and
determining the geographic history of said target based on said
identification of said at least one particle.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of collecting a
sample of particles from said target comprises taking a high volume
air sample and forming an aqueous suspension of said particles.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of collecting a
sample of particles from said target comprises swabbing said target
to collect said particles and transferring said particles to an
aqueous solution.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein said step of identifying at
least one particle in said sample comprises the steps of: dividing
said aqueous sample into a plurality of sub-samples; collecting
information about each said sub-sample; and comparing said
collected information to a database containing information about
said at least one particle to identify said at least one
particle.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of collecting
information about each said sub-sample comprises the steps of:
imaging any stainable structures in said particles in at least one
sub-sample; amplifying any genetic material in said particles in at
least one sub-sample; and performing an x-ray diffraction of at
least one sub-sample.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of comparing said
collected information to a database containing information about
said at least one particle to identify said at least one particle,
comprises the steps of: compiling said collected information from
each at least one sub-sample; retrieving identifying information
from said database; and matching said identifying information to
said collected information to identify said at least one particle
in said aqueous sample.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of determining the
geographic history of said target based on said identification of
said at least one particle comprises the steps of:
cross-referencing the identity of each said at least one particle
with a database containing geographic information about each said
at least one particle; and calculating the geographic history of
said target based on the geographic information of each said at
least one particle identified in said aqueous sample.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/518,109, filed on Nov. 7, 2003 and entitled
"Physical Geolocation System."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the verification of
geographic location information and, more specifically, to a system
for determining the geographic travel history of an object or
individual based on an analysis of particulates contained
thereon.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] As worldwide commerce and travel continues to expand, there
is an increased need to determine the geographic travel history of
an individual or object that crosses geographic, political, or
national borders. Determining the international transit of persons
and/or objects can be important for the purposes of maintaining
security, insuring the safety of food shipments and agricultural
products, or merely verifying the authenticity of travel documents
and shipping records.
[0006] Conventional particulate analysis involves the manual
collection of particulates and analysis by skilled technicians
using a light microscope of other analytical techniques. This
process requires days to implement and results in the distribution
of outdated information.
[0007] 3. Objects and Advantages
[0008] It is a principal object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a system for determining the geographic travel
history of an individual or object that uses objective
measurements.
[0009] It is an additional object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a system for determining the geographic travel
history of an individual or object that relies on stable and
tenacious data sources.
[0010] It is a further object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a system for determining the geographic travel
history of an individual or object that relies on data sources that
are otherwise unnoticed.
[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is a geographic location system
comprising the collection of microscopic particulates deposited on
or entrapped in an individual or object when moving through a
geographic region and the analysis of the microscopic particulates
to determine which geographic regions the individual or object has
contacted. The microscopic particulates can comprise pollen, fungal
spores, soil/clay minerals, or DNA-bearing organisms that vary
based on geographic locale. These particulates are generally
distributed in the atmosphere, stable, and readily adhere to
individuals or objects. As different regions produce varying
pollens, spores, and minerals, geographic information about an
individual or object may be gleaned from the particular types of
particulates. Additionally, as pollen and spore types can vary
seasonally, temporal information may also be extracted from an
analysis of embedded particulates to build a comprehensive travel
history.
[0013] The geographical location system comprises the use of some
or all of a series of operative modules: a particle collection
module, a sample preparation module, an image analysis module, a
DNA analysis module, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) module, a
controller module, and a database module. One, two, or all three of
the analytical modules can be used to achieve geolocation. The data
extracted from these various modules is compared against a Physical
Geolocation System database having pollen/spore images, DNA
sequences, and XRD spacing for various particles, as well as
information on geographic distribution necessary for developing a
travel history.
[0014] The particle collection module comprises a high volume air
sampler that generates an aqueous suspension of collected particles
in a given air sample. The air sample can be ambient air, air in a
confined space (such as a shipping container, tractor trailer, or
piece of luggage), or air passed over a person or object. Instead
of an air sampler, the particle collection module may comprise the
use of a sterile swab or implement to collect particulates from the
surface of an object or person. The particles from the swab may
then be placed in an aqueous solution for further processing.
[0015] The liquid sample generated by the particle collection
module is passed to the sample preparation module, which divides
the sample into sub-samples and treats it for analysis by the
various analysis modules. For example, a sub-sample destined for
image analysis will be treated with dyes, a sub-sample destined for
DNA analysis will be purified and have target DNA isolated. One
sub-sample may be archived for later analysis or re-analysis if
necessary.
[0016] The image analysis module comprises an automatic microscope
system including a microscope, automatic motorized stage,
charged-coupled device (CCD) camera, and controller. The image
analysis module automatically acquires images of pollen and spores
for comparison to the image database. The image analysis module
passes pollen and/or spore identification to the controller.
[0017] The DNA analysis module comprises a real-time polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) system for evaluation of the sample through
rational PCR primer and probe combinations that target 18S
ribosomal genes or other discriminatory genes. Other DNA analytical
approaches (e.g., real time Terminal Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis) may be incorporated as they become
available. The DNA analysis module passes plant/fungi
identification information to the controller.
[0018] The XRD module comprises a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)
scanning XRD device for providing rapid, high-definition
diffraction spacings of the sample. The spacings are compared to a
source database to determine mineral composition and then screened
against worldwide soil mineralogy databases. The XRD module passes
soil identification to the controller module.
[0019] The controller module coordinates, collects, interprets, and
displays the information provided by the forgoing modules. The
information may be displayed as a map of areas consistent with the
analyses, as well as text describing the types of pollen, spores,
and minerals and statistical confidence values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a physical geolocation
system according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a physical geolocation system
display according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a real-time monitoring
system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to
like parts throughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 a physical
geolocation system 10 according to the present invention for
rapidly collecting and analyzing particulates collected from a
person or object. System 10 comprises a particle collection module
12 for physically collecting particles from a target individual or
object, such as a shipping container, piece of luggage, or
agricultural product. Particle collection module 12 includes a high
volume air sampler for generating an aqueous suspension of
collected particles from a given air sample. The air sample taken
can be ambient air, air in a confined space (such as a shipping
container, tractor trailer, or piece of luggage), or air passed
over a person or object. Acceptable samplers include the SpinCon of
Sceptor Industries and the M-Vac of Rocky Mountain Labs. Particle
collection module 12 may also comprise a sterile swab or implement
for collecting the particulates from the surface of a person or
object. The particles from the swab may then be placed in an
aqueous solution for further processing according to the present
invention.
[0024] The liquid sample 14 generated by particle collection module
12 is then preferably distributed robotically by a fluid handling
module 16 to a sample preparation module 18 for ensuring sample
integrity and minimizing cross-contamination. A Gilson Multiple
Probe 215 Liquid Handler may serve as fluid handling module 16.
[0025] Sample preparation module 18 is responsible for preparing
sample 14 for each of the primary forms of analysis used to screen
for particles having biological and geological (i.e., soil)
significance. Liquid sample 14 is separated by sample preparation
module 18 into sub-samples 20, 22, and 24 for individual analysis
by an image analysis module 26, a DNA analysis module 28, and an
XRD module 30. For example, sub-sample 20 is treated with dyes to
enhance imaging, sub-sample 22 is treated to isolate and purify and
DNA contained therein, and sub-sample 24 is prepared for x-ray
diffraction.
[0026] Additional sub-samples (not shown) may be archived for
delayed analysis or analysis by other methods, or even for
re-analysis if necessary. To eliminate cross-sample contamination,
system 10 handles all samples and sub-sample as discrete units; all
sample collection and processing is done via robotic transfer of
these discrete units, and all modules maintain sample integrity. An
acceptable sample preparation module 18 is the Cyberlab C-400
system, manufactured by Gilson, Inc. of Middleton, Wis.
[0027] After treatment with appropriate dyes, sub-sample 20 is
provided to image analysis module 26. Image analysis module 26
comprises a conventional microscope having an automatic motorized
stage for accepting sample 14 and an attached CCD camera for
recording images. Image analysis module 26 may comprise another
type of platform that does not depend on motorized stages or
conventional microscope architectures as long as the microscope is
capable of automated image acquisition. Image analysis module 26
automatically acquires images of stained pollen and spores in
sample 14 for comparison to a database 32 containing previously
identified pollen and spore images and data. Once an identification
is made by cross-checking the image of sub-sample 26 with images
stored in database 32, image analysis module 26 communicates the
pollen/spore identification information to a controller module 34.
Image information for database 32 may be obtained or collected from
pollen image databases such as PalDat of the Department of
Ultrastructure Research and Palynology, University of Vienna,
Austria, or several other known databases.
[0028] After isolation and purification of DNA in sub-sample 22 by
sample preparation module 18, DNA analysis module 28 performs
real-time polymerase chain (PCR) using rational PCR primer and
probe combinations that target 18S ribosomal genes or other
discriminatory genes (or another analytical approach such as TRFLP)
to identify the presence of particular pollen and/or spore DNA
identification in sub-sample 34. DNA analysis module 60 identifies
the type of pollen and spores present in sub-sample 34 by comparing
the results of PCR with plant DNA sequence data stored in database
32, and then communicates the identity information to controller
module 34. A MacConnell Mini Prep system from MacConnell Research
Corp., San Diego, Calif. may provide DNA extraction and preparation
for DNA analysis module 60. The Chromo 4 system from MJ Research,
Waltham, Mass., may serve as real-time DNA analysis module 28.
Genetic information for database 36 may be compiled from gene
sequence resources such as GenBank, the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) genetic sequence database and the Ribosomal Database
Project (RDP) of Michigan State University.
[0029] Sub-sample 24 is provided to an XRD analysis module 30
comprising a COTS scanning XRD device. XRD analysis module 30
device provides rapid, high-definition diffraction spacings of
mineral in sub-sample 24 for comparison to known mineral spacings
stored in database 32 to determine mineral composition and
geographic information. XRD analysis module 30 provides mineral
identification and geographic information to controller module 34.
A Bede D1 diffraction system from Bede Scientific Inc., Englewood,
Colo. may be used as XRD analysis module 30. XRD information for
database 36 may be obtained or collected from the International
Centre for Diffraction Data database.
[0030] Controller module 34 coordinates, collects, and interprets
the information provided by image analysis module 26, DNA analysis
module 28, XRD module 30, and database module 32. Using the
identity information provided by image analysis module 26, DNA
analysis module 28, XRD analysis module 30, and data stored in
database module 32, controller 34 can compile geographic locations
from the known geographic territories for identified particulates
for visual display 36. As seen in FIG. 2, information derived by
the foregoing modules that is collected and interpreted by
controller module 34 may be displayed by mapping an area that is
consistent with the analyses, as well as providing text that
describes the types of pollen, spores, and minerals with
appropriate statistical confidence values.
[0031] Physical geolocation system 10 may be used in a host of
agricultural applications. For example, physical geolocation system
10 can determine the probable country of origin for imported fruits
and vegetables, thereby determining treatment under the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). By determining the probable
country of origin, officials will also be able to determine if the
agricultural items must be quarantined or even destroyed, based on
their knowledge of agricultural problems in other countries. For
example, physical geolocation system 10 can be used to screen
agricultural products that originate from a geographic region
having food-related medical problems, such as hoof-and-mouth
disease.
[0032] Physical geolocation system 10 may also be used to
interrogate individuals as they enter a country. By compiling a
real-time travel history, customs officials can make security
decisions based on objective information about the recent
whereabouts of a suspicious person, rather than relying on subject
measures, such a racial profiling.
[0033] Physical geolocation system 10 may be modified to serve as a
real-time monitoring system 10A, for providing real-time
agricultural data to scientists and the public, or real-time
allergen analysis to scientists and the public. Operation of
real-time monitoring system 10A is similar to physical geolocation
system 10, except that database 32 contains records of pollens,
spores, bacteria, allergenic compounds, and potential pathogens
having agricultural, biological, or health significance, rather
than geographic territories. By cross-checking samples against the
modified database, pollen and spores from neighboring geographic
locations, known allergens, pollen or DNA from invasive or pest
plant species, or spores associated with pathogenic fungal species
can be detected, identified and reported.
[0034] A network of real-time monitoring systems 10A that
communicate with or transmit data to a central controller 38 can
identify the presence of a potential plant or livestock disease
outbreak or provide an early warning to the proper authorities. A
network of real-time monitoring systems 10A deployed across a
geographic or agricultural region also permits the real-time
sampling, identification, and reporting of airborne agricultural
pathogens, including intentionally released organisms in the event
of a bio-terrorism event. The advanced warning of a possible
outbreak provided by a network of real-time monitoring systems 10A
allows enhanced planning to more effectively treat potentially
affected crops or livestock.
[0035] Real-time monitoring systems 10A may also provide early
warning of weed or other undesirable plant infestations. By
determining changes in the distribution of pollens identified from
a network of real-time monitoring systems 10A, the future density
and distribution of unwanted plant species can be estimated and
consulted when making eradication and/or control decisions.
[0036] Real-time monitoring systems 10A may also provide real-time
allergen data to allergy suffers. For allergy applications, samples
of ambient air are taken and digital images, DNA sequences, and XRD
data of the particulate content are identified and crosschecked
against available pollen and fungal spore allergen morphology,
pollen and spore DNA databases, and diffraction data stored in
database 32. Identified allergens are reported along with a measure
of their concentration (frequency of occurrence). Real-time
analysis of allergens will allow the healthcare community to more
readily associate allergens with symptoms and offer targeted
treatments.
* * * * *