U.S. patent application number 11/621767 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for system and method for detecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying explosive materials.
Invention is credited to Thomas A. Gelormino, Robert C. Morhard, Thomas M. Zukovich.
Application Number | 20070229283 11/621767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38535802 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070229283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morhard; Robert C. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING, MONITORING, TRACKING AND
IDENTIFYING EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
Abstract
This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring,
detecting, tracking and identifying explosive materials. The system
and method involves tracking and monitoring the explosive material
during every part of the chain of custody.
Inventors: |
Morhard; Robert C.;
(Eagleville, PA) ; Gelormino; Thomas A.;
(Torrington, CT) ; Zukovich; Thomas M.;
(Schnecksville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF, BLOCK, SCHORR & SOLIS-COHEN LLP
1650 ARCH STREET, 22ND FLOOR
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2334
US
|
Family ID: |
38535802 |
Appl. No.: |
11/621767 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11435908 |
May 17, 2006 |
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11621767 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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11435704 |
May 17, 2006 |
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11621767 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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11435909 |
May 17, 2006 |
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11621767 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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11435707 |
May 17, 2006 |
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11621767 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60681866 |
May 17, 2005 |
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60761466 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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60681866 |
May 17, 2005 |
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60761466 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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60761466 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.8 ;
235/487 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G08B 13/2462 20130101; G06Q 50/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.8 ;
235/487 |
International
Class: |
G08B 13/14 20060101
G08B013/14; G06K 19/00 20060101 G06K019/00 |
Claims
1. A system for tracking explosive materials, comprising: an
identifier for an explosive material having means for transmitting
information; a transportation unit having means for transmitting
information; a storage element having means for transmitting
information; and a database having means for receiving
information.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of data
receiving devices located at predetermined locations and adapted
for receiving information transmitted from said identifier, said
transportation unit and said storage element.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said identifiers are RFID
tags.
4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sensors
located at said storage element.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said plurality of sensors are
adapted to measure physical properties selected from the group
consisting of light, temperature, motion, sound, and humidity.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein said plurality of data receiving
devices periodically transmit a signal.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said signal is transmitted at a
power less than 0.004 watts.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for analyzing
said received information to determine security status of said
explosive material.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said transportation unit further
comprises means for being remotely deactivated.
10. A method for tracking explosive materials, comprising:
attaching a first identifier to an explosive material; placing said
explosive material into a container; attaching a second identifier
to said container; receiving data from said first and second
identifiers at a first data reception device.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising interrogating said
first and second identifier with said first data reception
device.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing said
container on a transportation unit and interrogating said first and
second identifier with a second data reception deice located on
said transportation unit.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting to a
non-local database from said transportation unit the location of
said transportation unit using a GPS system.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting an
alarm if said transportation unit deviates from a pre-determined
route.
15. A tracking system, comprising: a first identifier adapted for
use with an explosive material, wherein said first identifier is a
visibility device; a visibility device reader adapted to receive
data from said first identifier; and a first database adapted to
receive data from said visibility device reader; wherein said
visibility device is a micro-fiber, wherein said micro-fiber is
incorporated within said explosive materials and said micro-fiber
is less than 100 microns in diameter.
16. The tracking system of claim 15, further comprising a second
identifier attached to said explosive material, wherein said second
identifier is a nano-mark.
17. The tracking system of claim 16, further comprising a third
identifier, wherein said third identifier is a RFID tag.
Description
[0001] This Application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
Application Ser. No. 11/435,908, filed May 17, 2006, which in turn
claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/681,866 filed May 17, 2005 and U.S. Non-Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/761,466, filed Jan. 24, 2006; a Continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 11/435,704, filed May 17,
2006, which in turn claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/681,866 filed May 17, 2005 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/761,466 filed Jan. 24, 2006; a Continuation of
U.S. Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 11/435,909, filed May 17,
2006, which in turn claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/761,466 filed Jan. 24, 2006; and a Continuation
of U.S. Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 11/435,707 filed May
17, 2005, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of explosives. In
particular the present invention relates to systems, methods and
devices for detecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying
explosive materials.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0005] Terrorism is a real and viable threat to the security of
this country and the security of the world in general. Examples of
such terrorist acts include the train bombings that occurred in
Madrid and the Oklahoma City bombing on Apr. 19, 1995. Preventing
acts of terrorism and improving the security of the general public
is of vital importance to the private sector as well as the
government. One way to accomplish this goal is to facilitate a way
of detecting, tracking, monitoring and identifying explosive
materials, including their constituent components, prior, during
and after manufacture as well as during and after distribution.
There currently are no methods or systems that track in real-time
or substantially-real-time all explosive materials, such as,
detonators, and other similar explosive materials at various stages
of the manufacturing, shipping and storage or otherwise within the
"chain of custody" from start to finish. There is also an inability
to provide methods for facilitating investigation of sites that
have suffered from an attack using explosives.
[0006] In the past there been methods and devices that attempt to
identify where a particular explosive material originated or
attempt to more easily detect and identify explosive material that
can survive detonation of explosive material. For example, taggant
particles have been made which can range from up to 1000 microns
down to 20 microns that can be made of any of a number of
substances, such as microscopic pieces of multilayered colored
plastic, and can be added to an explosive to indicate its source of
manufacture. The microscopic pieces of multilayered colored plastic
can be formulated within or applied to explosive materials. The
specific manufacturer, batch and perhaps outlet where the explosive
was purchased can be identified through the colored plastic
taggants and may also facilitate identification of the
purchaser.
[0007] Similarly, taggants can also come in chemical form. For
example, DMNB (2,3 Dimethyl 2,3 Dinitrobutane) is one such chemical
taggant that is used in association with the manufacture of
explosive materials. In use, chemical taggants such as DMNB are
used as tagging/detecting agents for plastic bonded explosives
(PBX). An explosive substance with a chemical taggant such as DMNB
is more readily detected by existing explosives detection equipment
known in the art. The specific manufacturer and batch can be
identified through taggants and can help facilitate identification
of the purchaser.
[0008] In the field of tracking, active and passive RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification Devices) tags are often used in connection
with tracking systems for the manufacture of goods and are capable
of location and identification of items in production and storage
areas. In use, RFID tags are attached to the item or object to be
tracked, remote sensing antennas are placed at a predetermined area
to be monitored, and interrogators are connected to the sensing
antennas to receive the antenna signals. Thereafter the signals may
be transmitted to a network system and data base for tracking and
recording.
[0009] However, none of these systems or identifying devices alone
solve the problems with detecting, tracking, monitoring and
identifying all, or substantially all of the explosive material in
a predetermined geographical location in real-time or
substantially-real-time from the manufacturing stage to the receipt
by an end user, and subsequent storage. Moreover, none of these
systems or devices known in the art operate to control, detect,
monitor and track explosive materials and similar hazardous
material so they cannot be misused in improvised explosive devices
or the like. Thus, there is a need for an improved system and
method to detect, track, monitor and identify all or substantially
all of the explosive materials, from the manufacturing stage, to
the transit and handling stage, and finally to an end user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The instant invention is an improved system and method to
track and identify all or substantially all of the explosive
materials, from the manufacturing stage, to the transit and
handling stage, and finally to an end user.
[0011] A first aspect of the invention is a system for tracking
explosive materials, comprising: an identifier for an explosive
material having means for transmitting information; a
transportation unit having means for transmitting information; a
storage element having means for transmitting information; and a
database having means for receiving information.
[0012] A second aspect of the invention is a method A method for
tracking explosive materials, comprising: attaching a first
identifier to an explosive material; placing said explosive
material into a container; attaching a second identifier to said
container; receiving data from said first and second identifiers at
a first data reception device
[0013] A third aspect of the invention is a tracking system,
comprising: a first identifier adapted for use with an explosive
material, wherein said first identifier is a visibility device; a
visibility device reader adapted to receive data from said first
identifier; and a first database adapted to receive data from said
visibility device reader; wherein said visibility device is a
micro-fiber, wherein said micro-fiber is incorporated within said
explosive materials and said micro-fiber is wherein said
micro-fiber is incorporated within said explosive materials and
said micro-fiber is less than 100 microns in diameter.
[0014] These and various other advantages and features of novelty
that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity
in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However,
for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and
the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0015] FIG. 1a is a diagram of a detonator having a visibility
device and an ID mark.
[0016] FIG. 1b is a diagram of detonator with a RFID tag on a
located on a flag-tag and an ID mark.
[0017] FIG. 1c is a diagram of a detonator having a visibility
device and a RFID tag located on a flag tag, and an ID mark.
[0018] FIG. 1d is a diagram of a detonator with a visibility
device, a RFID tag attached to a detonator's sealing plug, and an
ID mark.
[0019] FIG. 1e is a diagram showing a detonator with a RFID tag
contained within a detonator's sealing plug.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an explosive material illustrating
the position of an ID mark.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the components of a smart
transportation unit.
[0022] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating a smart storage unit.
[0023] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating an area surveillance
unit.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a chart depicting the flow of information
within the system during the manufacturing process.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a RFID
integration device.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart showing the method for tracking
explosive materials during transportation and delivery.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flow of information
within the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention relates to systems, methods and
devices for detecting, tracking, monitoring and identifying in
real-time or in substantially-real-time the activities, movements,
locations and positions associated with explosive materials, which
encompasses both the explosives and articles associated with
explosives, including but not limited to oxidizing materials such
as ammonium nitrate (a major raw material used in the manufacture
of explosive material), blasting agents, detonators, constituent
components of explosives, ordinance and ammunition, fuzes,
initiation and ignition systems and any chemical compound mixture
or devices, the primary or common purpose of which is to function
by detonation, deflagration or explosion, and includes, but is not
limited to, emulsion explosives, water gel explosives, slurry
explosives, dynamite and other high explosives, propellant
materials, initiating explosives, safety fuses, squibs, detonating
cord, nonelectric and electric initiation systems and components,
igniter cord, and igniters, in conjunction with the manufacture,
handling, delivery and storage thereof. Explosive materials also
include, but are not limited to, substances or articles that have
been classified world-wide as hazardous materials under United
Nations International Agreements Concerning the International
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, by specific tests described
within the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods; Manual of Tests and Criteria, industrial and
military substances and articles which are grouped in general
classes as "propellants," "explosives" and "pyrotechnics," as are
generally known in the art, and as defined within 18 U.S.C. 40 and
27 C.F.R. 55.
[0029] The present invention comprises the use of "smart"
identifiers, transportation units and storage elements in order to
facilitate the detection, precise real-time or
substantially-real-time tracking and confirmed identification for
all or substantially all explosive materials within a predetermined
geographical area. Additionally, authorized personnel that are
involved in the manufacturing, shipping, and manufacturing of the
materials may all be tracked so that their locations and movements
may be monitored. The term "smart" is used to indicate an elements
ability to either transmit and/or receive tracking information, or
its ability to in some way facilitate identification, monitoring
and tracking.
[0030] Preferably in the method and system of the present invention
identifiers are generally included within the initial manufacturing
of explosive materials. Potential "smart" identifiers generally
consist of those identifiers which assist in facilitating the
monitoring of, detection of, tracking of, and identification of
explosive materials.
[0031] One identifier used in the instant invention consists of
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) tags. The RFID tags
used may be, micro-RFID tags, macro RFID tags, nano-RFID tags,
active tags, passive tags, and semi-passive RFID tags or other
suitable RFID tags which are capable of transmitting data to a RFID
integration device which can act as a transceiver and receiver.
Active RFID tags are tags that contain a battery and can transmit
data to a reader. Passive RFID tags are tags that do not contain a
battery and cannot transmit data unless interrogated by a RFID
integration device. RFID tags can be write-read or read only
tags.
[0032] A RFID integration device, is needed to send a radio
frequency signal to a passive RFID tag in order to interrogate it,
and may also operate as a reader, which can be both a transmitter
and receiver. This signal activates the tag so that it can respond
to the reader with the tag information. In this way the RFID
integration device operates as a data collection device by
receiving data from the RFID tags. In embodiments that use active
RFID tags containing a battery, an RF signal can be sent to the
RFID integration device without having to first transmit an
interrogation signal to the RFID. The RFID integration device
operates in these scenarios simply as a receiver for collecting the
transmitted data.
[0033] In one preferred embodiment, the RFID tags are small
integrated circuits connected to an antenna that can respond to an
interrogating RF signal with simple identifying information, or
with more complex signals depending on the size of the integrated
circuit, RFID tags can be placed within or applied to explosive
materials but can also be affixed to the product and/or product
packaging. Such use of RFID tags provides real-time or
substantially-real-time tracking of explosive materials throughout
the supply-chain, from manufacture, to transport, to handling, and
to storage, as well as providing a mechanism that would assist in
identifying people who come into contact with explosive
materials.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the RFID tag can
be covertly placed within a detonator or general explosive thereby
prohibiting tampering of and/or possible removal of the tags
without compromising explosive safety. FIGS. 1a-1e show various
embodiments of an explosive material that has various identifiers
attached thereto. Detonators 24 may be electric, non-electric, or
electronic. FIGS. 1b-1e show the usage of RFID 12a either attached
to the detonator body 21, or attached to wiring 29. The usage of
RFID 12a in these specific embodiments help to prevent the
possibility of tampering by detecting movement of the explosive
materials. RFID 12a is typically serialized so that the each
detonator 24 to which RFID tag 12a is attached can be individually
identified.
[0035] The RFID tags and the related local transmitters and
receivers may operate on battery, line, solar generated power or
other suitable energy sources. The RFID integration device
preferably utilizes encrypted data transfer software and hardware,
such as, for example, GPS and Internet, to continuously report
real-time or substantially-real-time "chain-of-custody" information
to government, private entities, and/or authorized personnel.
However, other methods of suitable data transfer known in the art
are also contemplated within the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] In using RFID tags and RFID integrated devices with
explosive material it is important that the devices operate within
a certain power range in order to ensure that the explosive
material remains stable and/or is not triggered. In order to
accomplish this the RFID tags and RFID integrated devices are
designed to operate with very minimal RF energy, typically less
than 0.004 Watts. This level of power ensures that explosives will
not detonate due to the operation of the RFID devices.
[0037] Another identifier that may be used is visibility device 23
shown attached to detonator body 21 and proximate to sealing plug
27 in FIGS. 1a-1e. Visibility device 23 includes but is not limited
to the addition of a component such as a micro-fiber to the
explosive material. A micro-wire consists of a chipless,
glass-coated fiber with an amorphous alloy core that is smaller
than a human hair. Micro-wire may have a diameter that is less than
100 microns, in preferred embodiments the micro-wire is less than
50 microns. In this embodiment, the insertion or application of
visibility device 23 serves to assist in the detection of explosive
material by providing visibility characteristics to the explosives
materials so as to further assist in identifying the presence of
explosive material. When deployed, visibility device 23 can be
incorporated or included within explosives packaging materials,
within the explosives formulation, raw materials, and/or included
within component articles for the purpose of providing detection or
visibility by electronic scanning devices or visibility device
readers strategically located in areas where improvised explosives
device (IED) or bombs may be used for terrorist acts near
transportation services or other public gathering points. This
enables the ability to quickly respond to such situations as well
as to provide the means for ascertaining where the explosive
materials had come from.
[0038] The usage of visibility device 23 provides an additional
layer of detection ability. It is possible to read multi-bit
information form a micro-wire segment that is less than 40 microns
in diameter from a distance of up to 25 meters. A micro-wire is
preferably less than 100 microns in diameter. The micro-wire's
small size permits it to be covertly incorporate inside of
explosive material or attached to the outside of explosive material
with a simple label. Furthermore, a micro-wire is functional in the
presence of metals, foils, and liquids. Temperatures up to 400
degrees F.degree. or below freezing do not affect a micro-wire.
Each micro-wire may be assigned its own magnetically embedded code,
making it possible to securely identify, track and trace individual
items. When using visibility device 23 in conjunction with a RFID
device, both may have the same coding so as to provide additional
means for identification. It is contemplated that visibility device
readers may be used in conjunction with RFID integration devices,
as well as being located in areas that may be subjected to IEDs.
For example, a visibility device reader may be located at the
manufacturer, storage facility, transportation unit, and
distribution site. Additionally, visibility readers may be placed
on high volume public transportation devices that may be subject to
attacks using IEDs.
[0039] Another identifier may consist of covert markings, which
includes but is not limited to cold laser imprints, holograms,
nano-markings and other imprints which provide additional
identification mechanisms. Nano-markings are minute markings, such
as serial-numbers, in the scale of nanometers or microns. FIGS.
1a-1e and 2 illustrate the location of ID marks 25 on detonators
24. ID mark 25 may be nano-mark that has identifying information
composed of alphanumeric characters, or a graphical image that may
be used to identify manufacturer, type of explosive and other
salient information related to the explosive material.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the identifying
information of the RFID tag on a detonator is converted into a
numerical, alphanumerical mark or graphical image and is used to
form ID mark 25. ID mark 25 is applied to or included within a
metal detonator shell as a covert or clandestine mark that can be
forensically examined in a post blast bomb scene by law enforcement
or bomb scene investigators for the purpose of recreating the
chain-of-custody, and correlating the ID mark 25 to people and
location data stored in a database in order to facilitate real time
bomb scene investigation. ID mark 25 may be included in multiple
locations upon or within detonator 24. At a bomb scene or any other
area where the ID mark conveying the true identity of the detonator
needs to be known, the mark can be examined by a microscope
eliciting the numerical, alpha numerical mark or graphic image.
[0041] A nano-mark is produced by nano-engineering techniques using
inscription, etching or lithography with focused light, focused
laser energy or focused ion beam energy. An example of a nano-mark
is A649ZPT784 shown in FIG. 2. The size of the mark is preferably
between 20 microns in height and 75 microns in length to 50 microns
in height and 125 microns in length, however the mark may be
between 5 microns in height and 35 microns in length and 100
microns in height and 250 microns in length. During or after
application of ID mark 25, an infrared or ultraviolet clear dye is
applied to the metal detonator shell for facilitating its
visibility using special optics and light conditions by forensic
bomb scene investigators to identify fragments or metal detonator
shell pieces at the bomb scene. After reading ID mark 25,
investigators may access a database to identify the pedigree of
detonator 24 in an expedient fashion in order to facilitate law
enforcement. This identification of ID mark 25 may be performed on
site at a bomb scene, or after seizure of illicit explosive
material, and therefore be capable of providing near instantaneous
identification of the chain of custody.
[0042] In preferred embodiments of the present system and method,
as many of the identifiers as possible are used in order to provide
multiple layers of security and tracking ability. It is
additionally contemplated that the identifiers discussed in detail
above can also be used with pre-existing identifiers already used
with explosive materials. However, the use of only one or
combination of a few of the identifiers is also within the scope of
the present invention.
[0043] Transportation for use in the system and method includes,
but is not limited to, trucks, boats, shipping containers, ships,
railroad cars, aircraft and all other forms of transportation. The
transportation units used in the present invention have hardware
and software infrastructure with the capability to monitor,
transmit and receive information from the identifiers used with the
explosive materials. The "smart" transportation units utilize an
antenna to respond to interrogating RF signals from the tags. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the transportation units
are capable of actively communicating tracking and identifying
information with responsible parties regarding on-board security,
driver duress, and route progress, Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) information and other data related to the status of the
explosive materials, as well as the transportation unit itself. The
transportation units are capable of communicating and transmitting
tracking and identifying information through related local
transmitters and receivers by means of encrypted data transfer
software and hardware (GPS and Internet) in order to continuously
report real-time "chain-of-custody" information to designated
parties. However, other methods of suitable data transfer and data
interpretation known in the art are also contemplated within the
scope of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a transportation unit that may be
used in the system and method of the instant invention.
Transportation unit 50, as shown, is a truck enabled to transport
explosive materials. Transportation unit 50 contains a number of
containers 22 that each have RFID tags 12b contained within or
attached thereto. The shown transportation unit has a separate
detonator container 23 that also utilizes RFID tags and has its own
antenna 30. In the preferred embodiment, each of the explosive
materials has RFID tags 12a contained within or attached thereto.
Within the body of transportation unit 50 one or more RFID antennas
30 are attached that are operably connected to RFID integration
device 14. Through usage of antennas 30 the various RFID tags may
be interrogated at various intervals in order to insure that all
materials are accounted for, or alternatively the RFID tags may be
programmed to transmit their presence at specific intervals.
[0045] Also provided within the body of transportation unit 50 may
be a series of sensors 41. Sensors 41 may be used to detect and
measure a variety of physical properties of the interior of
transportation unit 50. Such properties may be light, temperature,
motion, sound, and humidity. Through the usage of sensors 41, an
additional layer of monitoring is provided so that it can be
determined at an early stage whether or not the safety or security
of the explosive materials has been compromised. It is also
contemplated that one or more closed circuit television (CCTV)
cameras 49 are also mounted within transportation unit 50 in order
to provide a visual display of the interior. Images received from
cameras 40 and sensors 41 may be relayed through RFID integration
device 14 and also to driver interface 33. The data provided can
then be monitored and analyzed both locally and non-locally in
order to fully ascertain the integrity of vehicle 50.
[0046] Transportation unit 50 further has GPS device 35, which may
be a T2 tracker, BT 2010 unit, or some similar device. GPS device
35 is able to relay information related to the location of
transportation unit 50. This information is then able to be used by
non-local personnel to detect potential trouble spots that may
occur during the transportation of the materials. Such trouble
spots may be areas that have heavy population, or have become
congested due to a non-planned for event, such as a traffic
accident. When such a scenario should arise operators of the
transportation units may be informed that a change in route is
needed. It will also be possible to determine if transportation
unit 50 has inexplicably veered from a prearranged route, such as
may occur due to a hijacking. Transportation unit 50 may also
include within driver interface 33 antitheft devices, such as auto
shut down devices that may be triggered by non-local personnel in
the event that it appears that the transport of explosive materials
has been compromised.
[0047] In the present invention, "smart" storage elements, such as
magazines, have hardware and software infrastructure with the
capability to monitor, and read information from identifiers. The
storage elements accept explosive materials cargo containing
identifiers delivered by transport units, and further communicate
tracking and identifying information through related local
transmitters and receivers by means of encrypted data transfer
software and hardware, such as GPS and Internet, to continuously
report real-time "chain-of-custody" information to responsible
parties. Other methods of suitable data transfer known in the art
are also contemplated within the scope of the present
invention.
[0048] At the end of the supply-chain, the storage elements may
process the final disposition of explosive materials having
identifiers and the final delivery via transport units to the legal
end-user. Databases may correlate the list of explosives licensees
(or people data) with the identifiers thereby completing the
"chain-of-custody."
[0049] FIG. 4a illustrates a "smart" storage unit. Magazine 20 is
used for storing explosive material. FIG. 4a shows container 22
placed within magazine 20. Container 22 has RFID tag 12b attached
thereto. Each of the explosive materials placed within container 22
has an RFID tag 12a attached thereto. Access to magazine 20 can be
controlled by a combination of biometric information, PIN pad and
RFID enabled identification cards to record the people that have
access to magazine 20 and to provide an additional layer of
security in addition to standard locks. Furthermore, antenna 30 may
transmit at certain intervals a signal to RFID tag 12b to
interrogate container 22 and to RFID tag 12a to interrogate the
explosive materials. Sensors 41 are also provided that perform the
same function in magazine 20 as they did in transportation unit 50
discussed above. Sensors 41 may detect light, temperature, motion,
and noise, in addition to other physical properties as needed that
may indicate that the integrity of magazine 20 has been
compromised. Antenna 30 and sensors 41 are operably connected to
RFID integration device 14. RFID integration device 14, sensors 41,
antenna 30, plus those systems designed to prevent unauthorized
access to the explosive materials act collectively as access and
monitoring unit 45.
[0050] Area surveillance unit 42, shown in FIG. 4b, may be used in
conjunction with magazine 20 and may be one of many area
surveillance units 42 that are operating at the storage facility.
In the event that there are multiple magazines 20, it is preferable
that there are multiple area surveillance units 42. Area
surveillance unit 42 may be operated via battery 43, or any other
suitable energy source, such as solar panel 47. It is also
possible, such as in the embodiment shown, that solar panel 47 and
battery 43 are both provided so as to ensure that area surveillance
unit is always energized. Sensors 41 are provided as well as CCTV
camera 49 so as to further monitor magazine 20. Area surveillance
unit 42 is also capable of transmitting information related to the
status of the magazine to a database or monitoring station so that
necessary steps may be taken if the security of the explosive
material is in jeopardy.
[0051] Using the above "smart" identifiers, transportation units,
and storage units, the activities, movements, locations and
positions associated with explosive materials are capable of being
transmitted through digital signals via a suitable wireless
telecommunications device or other suitable devices to a satellite,
general packet radio service, the Internet, intranet or extranet.
Such transmission signals are capable of being relayed or
downloaded to at least one database at a control center for
analysis, recording or retransmission thereof. Transmission of
these digital signals may occur continuously or may be activated by
a predetermined event. Transmission of these digital signals may be
accomplished in any of a variety of ways suitable to accomplish the
goals of the present invention. The present invention contemplates
use of passive and active RFID tags, visibility devices, and id
marks capable of providing real-time location and identification of
all explosive materials in production and storage areas. Such
devices also permit real-time interrogation of trucks, boats, cars,
airplanes, containers or any storage area capable of housing
explosive materials to determine the exact whereabouts of an
explosive material via interrogation while performing logistics,
during storage and at predetermined checkpoints (e.g., at airports,
in buildings, on highways, etc.). It is also possible to use GPS
Geo-Fencing instead of hard receivers in order provide notification
when explosive materials are moving into a restricted area.
[0052] After receiving transmissions and analyzing the activities
in real-time or substantially-real-time, of the movements,
locations and positions of the explosive materials, the containers
and the transportation units, preventive or remedial action may be
taken in the event that it appears that one part of the chain of
custody appears to have been compromised.
[0053] Therefore, the present invention provides a system, devices
and method of tracking explosive material that affords an early
warning of any and all activities that suggest that a situation is
out of the ordinary or that a situation has indeed occur. This
warning occurs in real-time or substantially-real-time. If there
are any peculiar activities occurring during normal manufacturing,
handling, delivery or storage of explosive materials, the system
and method taught by the present invention is capable of presenting
such information in order to facilitate an immediate response by
the proper authorities or authorized personnel. The method and
system are illustrated below by way of an exemplary application of
the method and system.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows the steps used in manufacturing the materials
and preparing them for transport. FIG. 8 shows a flow chart
depicting the system and the flow of information within the system
when using the identifiers, discussed above, with explosive
material.
[0055] At step 102, the explosive materials, such as packaged or
cartridged explosives, including emulsion explosives, water gel
explosives, dynamite, cast explosives, detonators, initiation
systems, explosive devices, ordinance and those explosive materials
listed elsewhere in this disclosure, are manufactured. When the
explosive materials are manufactured the various identifiers
discussed above may be used in order to provide sufficient ability
to track and identify the explosive materials.
[0056] At step 103, the application of an ID mark 25 and/or a
visibility device 23 is applied to the explosive material. ID mark
25 is preferably a nano-mark or some other covert mark that is not
readily visible by the naked eye. Visibility device 23 is
preferably a micro-wire.
[0057] Manufacturer 10, as shown in FIG. 8, is the location where
explosive materials are created. At the manufacturing site certain
hardware is present for use in the system and method. RFID tag
applicators are present in order to provide RFID tags 12a for the
individual explosive materials at each production line. RFID tag
applicators are also provided for containers 22 at each packaging
station. RFID integration devices 14 are provided at each
manufacturing building, each storage facility and each vehicle that
transports, stores or handles the explosive material. Magazine
access controls are also provided for use with RFID enabled
identification cards and other security measures such as bio-id in
order to limit and track access to the manufacturing site. Local
database 60 is provided in order to store the inventory
information. Additionally, manufacturer 10 should also have a
device for attaching a visibility device 23 to an explosive
material and a device for attacking a nano-mark 25.
[0058] At step 104, an identifier, RFID tags, which may be either
active, semi-active or passive, are prepared and verified.
Verification takes place by entering the respective RFID tag
information into a database and verifying that the RFID tags are
functional and present. This information is noted and is preferably
kept within local database 60, which may in turn ultimately
transmit a manifest to non-local database 70.
[0059] At step 106, RFID tags 12a are attached to the explosive
material. Alternatively, verification may have occurred before the
actual manufacturing of the explosive material and RFID tags 12a
may be included within the individual explosives materials and
verification may occur shortly after placement within or attachment
to the explosive material. An example of tagged explosive material
is shown in FIGS. 1a-1e and 2, and is discussed in detail
above.
[0060] At step 108, the tagged explosive materials are then placed
into inner or outer shipping containers 22, such as boxes, crates,
etc. At step 110, in the preferred embodiment, shipping containers
22 are also provided with RFID tags 12b.
[0061] At step 112, tagged containers 22 will pass through an area
that contains an RFID integration device 14. RFID integration
device 14 will interrogate RFIDs tags 12a-12b and the data will be
sent to either local database 60 or to non-local database 70, which
may be functioning as a data center for coordinating all
information related to the chain of custody.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates this step in more
detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, RFID integration device
14 transmits a signal towards container 22 via antenna 30, i.e. it
interrogates container 22. RFID 12a is a passive RFID tag and is
attached to an explosive material, RFID 12b is also a passive RFID
tag and is attached to container 22. When RFID integration device
14 transmits the signal, RFID 12a and RFID 12b receive a signal and
transmit back to RFID integration device 14 signals that convey
specific identification information. It should be noted that there
may be any number of RFIDs 12a inside container 22. This
information is then transmitted from RFID integration device 14 to
local database 60, which may act as a central database that is
located on site, or the data may be sent to a database located
elsewhere such as non-local database 70 that can then act as a
central database.
[0063] At step 114, containers 22 are placed upon trucks or some
other type of transport unit, such as those mentioned above.
Containers 22 are then shipped to magazine 20 which will house the
explosive material on site. At step 116, containers 22 are placed
within magazine 20. At step 118, an RFID integration device 14
located at magazine 20 will transmit a signal and verify the number
and location of the explosive materials. This information may then
be transmitted via antennas 30, or cables, to local database 60 or
non-local database 70. Access to magazine 20 can be controlled by a
combination of biometric information, PIN pad and RFID enabled
identification cards to record the people that have access to
magazine 20 and to provide an additional layer of security in
addition to standard locks. Furthermore, antenna 30 may transmit at
certain intervals a signal to interrogate containers 22 and
explosive materials. Additional measures may be taken in order to
insure the integrity of magazine 20, such as detection of light
levels, motion, noise and temperature fluctuations via the usage of
sensors 41, discussed above.
[0064] At step 120, transportation units 50, such as a truck in the
instant example and shown in FIG. 3, will be loaded with containers
22. Transportation unit 50 contains an RFID integration device 14
and a GPS device 35, such as a T2 tracker, BT 2010, or similar
device. Also part of transportation unit 50 may be a driver
interface 33 that may have antitheft devices, such as auto shut
down devices. Transportation unit 50 may also have its own RFID
devices in order to transmit their location to other RFID
integration devices.
[0065] At step 122, magazine 20 will record the removal of
containers 22. Placement upon a transport vehicle will be recorded
and the information will be transmitted to local database 60. The
information may also be transferred to non-local database 70 from
RFID integration device 14 via cellular or GPS or GPRS
communications, or it may transferred from local database 60 to
non-local database 70 via the Internet, or some other means for
communication. Non-local database 70, or local database 60, can be
instructed to adjust the inventory in magazine 20 to reflect the
removal of explosive material. The databases can also be prompted
to prepare an invoice for the customer and notify the customer that
transportation unit 50 is leaving magazine 20, as well as to
integrate with accounting and supply-chain management software
systems for administrative purposes and to further log tracking and
identifying information for later use, such as the nano-mark,
micro-wire and RFID information.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps taken after
a vehicle has been loaded with explosive materials and is shipping
them to distributor 80. At step 202 the explosive materials begin
to be transported, having left the site of manufacturer 10. At step
204, RFID tag 12a-12b information may be transmitted to driver
interface 33 and to non-local database 70. In one embodiment, RFID
integration device 14 periodically interrogates RFID tags
12a-12b.
[0067] At step 206 it is determined whether or not the security of
the shipment has been compromised. If is has, at step 208, the
necessary authorities may be notified. If not, at step 210,
distributor 80, or a customer, receives the shipment. The
parameters for ascertaining whether or not security has been
compromised, or placed in jeopardy, can be pre-determined by
whatever criteria is deemed pertinent. For example, if the
transportation vehicle were to veer from a predetermined route or
go missing, or if the containers on-board where to go missing,
notification could be sent to the necessary authorities.
[0068] In monitoring the security of the explosive materials during
transportation, RFID integration device 14 may act as a mobile RFID
interrogation platform during transportation of the explosive
materials. It may act as a control center on board the vehicle or
at any site where tags are to be identified. RFID integration
device 14 monitors the location of vehicle 50 by interfacing with a
GPS device 35. RFID integration device 14 also monitors the current
inventory of the vehicle via RFID. Other information may be tracked
and transmitted as well depending on which factors are deemed
important to monitor. The data, including the location and RFID tag
data, is then sent to the non-local database 70 via cellular modem,
GPS or GPRS. This data may also be logged locally on driver
interface 33 to enable future auditing and also permits the data to
be maintained if the vehicle travels through an area without
cellular coverage. RFID integration device 14 can then transmit the
stored data when the vehicle enters an area with cellular coverage.
RFID integration device 14 can be leveraged to add additional
functionality if needed since RFID integration device 14 can
maintain a pluggable software architecture. Data readers (a
software component) to retrieve GPS data and new publishers (a
software component) to publish the data to non-local database 70
via the cellular modem may also be used. RFID integration device 14
may also include software components to monitor the data integrity
and system health.
[0069] As part of the transportation of the explosive materials,
distributor 80 may be notified that his or her order for explosives
materials is leaving manufacturer's magazine 20. Distributor 80 is
given the ID number of vehicle 50 so that the shipment may be
tracked. The distributor can log on to non-local database 70 to
view the location of transportation unit 50 and the contents. It is
also contemplated that a third party organization may also use
non-local database 70 in order to monitor substantially all
transportation of explosive material, or monitor the transportation
of explosive materials through highly populated areas. Manufacturer
10, distributor 80 and any authorized parties such as local law
enforcement and government agencies can receive distress alerts
from non-local database 70.
[0070] At step 212, after receipt of delivery occurs at step 210,
RFID tags 12a-12b are interrogated, and the information is
transmitted to the distributor's local database 60 and non-local
database 70. At step 214, accepted explosive material is accepted
into the storage facility. The storage facility of distributor 80
should have the same security measures used by manufacurer 10.
Distributor 80 verifies the explosives going into his storage
facility with his own RFID integration devices 14 that will send
the inventory information via cellular, GPS or GPRS to the
distributors local database 60. Manufacture 10, and other
interested parties may be notified via non-local database 70 that
the explosive materials have arrived safely at the intended
location. Distributor 80 will use the same procedure of loading the
trucks that are equipped with RFID integration device 14 and GPS
unit 33 as used by manufacturer 10 above. RFID integration device
14 will send the magazine and transportation unit inventory
information to those databases requested. At step 216, if any
explosives materials are returned from the delivery they will be
accounted for by interrogating the tags of those containers and
explosive materials by RFID integration device 14 that will then
transfer the information to the respective databases, which in turn
will provide notification of the returned explosive material. The
distributor's storage facility inventory will then be automatically
adjusted to allow for the returned explosives.
[0071] Distributor 80 should have substantially the same system
elements as the manufacturing site. Distributor 80 should have RFID
integration devices 14 that are functioning as readers and are
located at each building, magazine and transportation unit that
handles, houses, or deals with the explosive materials. Distributor
80 site should also have a local database 60 to store the inventory
information and to also act as back-up information. RFID
identification cards and access controls should also be employed in
order to restrict access to the explosive materials.
[0072] Non-local database 70 is the database that stores the truck
locations and inventory information. Non-local database 70 also
generates alerts based on exception conditions that are defined,
such as a driver distress alert. Non-local database 70 is also the
user interface through which users can inspect data about trucks,
inventory, alerts, and history. RFID integration device 14 is
responsible for collecting the location and RFID tag data and
publishing it to the non-local database 70. The GPS device 35 may
be BT2010, which is a combination of GPS, GPRS and a Cellular
Modem. The RFID integration device 14 will interface with the GPS,
GPRS, or cellular component of GPS device 35 to retrieve GPS data
and use the cellular modem, GPS or GPRS component to transmit the
location and RFID tag data to non-local database 70.
[0073] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
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