Patents by Inventor Dan Gudmundson
Dan Gudmundson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9194975Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product comprised of a container holding a body of liquid. The piece of luggage is scanned with an X-ray scanner to generate X-ray image data conveying an image of the piece of luggage and contents thereof. The X-ray image data is processed with a computer to detect a liquid product signature in the X-ray image data and determine if a liquid product is present in the piece of luggage. A detection signal is released at an output of the computer conveying whether a liquid product was identified in the piece of luggage. The detection signal may, for example, be used in rendering a visual representation of the piece of luggage on a display device to convey information to an operator as to the presence of a liquid product in the piece of luggage.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Stephane Drouin, Regis Poulin, Luc Perron, Dan Gudmundson
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Patent number: 9170212Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for assessing at a security checkpoint the threat status of a liquid product comprised of a bottle at least partially filled with liquid. Generally, an X-ray image of the liquid product is obtained and processed to derive a level of fill of the bottle and the threat status of the liquid product is determined at least in part based on the level of fill of the bottle. In some examples presented, an X-ray image of the liquid product is processed to derive location information associated with a meniscus formed by the liquid in the bottle and an estimated length of a path followed by X-rays through the liquid held in the bottle is used to determine the threat status of the liquid product, the length of the path being derived in part based on the location information.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Michel Bouchard, Dan Gudmundson, Eric Bourbeau
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Patent number: 9157873Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing a threat status of a piece of luggage. The method comprises the steps of scanning the piece of luggage with penetrating radiation to generate image data and processing the image data with a computing device to identify one or more objects represented by the image data. The method also includes further processing the image data to compensate the image data for interaction between the object and the penetrating radiation to produce compensated image data and then determine the threat status of the piece of luggage.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: OPTOSECURITY, INC.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Luc Perron
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Publication number: 20150010128Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product comprised of a container holding a body of liquid. The piece of luggage is scanned with an X-ray scanner to generate X-ray image data conveying an image of the piece of luggage and contents thereof. The X-ray image data is processed with a computer to detect a liquid product signature in the X-ray image data and determine if a liquid product is present in the piece of luggage. A detection signal is released at an output of the computer conveying whether a liquid product was identified in the piece of luggage. The detection signal may, for example, be used in rendering a visual representation of the piece of luggage on a display device to convey information to an operator as to the presence of a liquid product in the piece of luggage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Stephane DROUIN, Regis POULIN, Luc PERRON, Dan GUDMUNDSON
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Patent number: 8879791Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product comprised of a container holding a body of liquid. The piece of luggage is scanned with an X-ray scanner to generate X-ray image data conveying an image of the piece of luggage and contents thereof. The X-ray image data is processed with a computer to detect a liquid product signature in the X-ray image data and determine if a liquid product is present in the piece of luggage. A detection signal is released at an output of the computer conveying whether a liquid product was identified in the piece of luggage. The detection signal may, for example, be used in rendering a visual representation of the piece of luggage on a display device to convey information to an operator as to the presence of a liquid product in the piece of luggage.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Stéphane Drouin, Régis Poulin, Luc Perron, Dan Gudmundson
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Publication number: 20140321729Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for deriving a characteristic of a product using X-rays. X-ray image data derived by performing an X-ray scan of the product and conveying attenuation information is received. A response of a reference product to X-rays is then simulated to generate simulated X-ray image data. The simulated X-ray image data and the received X-ray image data are then processed to derive one or more characteristics of the product. In a specific implementation, the product is a liquid product comprised of a bottle at least partially filled with liquid and the derived characteristic is a threat status assessment associated with the liquid in the bottle. In another aspect, a simulation engine for simulating interactions between X-rays and objects is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Dan GUDMUNDSON, Eric BOURBEAU, Luc PERRON
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Patent number: 8867816Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for assessing at a security checkpoint the threat status of a liquid product, where the liquid product is comprised of a bottle at least partially filled with liquid. In accordance with a broad aspect, the level of fill is used as a factor in the determination of the threat status of the liquid product. In accordance with another broad aspect, an X-ray image of the liquid product is obtained and processed to derive a level of fill of the bottle and the threat status of the liquid product is determined at least in part based on the level of fill of the bottle. In accordance with yet another broad aspect, an X-ray image of the liquid product is processed to derive location information associated with a meniscus formed by the liquid in the bottle. An estimated length of a path followed by X-rays through the liquid held in the bottle is derived in part based on the location information and is used to determine the threat status of the liquid product.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Michel Bouchard, Dan Gudmundson, Eric Bourbeau
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Patent number: 8831331Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for deriving a characteristic of a product using X-rays. X-ray image data associated with the product is received, the X-ray image data being derived by performing an X-ray scan of the product using an X-ray imaging apparatus and conveying attenuation information resulting from interaction of X-rays with the product. A response of a reference product to X-rays is then simulated to generate simulated X-ray image data. The simulated X-ray image data and the received X-ray image data are then processed to derive one or more characteristics of the product. Information conveying the derived characteristic of the product is then released. In a specific implementation, the product is a liquid product comprised of a bottle at least partially filled with liquid and the derived characteristic of the liquid product is a threat status assessment associated with the liquid in the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Eric Bourbeau, Luc Perron
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Publication number: 20140241495Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Dan GUDMUNDSON, Vinh Phuc PHAM, Aidan DOYLE
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Publication number: 20140211980Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for assessing at a security checkpoint the threat status of a liquid product comprised of a bottle at least partially filled with liquid. Generally, an X-ray image of the liquid product is obtained and processed to derive a level of fill of the bottle and the threat status of the liquid product is determined at least in part based on the level of fill of the bottle. In some examples presented, an X-ray image of the liquid product is processed to derive location information associated with a meniscus formed by the liquid in the bottle and an estimated length of a path followed by X-rays through the liquid held in the bottle is used to determine the threat status of the liquid product, the length of the path being derived in part based on the location information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Michel BOUCHARD, Dan GUDMUNDSON, Eric BOURBEAU
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Patent number: 8781066Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Aidan Doyle, Vinh Phuc Pham
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Patent number: 8494210Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for facilitating visual identification of a prohibited object in an image during security screening are provided. Data derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle is received. Information from an automated threat detection processor is also received and indicates an area of interest in the image potentially containing a prohibited object. The image is then processed to generate an enhanced image. In a first example, portions of the enhanced image outside the area of interest are visually de-emphasized. In a second example, features appearing inside the area of interest are visually emphasized. The enhanced image is then displayed on a display device. Optionally, thumbnail images associated with previously screened receptacles are displayed and a user is enabled to select one or more thumbnail images. An enhanced image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is then displayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Luc Perron
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Publication number: 20120275646Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product comprised of a container holding a body of liquid. The piece of X-ray scanner luggage is scanned with an X-ray scanner to generate X-ray image data conveying an image of the piece of luggage and contents thereof. The X-ray image data is processed with a computer to detect a liquid product signature in the X-ray image data and determine if a liquid product is present in the piece of luggage. A detection signal is released at an output of the computer conveying whether a liquid product was identified in the piece of luggage. The detection signal may, for example, be used in rendering a visual representation of the piece of luggage on a display device to convey information to an operator as to the presence of a liquid product in the piece of luggage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Stéphane Drouin, Régis Poulin, Luc Perron, Dan Gudmundson
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Publication number: 20120140879Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Dan GUDMUNDSON, Aidan DOYLE, Vinh Phuc PHAM
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Publication number: 20120093367Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing a threat status of a piece of luggage. The method comprises the steps of scanning the piece of luggage with penetrating radiation to generate image data and processing the image data with a computing device to identify one or more objects represented by the image data. The method also includes further processing the image data to compensate the image data for interaction between the object and the penetrating radiation to produce compensated image data and then determine the threat status of the piece of luggage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Luc Perron
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Patent number: 8116428Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Aidan Doyle, Stephan Georgiev, Vinh Phuc Pham
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Patent number: 8014493Abstract: A method for performing security screening at a checkpoint is provided. The method includes providing an X-ray imaging system having a scanning area and providing a supporting device for supporting articles to be scanned in the scanning area, wherein the supporting device has at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays, the X-ray signatures being distinguishable from one another. The method further includes placing an article to be scanned on the supporting device, introducing the article to be scanned in the scanning area while the article is supported by the supporting device and using the X-ray imaging system for deriving the X-ray signatures of the reference areas and for obtaining an X-ray image of the article while the supporting device is in the scanning area.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Michel Roux, Dan Gudmundson, Michel R. Bouchard, Vinh Phuc Pham, Alexandre Filiatrault, Sebastien Roy, Steve Godbout
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Patent number: 8009799Abstract: A tray for holding an article while the article is being subjected to penetrating radiation is provided. The tray has a surface on which the article can be placed while subjected to penetrating radiation. The surface has at least two areas, namely a first area and a second area, the first and second areas characterized by first and second signatures, respectively when exposed to penetrating radiation, wherein the first signature is different from the second signature. The second area corresponds to a reference material having a reference signature. The tray is placed on the conveyor belt of a scanning apparatus while the article rests on the surface of the tray so that the conveyor belt may advance the tray through the screening area of the apparatus. A method and system for performing security screening and using the tray are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Aidan Doyle, Dan Gudmundson
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Patent number: 8009800Abstract: A method for performing security screening of a liquid product at a security checkpoint is provided. The liquid product is placed in a tray having at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays, the X-ray signatures being distinguishable from one another. An X-ray inspection of the tray is performed while the tray holds the liquid product, the X-ray inspection including deriving the X-ray signatures. A determination is made as to whether the liquid product is a security threat at least in part based on the X-ray signatures. A tray having at least two reference areas manifesting respective X-ray signatures when exposed to X-rays is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Optosecurity Inc.Inventors: Aidan Doyle, Dan Gudmundson
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Publication number: 20110172972Abstract: A method and a system are provided for determining if a liquid product comprising a container which holds a body of liquid is a security threat. Attenuation data conveying information about attenuation of X-rays resulting from interaction of X-rays with the body of liquid is derived by scanning the liquid product with X-rays. Container characterization data is then processed to derive path length data indicative of an approximate length of a path followed by X-rays through the body of liquid and that interact with the body of liquid. The security threat of a liquid product is determined by processing the path length data and the attenuation data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: OPTOSECURITY INC.Inventors: Dan Gudmundson, Steve Godbout, Eric Bourbeau