Passive Acoustic Cargo Mass Detection Without Target Alerting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveillance methods, such as radar or lasers, are active and cannot effectively detect changes in cargo mass, making it difficult to monitor illicit activities like smuggling without alerting the target vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic cargo surveillance system that passively collects sound wave vibrations from vehicles to detect changes in cargo mass by comparing acoustic outputs at different times, generating an electronic alert when a change is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active surveillance methods like radar or lasers are used, then detection capability is improved, but the target vehicle becomes alerted and surveillance effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electromagnetic surveillance systems (radar, lasers) with passive acoustic sensing. Acoustic sensors detect vibrations and sounds emitted by the vehicle's engine and structure, enabling surveillance without emitting detectable energy that would alert the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect cargo mass changes. Instead of directly measuring mass or using active electromagnetic signals, the system detects indirect acoustic signatures (vibrations, engine sounds) that correlate with cargo mass, providing surveillance capability without direct interaction with the target.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive acoustic surveillance is used, then target alertness is reduced, but detection precision for cargo mass changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits mechanical vibrations of the vehicle structure and engine as acoustic signatures. By analyzing vibration patterns, frequency spectra, and temporal characteristics of acoustic signals, the system can infer cargo mass changes with precision while maintaining passive surveillance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors acoustic signals and compares them against reference profiles or expected patterns. By detecting deviations in acoustic feedback (changes in vibration patterns, engine sounds), the system can identify cargo mass changes and trigger alerts, maintaining detection precision through continuous comparative analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables undetectable surveillance to determine cargo pick-up or drop-off, improving the detection of illicit activities by passively monitoring vehicles for changes in cargo mass.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic sensor mounted in the surveillance vehicle is used to passively acquire sounds emitted by the target vehicle
Implementation Method 2
acoustic output of the target vehicle is used to passively determine whether a change in mass of the cargo has occurred
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with acoustic detection of changes in mass of cargo carried by a vehicle are described herein. In one example method for acoustic cargo surveillance, a first acoustic output of a vehicle carrying cargo at a first time of surveillance of the vehicle is recorded. Then, a second acoustic output of the vehicle at a subsequent time in the surveillance of the vehicle carrying the cargo is recorded. A change in a mass of the cargo carried by the vehicle is acoustically detected based at least on an acoustic change between the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output. An electronic alert is generated that the mass of the cargo has changed based on the acoustic change.