The Challenges in Data Fusion from Multiple Sensors on a Container Port Straddle Carrier for Radiation Detection of Containers

The emphasis is now changing from material monitoring to detecting the movement of unknown materials across borders or through seaports. The present approach is to install fixed or mobile radiation portal monitors and to monitor radiation profiles in containers as they pass by the monitor carried on flatbed trucks. If there is a high enough incidence of radiation, the container is moved to an area for secondary inspection. Due to operational constraints and the impact on commerce, this concept cannot be implemented at some container ports that rely on straddle carriers to move containers within the container stacks. The NNSA Second Line of Defense Megaports Program has developed a mobile system that uses radiation detection sensors and isotopic identifiers on a stripped down Straddle Carrier to periodically scan the rows of containers to detect the presence of radioactive material. This paper focuses on the challenges of data fusion from multiple radiation sensors, isotopic identification systems, GPS on-board computers, and a port management system. A rigorous process, including use of a concept of operations for determination of data flow and requirements, design, extensive use of simulation, and final acceptance testing, was followed for developing and deploying the system.