Threat scanning machine management system

Abstract

Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere. Additionally, the threat scanning machine management system can be accessed and monitored remotely from a web browser via secure Internet access.

1 . A dynamically configurable maintenance and control system for threat scanning machines located in an airport, the system comprising: 
 a threat scanning machine in the airport, adapted to communicate via a network; and    a control computer, adapted to communicate via the network with the threat scanning machine and to dynamically re-configure the system by selecting a threat scanning machine for addition to the system;    wherein said selecting is performed in real time in response to current conditions in the airport.    
   
   
       2 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A method of centrally maintaining and controlling threat scanning machines located in an airport, the method comprising: 
 connecting a control computer to a communication network;    connecting a threat scanning machine to a communication network;    loading the control computer with software to communicate with threat scanning machines;    initiating communication between control computer and threat scanning machine; and    dynamically re-configuring the network by the control computer selecting a threat scanning machine in real time in response to a condition.    
   
   
       13 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A computer program fixed in a tangible medium, the program comprising: 
 means for controlling a system of threat scanning machines via a network;    means for dynamically selecting a threat scanning machine for addition to the network in real time in response to a condition; and    means for dynamically restricting access of a threat scanning machine to the network.    
   
   
       18 . The program of  claim 17 , wherein the means for dynamically selecting comprises means for identifying an activity taking place in an area near the selected threat scanning machine.  
   
   
       19 . The program of  claim 18 , wherein the area is a portion of an airport.