Att_D_-_Glossary_FINAL.pdf

Request for Information # 70RDND19I00000005 – Attachment D

Attachment D: Glossary of Radiation Portal Monitor Terms

Administrator: An individual who monitors and administers network, network security, and computer controls.

Ancillary: Providing something additional to a main part or function. For the scanning of radiological/nuclear (R/N) material at sea and land port(s) of entry (POE), the traffic control equipment at the POE gate/lane is ancillary.

Ancillary Data: (Digital) data provided by the detector that do not include the sensor’s foreground radiation measurements but is used by the radiation recognition algorithm. Ancillary data include calibration, background measurements, and other data necessary for processing with the algorithm but do not include analysis parameters.

ANSI N42.42: American National Standards Institute Data format AN42.42 (2012) for radiation detectors used for the Department of Homeland Security.

AOE: Equipment Operational Availability. AOE = Mean Up Time/(Mean Up Time + Mean Down Time).

AOS: Site Operational Availability.

Auxiliary Circuit: A circuit of the Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) installation which is powered from the portal and Uninterruptible Power Supply but for an optional line replaceable unit.

Autonomous Operation: To operate without the use of Web services, Internet connection, or other devices.

Average Turn-around Time: The average amount of time the system is unavailable for operations when removed from service (i.e., tagged out of operation) for repair or scheduled maintenance, to include logistics delays in obtaining necessary components, parts, tools, and technicians to complete the repair or maintenance. Average turn-around time is the combined total of Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and logistics delay time.

Background Data: Sensor data marked by the detection system as being collected in the absence of any potentially hazardous environment, object or vehicle to be inspected; data from the ambient radiological environment.

Batch Processing: A facility for processing multiple input files with a single launch statement or action; in this context, it refers to either a batch processing mode or a command line interface.

Basic Console: An operator interface with basic capability that enables a user to operate the RPM without being exposed to vehicular traffic but can support RPM operation on loss of main power, network communications, or both.

Cold Climate Configuration: An RPM configuration that can operate in C1 and C2 military ambient temperature zones as defined in Attachment A.

Console: The operator interface(s) that enable(s) a user to operate the RPM.

Control Console: An operator interface that enables a user to operate the RPM, an administrator to manage network and computer settings, and a manager to manage RPM settings.

Configuration: A form of the RPM designed for a specific location or scanning purpose.

Conveyance: A transport which carries some form of cargo, persons, or both. Conveyances include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, personally operated vehicles, semi trucks and trailers, motor homes and farm or construction equipment, such as tractors or dump trucks.

Cumulative Operating Hours: Total amount of time the system (or fleet of systems) has been on line in actual operation.

Diagnostics Data: System software data used to determine or troubleshoot the cause(s) of faulty function or error in the system’s operations.

Detection Zone: The detection zone is the area where scanning for radionuclides and nuclear materials by the RPM is designed to occur.

Detector: The component of a detection system that uses a sensor or sensors to measure gamma or neutron radiation and provides the sensor data to the radiation recognition algorithm.

Detection System: Gamma and/or neutron detector(s) coupled with the radiation recognition algorithm and user interface. The detection system provides alarm decisions and/or identification notifications to the operator.

Device Type: In this document, an RPM, or a spectroscopic RPM.

Downtime: The amount of time that the system is not capable of being operated for any reason, such as breakage, being out for repair, or the logistics associated with the repair. Mean downtime is the average downtime for a fleet of systems, or a single system unit, over a specified period of calendar time. Time that the system components are powered but not actively scanning is not considered downtime.

Emergency Energy Isolation: The physical prevention of transmission of energy, such as complete disconnection of power, to the RPM, its Lowest Replaceable Units, and other components to ensure safety of an individual in proximity during an emergency event.

Event Record: System software data files containing recorded instances of system software malfunctions during system operations.

File Storage: Location where files, such as occupancy records, are stored.

False Alarm: Referrals for additional inspection of conveyances that contain no radiation signature above normal background levels.

Error: An abnormal condition or defect at the component, equipment, or sub-system level which may lead to a system failure. (ISO 10303-226)

Foreground Data: Sensor data from an inspection, to be differentiated from background data.

Hazard: Potential source of harm to those outside the RPM by the RPM or its components.

Imaging System: A system used to image the contents of conveyances using specified sources of electromagnetic radiation.

Indicators: A device which provides specific information on the state, condition, or level of the RPM or some value.

Indications: A means of providing information; such as through a signal, light, text, or gauge measurement, or similar method, to a user.

Injection: The process by which synthetic data (from existing data and/or models) is used to alter an existing input file or to fabricate an entirely new synthetic input file, for processing by the replay tool.

Input Data: The (raw) digital sensor data and ancillary data that are produced by a detector for input into the in situ (i.e., in-device) algorithm or to the replay tool.

Input File: A file that contains input data.

Inspection: The set of measurements collected and assessed for nuclear radiation by the detection system. In the case of an RPM, the measurements are of a vehicle.

Internal Controls: Controls that are placed inside of the RPM and are not external on the surface of the RPM enclosure or control consoles.

ISSO: The Information System Security Office is a federal employee or contractor who is appointed in writing by a system owner to ensure implementation of system-level security controls and to maintain system documentation.

Lane: Part of a roadway that is designated for use by a single line of vehicles, to control and guide drivers and reduce traffic conflicts.

Lane ID: The identification of an R/N scanning lane at a given POE to allow operators to link observed activities within the POE to data generated by the RPMs.

Live: Describing algorithm output as calculated by the detection device’s radiation recognition algorithm as it is run in the device (“in situ”).

Line Replaceable Unit: A modular component that is designed to be replaced quickly at an operating location. Each is assigned a unique logistics control number.

Locally Accessible: Can be accessed from consoles located at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operational site.

Manager: An individual who has administrative access to RPM controls but not network settings like a network administrator does.

Maximum Exposure Rate: The maximum radiation exposure that the RPM is allowed to be exposed to by a source as set by the conditions of a given POE or hardware installation.

Mean Time Between Maintenance: The average time interval that the system successfully operates without being removed from service due to maintenance, be it scheduled preventive maintenance or unscheduled repair from system failure.

Mean Time to Repair: The average time required to repair the system after failure or for preventive maintenance (active repair time only). Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) activities include tag-out, troubleshooting, disassembly, repair, removal, replacement, re-assembly, alignment, adjustment, and checkout. The logistics delay time is not part of MTTR.

Microroentgen: Unit of measure depicting radiation energy in 1 gram of air.

Monitor Control Console: A control console designed to allow users to access occupancy information, review RPM operation, and take over RPM operation in an emergency over a network.

Native File Format: Data format determined by the vendor.

NEMA 4X: To meet the National Electronics Manufacturers Association (NEMA) level of protection 4X as defined in NEMA 250.

Nuisance Alarm: Referrals for additional inspection of legitimate commerce where a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material signal above normal background is present in the conveyance.

Nuisance alarms take time to adjudicate, delay legitimate commerce, and divert limited CBP resources away from other inspection functions. Nuisance alarms also have the effect of diverting officer attention away from more potentially serious threats.

Normal Condition: Condition in which all means for protection against hazards are intact.

Occupancy: The complete presence of an individual conveyance from entering to exiting the detection zone.

Occupancy Data: The input data for the duration of exactly one vehicle or object presence.

Occupancy File: The file that results from the in situ radiation recognition algorithm’s processing of data from a detector OR the file that results from a replay tool’s processing of an input file. It contains the analysis results, such as alarm decisions and/or nuclide identifications.

Occupancy Index: A number generated to allow ease of scan data to a respective occupancy.

Occupancy Record: The complete set of data elements generated by a detection system that corresponds to a vehicle occupancy within the RPM. A record can be an occupancy file or be used to generate an occupancy file.

Operator: An individual who operates the RPM to conduct the basic tasks required for scanning conveyances.

Operator Level 2: An individual who can operate the RPM and has additional access to ensure proper operation of the RPM systems at a given POE.

Operating Time: Amount of time that all, or part, of the system Line Replaceable Units are powered excluding the uninterrupted power supply.

Operational Level: A predetermined set of RPM parameter settings to enable immediate changes in R/N detection capability at POEs.

Operational Mode: The operator setting that determines the operational capability of the RPM such as ON and OFF.

Parameters: A numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines or sets the conditions of RPM operation.

Parameter Settings: Specified metrics that define the objects, radionuclides, categories, alarm settings, etc., which the system uses to recommend referral for additional inspection or release.

Peripheral: A device or unit that operates separately from the main device but is connected to it.

Positive User Interaction: An interaction requiring motion on the part of the user which is definite and certain. Examples include pushing a button and clicking a portion of a screen with a cursor.

Portal: Physical component of the RPM which allows for scanning of conveyances moving through the detection zone.

Portal Console: Console located at the portal to allow operation of the RPM and allow maintenance personnel to access the RPM without access to the network.

Predictive Maintenance Data: Data regarding key operational parameters of system components and communications that, through periodic analytical review by maintenance technicians, can reveal emerging signs of upcoming failure or degradation, enabling corrective maintenance actions that pre-empt a system casualty.

Referral: The evaluation of the RPM recognition algorithm that the material within the conveyance may fall into one of the classifications to be inspected by law enforcement personnel.

Radiation Recognition Algorithm: The algorithm used to detect, identify, or categorize radiation signatures in the input data. The output (alarm, identification, and/or categorization) is dependent on both the data input to the algorithm and the algorithm’s processing.

Raw Data: Unprocessed but digitized sensor data provided by the detector suitable for injection analysis.

Replay: Unprocessed but digitized sensor data provided by the detector suitable for injection analysis.

Replay Tool: A stand-alone software tool that mimics, given an input file, the signal processing, recognition algorithm, and alarm logic of a radiation detection system.

Release: The decision of the RPM to recommend to the operator that the vehicle can be released from the POE.

Remotely Accessible: A feature that can be accessed from system interface sites located miles from the POE.

Results File: Synonymous with output file.

Signal Processing Unit: The component(s) of the RPM which processes signals from the sensors. Typically this includes making the referral or release decision for the RPM.

Signature Parameter Settings: The settings used to determine if a given radionuclide energy spectra, temporal spectra, or other attribute indicates a given radionuclide or category of radionuclide.

Single Fault Condition: Condition in which one means for protection against hazard is defective or one fault is present which could cause a hazard.

Site: The location of an RPM installation. Typical designs include multiple RPM installations and peripheral equipment.

Site ID: A character string used to identify individual scanning sites.

Standard N42.42 Input File: An input data file that is compliant with the N42.42 (2012) standard for a particular device type.

Station: Designation for a place to inspect a conveyance through some means such as a non-intrusive inspection.

Station ID: A character string used to identify individual RPMs in terms of the entire RPM fleet.

Supervisory Control Console: A control console designed to be operated over a network such that it can facilitate the operation of multiple RPMs by a single user.

Synthetic Data: Sensor data that is not directly measured, but generated from modeling or from a combination of measured data and modeling.

System Health/Maintenance Status: A summary description of the system’s state of readiness to operate, the system’s compliance with performance parameters, and its compliance with preventive maintenance and calibration schedules.

Temporal Profile: A display of measured data where the independent variable is time.

Transilluminated: To be lit by passing light through, or from, the object.

Translator Facility: A software program that changes an input file, if not human readable and modifiable, to a human-readable and modifiable format and then translates the file back to the original format without data loss.

TTL: Transistor–transistor logic: A class of digital circuits built from bipolar junction transistors and resistors.

Uptime: The amount of time that the system is operating or capable of operating, not including scheduled preventive maintenance. Mean uptime is the average uptime for a fleet of systems, or a single system unit, over a specified period of calendar time.

Uninterruptable Power Supply: A power supply that allows an RPM to continue operations after loss of power from the primary supply such as the main line.

Validation: The process by which the installation of a replay tool installed on a platform other than the vendor’s is proven to yield results that are identical to those achieved by the installation on the vendor’s platform.

Verification: The process by which a replay tool’s reproduction of the live detection system’s output is proven.

Visual Information System: A system that provides images based on the visual, or infrared component of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Wrapper Software: The software that manages the processing of input data files by the radiation recognition algorithm, functioning as an interface between the algorithm and the operating system.

Zone A: A flood zone defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Insurance Program representing areas with a 1 out of 100 chance per year of flooding.

Zone A Configuration: A configuration of RPM designed to be installed into flood zones.