Multi-beam stereoscopic x-ray body scanner

Abstract

An X-ray examination station includes a first source of X-ray radiation for whole body scanning of a human body using a first fan beam of X-ray radiation; a first vertical linear radiation detector configured to detect the first fan beam; a second source of X-ray radiation installed at mid-height of a person being examined, for scanning a central portion of the human body using a second fan beam of X-ray radiation; a second vertical detector of X-ray radiation configured to detect the second fan beam; and a control unit configured to turn on each of the X-ray radiation sources. The first and the second radiation fan beams are emitted in parallel planes. The first X-ray radiation source is turned on for the whole body scanning. The second X-ray radiation source is turned on for scanning the central portion of the body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to the field of engineering physics, and, in particular, to[0003]X-ray scanning for harmful objects or substances located on a human body or hidden in body cavities in order to prevent theft or terrorist acts in buildings, airports, malls, train station, subways and other public places.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Human body X-ray scanning for identifying some highly undesirable objects or substances has become critically important in view of terrorist threats. Security applications may include prevention of smuggling of drugs, precious stones and metals, as well as provision of the security at airports, banks, embassies, nuclear power centers and other high-risk locations. X-ray luggage examination in airports is currently the most efficient way to provide the security of the flights. X-ray examination is also used in prisons for visitor's access control.[0006]X-ray luggage examina...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a high-efficiency multi-beam stereoscopic X-ray scanner that solves the problems of related art. The invention includes a digital signal processing module and an X-ray module located in the back of a van. The X-ray module consists of two low-intensity X-ray sources with a slit collimator and a mobile platform for supporting and moving the person being examined horizontally across the van's body. The detector of X-ray is positioned along one of the columns and can move vertically. The invention allows for efficient and accurateX-ray examinations with enhanced image quality and reduced radiation dose to the patient.

Problems solved by technology

However, the described system is not designed for scanning of the passengers due to high level of radiation emitted by an X-ray source, which is used to increase the resolution of the images.

An X-ray method has not been used until recently for the examination due to its harmful effects on people, especially in cases of frequent use.

The disadvantage of this system is its stationary nature—it is hard to relocate and calibrate this scanner.

Also, such scanners show poor performance for many objects hidden inside body cavities, depending on the angle of orientation of the object and the X-ray beam.

However, the most sensitive body organs located in the middle portion of the body are exposed to the radiation, while legs and, especially, shoes (often used for smuggling objects) are not fully examined by the scanner.

Furthermore, the system cannot scan the person's body in a single cycle.

Several scans are needed, which reduces the efficiency of the system, because the person has to step onto the platform and remain still during the scan.

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