Vehicle inspection using image information control
By dynamically controlling the radiation source by acquiring vehicle image information, the problem of inaccurate radiation dose control in high-flow channels has been solved, achieving safe and high-quality vehicle inspection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SMITHS DETECTION INC(US)
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle inspection systems struggle to simultaneously ensure radiation dose safety for drivers and passengers and maintain image quality when handling high-traffic lanes, especially when drivers are traveling at non-nominal speeds, making precise radiation dose control difficult.
By acquiring vehicle image information, the inspection dose of the radiation source is controlled and dynamically adjusted between different vehicle sections to ensure that the radiation dose in the driver, passenger, and cargo areas meets safety standards and to improve image quality.
It enables safe radiation inspection of vehicles in high-traffic lanes, ensuring that the radiation dose to drivers and passengers is within safe limits, while also improving the quality of inspection images.
Smart Images
Figure CN115668001B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-reference to related applications
[0002] This patent application claims priority to GB application No. 2004325.3, filed on March 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of this application. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, methods and systems for inspecting vehicles, such as a cabin, engine, and cargo configured to be occupied by at least one person. Background Technology
[0004] The inspection system uses radiation that passes through the vehicle to inspect its cargo, such as to detect concealed objects like weapons, hazardous materials, explosives, drugs, and general contraband. The system can be placed at border crossings and entrances to sensitive facilities. X-rays are commonly used for inspection because they penetrate the vehicle and allow for non-invasive visualization of contraband hidden inside.
[0005] Strict regulations limit the doses that people in a vehicle (such as drivers and passengers) may be exposed to.
[0006] In the "scan" inspection mode, vehicle drivers and passengers typically slow the vehicle to avoid radiation exposure, and the inspection system (e.g., a gantry comprising an X-ray source and detectors) moves relative to the vehicle to inspect it. This scan mode has a relatively small total vehicle inspection throughput (approximately 20 or 25 vehicles per hour), and the inspection systems are relatively expensive because they must be configured to be mobile. In the "car wash" inspection mode, the X-ray source and detectors are stationary, and the vehicle is translated. This "car wash" mode also has a relatively small total vehicle inspection throughput. Both the scan and "car wash" modes are incompatible with high-traffic border crossings.
[0007] Higher throughput (e.g., 100 to 200 vehicles per hour) can be achieved in "through" inspection mode, where the driver can remain in the vehicle and drive it through an entrance equipped with an X-ray source and detectors. In some examples, radiation emission only begins after the compartment has passed through the inspection area, but the compartment is not inspected, preventing the detection of hidden objects within it. In some examples, the driver and any passengers are exposed to radiation doses as they drive through the entrance and the compartment is inspected. The radiation doses exposed to the driver and passengers should not exceed the maximum doses permitted by radiation regulations. The radiation source can be configured to have the maximum permissible radiation dose for a given nominal inspection driving speed as the vehicle passes through the entrance.
[0008] The detector can detect when the vehicle's front bumper passes through a point in the inspection system to trigger inspections and radiation checks.
[0009] However, drivers may not be driving at the nominal inspection speed. Driving at different speeds can expose a portion of the vehicle to an incorrect dose of radiation. This incorrect dose may exceed the maximum exposure dose for people in the vehicle. An incorrect dose can result in lower image quality because a lower dose can cause dark areas in the corresponding inspection image, where the presence of, for example, contraband may not be detected.
[0010] The present invention addresses some of the problems described above. Summary of the Invention
[0011] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] Figure 1 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example method for inspecting a vehicle; and
[0014] Figure 2 An exemplary inspection system is illustrated schematically;
[0015] Figure 3A The illustration shows a first example of controlling the inspection dose based on the information obtained, wherein the inspection dose is different for different parts of the vehicle;
[0016] Figure 3B A second example of controlling the inspection dose based on the obtained information is illustrated, wherein the inspection dose is different for different parts of the vehicle, and the image information includes information indicating whether a person occupies the vehicle; and
[0017] Figure 4A and 4B The illustration shows examples of images of vehicles being inspected, captured by a camera.
[0018] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation
[0019] Overview
[0020] This invention relates to a method for inspecting at least one vehicle using an inspection system. To enable inspection using scanning movement, the inspection system and the vehicle can move relative to each other during inspection. The vehicle is inspected using inspection radiation with an inspection dose. The inspection dose is controlled such that it remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose corresponding to a portion of the vehicle. Controlling the inspection dose includes obtaining image information representing the position of said portion of the vehicle within the vehicle, and positional information representing the position of that portion of the vehicle relative to a radiation source. Controlling the inspection dose also includes controlling the radiation source that generates the inspection radiation based on the obtained information.
[0021] The image information is obtained from images of the vehicle being inspected. In embodiments of this disclosure, the control of the radiation source is based on accurate image information, thereby improving the control precision of the radiation source.
[0022] In embodiments of this disclosure, for example, when inspecting a person-occupied area of a vehicle, such as the vehicle's cabin, and the driver is driving at a speed different from the nominal inspection driving speed, the radiation source is controlled based on image information indicating the location of the person-occupied area within the vehicle and location information indicating the location of the person-occupied area relative to the radiation source. Due to this control, the dose is maintained substantially equal to a predetermined dose, which is preferably equal to or slightly less than a maximum dose (e.g., a prescribed dose) that is permitted for a passenger to be exposed to in a single scan. These provisions limit the permissible doses that people are exposed to. The dose received by a person is obtained by multiplying the inspection dose rate (i.e., the dose per unit time, e.g., mSv / hour) by the time the person is exposed to radiation. By controlling the inspection dose rate when the exposure time may vary (e.g., because the driving speed differs from the nominal inspection driving speed), the dose is maintained substantially equal to the predetermined dose for the person-occupied area, and the inspection does not result in the driver and passengers being exposed to doses exceeding the maximum inspection dose.
[0023] The above examples relate to the inspection of a portion of a vehicle that includes a person-occupied area. Other predetermined inspection doses may correspond to other parts of the vehicle, such as the part including the engine or the part including a trailer or trunk configured to carry cargo. The embodiments of this disclosure for these other parts of the vehicle (e.g., the engine or trailer) enhance image quality because the dose can be increased for unoccupied portions of the vehicle (this dose is not limited to human-permissible doses).
[0024] Based on the acquired image and location information, the inspection dose rate is controlled so that the dose corresponds to that part of the vehicle. Regardless of the part of the vehicle, the inspection results in enhanced image quality.
[0025] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments
[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example method 100 for inspecting a vehicle.
[0027] Figure 1 The method 100 shown mainly includes, in S1, controlling the inspection dose of inspection radiation generated by the radiation source by a controller, such that during at least a portion of the inspection of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose.
[0028] exist Figure 1 In S1, the main components include:
[0029] In S11, the controller obtains image information representing the position of the at least one part of the vehicle within the vehicle, and position information representing the position of the at least one part of the vehicle relative to the radiation source; and
[0030] In S12, the controller controls the radiation source based on the information obtained.
[0031] The image information is obtained from images of the vehicle being inspected.
[0032] Figure 2 An exemplary inspection system 1 is schematically illustrated. The inspection system 1 is configured to inspect at least one vehicle 2. As a non-limiting example, vehicle 2 may include at least one of a car, truck, or train.
[0033] During inspection, inspection system 1 and at least one vehicle 2 move relative to each other, as indicated by arrow (OX). In relative motion (OX), system 1 may be stationary relative to the ground, and vehicle 2 may move relative to the ground (i.e., in pass mode). Alternatively, in relative motion (OX), vehicle 2 may be stationary relative to the ground, while system 1 may move relative to the ground (e.g., a test bench).
[0034] The inspection may be an inspection of at least one part 20 of vehicle 2. In some examples, at least one part 20 of vehicle 2 may include a personnel-occupied area 201 (e.g., compartment 201) configured to be occupied by at least one person (e.g., the driver of vehicle 2 and / or a passenger of vehicle 2).
[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the inspection system 1 includes a radiation source 11 configured to generate inspection radiation 12. The radiation source 11 may include a pulsed source or a continuous source (such as an X-ray tube as a non-limiting example).
[0036] The inspection system 1 also includes a detector 13, which is configured to detect the emitted inspection radiation 12 after it has irradiated the vehicle 2.
[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the radiation source 11 can be configured to be powered by the power supply 14, and the radiation source 11 is connected to the power supply 14.
[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the image processor 16 is configured to generate image information. This image information represents the position of at least one part 20 of the vehicle in vehicle 2.
[0039] The image information is generated from image 17 of the inspected vehicle 2, and is generated with improved accuracy.
[0040] In a non-limiting example, image 17 of vehicle 2 may include at least one X-ray scan (such as...). Figure 3A and 3B As shown – for example, a top-view scan – but a side-view scan is also conceivable. The X-ray scan 17 can be obtained using the inspection system 1 or using another inspection system (not shown in the figure).
[0041] like Figure 4A As shown, image 17 can be a still image or an image from video, captured by a camera (not shown in the figure). Figure 4A In the image, image 17 is a side view of vehicle 2. (As shown...) Figure 4B As shown, image 17 can be a still image or an image from video, captured by a rig camera.
[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the image may be a lidar image. Alternatively or additionally, the image may be an infrared image.
[0043] The image processor 16 is configured to precisely determine the position of the portion 20 of the vehicle 2 from the image 17. The image processor 16 is configured to precisely determine from the image 17 of the inspected vehicle 2:
[0044] This includes the location of a portion 202 of the engine of vehicle 2, said engine 202 being configured to cause movement of vehicle 2; and / or
[0045] The location is configured for personnel to occupy area 201 (such as a compartment); and / or
[0046] The location of a portion 203 including at least one of a trailer 203 or a luggage compartment 203 configured to carry goods.
[0047] like Figure 3A As shown, area 201 can be defined as the area of vehicle 2 that is configured to be occupied only by people in vehicle 2.
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the image information generated by the image processor 16 may also include information indicating whether a person actually occupies area 201. For example... Figure 3B As shown, area 201 can be identified as the vehicle area actually occupied by person 18 in vehicle 2. By comparison... Figure 3A and 3B It can be seen that for the same image 17 of the same vehicle 2 occupied by the same person 18, in Figure 3B The region 201 determined in the middle is smaller than in Figure 3A The region 201 is defined in the image. In some examples, the image information can be obtained from a still image captured by a camera, but other examples are possible. Alternatively or additionally, the image information can be obtained from a two-step scan, wherein a low-dose X-ray scan is first performed to determine where the person is located, and then a second scan is performed to reduce the dose at the person's actual location (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3B (As shown). The distance between the two scans can be provided to allow sufficient time for image analysis.
[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the image information includes information indicating at least one of the brand and model of the vehicle being inspected or the license plate of the vehicle being inspected.
[0050] In some examples, the image processor may extract information representing the brand and model of the vehicle from the image 17. Alternatively or additionally, the image processor may extract information representing the license plate of the vehicle from the image 17. Assuming that a stored record including the image information is accessible by the image processor 16, the license plate may provide the brand and model of vehicle 2. The brand and model of vehicle 2 may be associated with corresponding locations of vehicle portions (e.g., 201, 202, and 203) within vehicle 2. This corresponding location may be stored in the record, for example, in the memory of the image processor 16 or in a database (not shown) accessible by the image processor 16. In some examples, the record may be generated and / or updated each time a specific vehicle is inspected.
[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the inspection system 1 also includes a controller 15. The controller 15 is configured to, for example, obtain image information from the image processor 16 representing the position of at least one part 20 of the vehicle in the vehicle 2.
[0052] The method by which controller 15 obtains the location information will now be explained.
[0053] In some examples, the image processor 16 may also be configured to accurately determine from the image 17 positional information representing the position of at least one portion 20 of the vehicle 2 relative to the radiation source 1.
[0054] Alternative or additional land, such as Figure 2As shown, the location information can be obtained by the controller 15 from the sensor 19, which is configured to determine that at least one part 20 of the vehicle 2 has entered the inspection area defined by the radiation source 1. As a non-limiting example, the sensor 19 may include at least one of the following: an optical sensor (such as including a laser and / or an optical camera), and / or a mechanical sensor (such as a mechanical switch), and / or a sensor configured to sense radio waves (such as radar).
[0055] The controller 15 is also configured to control the radiation source 11 based on the acquired information. Using the image information and the location information improves the control accuracy of the radiation source 1.
[0056] In some examples, the controller 15 can be configured to control the radiation source 11 via an interface (e.g., an Ethernet interface).
[0057] In one example, the radiation source 11 can be configured to generate inspection radiation 12 using a current intensity I. The radiation source 11 can be an X-ray radiation source (such as an X-ray source or an X-ray source including a linear accelerator or an electron induction accelerator). In this case, the current is an electron flow, and electrons strike the target (with intensity I) to produce X-ray radiation 12. Alternatively or additionally, the radiation source 11 can be a neutron radiation source. In this case, the current is at least one of a proton current or a deuterium current, and particles (protons or deuterons) strike the target with intensity I to produce neutron radiation 12.
[0058] In this case, such as Figure 1 As shown, controlling the radiation source 11 in S12 may include controlling the current intensity I based on the obtained information. When the current intensity I of the target in the impact source 11 increases, the number of X-rays generated by the radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose to the radiation vehicle 2 increases linearly.
[0059] In this case, the predetermined examination dose D0 can be associated with the nominal current intensity I0.
[0060] During the inspection, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 can vary with the relative speed V (OX). For example, when the relative speed (OX) is lower than the nominal inspection speed V0, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 or part 20 of vehicle 2 can be greater than the predetermined inspection dose D0. Similarly, when the relative speed V (OX) is greater than the nominal inspection speed V0, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 or part 20 of vehicle 2 can be lower than the predetermined inspection dose D0.
[0061] In some examples, the predetermined inspection dose D0 corresponds to the inspection dose D of a personnel-occupied area (e.g., a compartment). 0personIt should be understood that this person occupies the area for checking dose D. 0person The dose is below or substantially equal to a prescribed dose that is safe for at least one person occupying area 201 during inspection of area 201. A person (e.g., a driver or passenger) may therefore be exposed to the human-occupied area inspection dose D. 0person However, the personnel occupy the area to inspect dose D. 0person This enables inspections to be performed via inspection radiation zone 201, where, in some examples corresponding to the ANSI N43.17 standard, the prescribed dose corresponds to a dose substantially equal to 250 nSv per inspection. Other standards, prescribed doses, and personnel-occupied area inspection doses are also conceivable.
[0062] In this example, controller 15 controls the current intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 based on the obtained information, such that:
[0063] I = α i ·I0 where α i It is based on the obtained image information and selects at least one part of the vehicle to be irradiated. i The corresponding coefficients.
[0064] For example, for part p1 corresponding to part 201, a coefficient α1 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0person ,like Figure 3A and 3B As shown.
[0065] Therefore, through this control of intensity I, during the inspection of the personnel-occupied area 201 of vehicle 2 by inspection radiation 12, the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose D. 0person .
[0066] Method 100 can be executed by controller 15 in real time or near real time.
[0067] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the at least one portion 20 of vehicle 2 may include an engine 202. The engine 202 is more densely packed than the human-occupied area 201 and is not configured to be occupied by humans. The predetermined inspection dose D0 may therefore correspond to an engine inspection dose D0, which enables inspection of the engine by radiating inspection radiation. It should be understood that:
[0068] D 0engine >>D 0person
[0069] Similar to the control performed by controller 15 during the inspection of the personnel-occupied area 201, during the inspection of the engine 202 of vehicle 2, controller 15 can control the intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 such that the inspection dose rate of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose rate D. 0engine .
[0070] For example, for part p2 corresponding to part 202, the coefficient α2 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to... Figure 3A and 3B D shown 0engine .
[0071] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the at least one portion 20 of vehicle 2 may include at least one of a trailer 203 or a luggage compartment 203 configured to carry cargo. The trailer 203 or luggage compartment 203 is more densely packed than the personnel-occupied area 201 and is generally not configured to be occupied by personnel. The predetermined inspection dose D0 can therefore correspond to the cargo inspection dose D. 0cargo This enables the inspection of trailer 203 and / or luggage compartment 203 by inspecting for radiation.
[0072] Similar to the control performed by controller 15 during the inspection of personnel occupying area 201 and / or engine 202, during the inspection of trailer 203 and / or luggage compartment 203 of vehicle 2, controller 15 can control the intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 such that the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose D. 0cargo .
[0073] For example, for part p3 corresponding to part 203, coefficient α3 can be selected so that the dose corresponds to D. 0cargo ,like Figure 3A and 3B As shown.
[0074] As a non-restrictive example, regarding goods D 0cargo Or for engine D 0engine A typical dose can be a few μSv per scan. For example... Figure 3A and 3B As shown, D 0cargo It can be greater than or less than D 0engine This depends on the cargo and the engine.
[0075] In the above development, controller 15 is configured to control the current intensity of radiation source 11. As already stated, radiation source 11 may include pulse source 11 configured to generate inspection radiation 12 at frequency f.
[0076] In this scenario, controlling the radiation source 11 in S12 may include controlling the frequency f of the radiation source based on the obtained information. In some examples, the controller 15 may be configured to instruct the radiation source 11 to adjust the frequency f. As the frequency f increases, the amount of X-rays produced by the radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose to the radiation vehicle 2 increases linearly.
[0077] In this case, the predetermined examination dose D0(D 0engine and / or D 0cargo and / or D 0person It is associated with the nominal radiation source frequency f0.
[0078] In this example, controller 15 controls the frequency f of radiation source 11 in S12, such that based on the obtained image information:
[0079] f = β i ·f o
[0080] Where β i It is based on the obtained image information and selects at least one part of the vehicle to be irradiated. i The corresponding coefficients.
[0081] Therefore, through this frequency f control, during the inspection of part 20 of vehicle 2 by inspection radiation 12, the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to... Figure 3A and 3B The predetermined inspection dose D0 shown (depending on part 20 of vehicle 2) 0engine and / or D 0cargo and / or D 0person ).
[0082] For example, such as Figure 3A and 3B As shown:
[0083] For part p1 corresponding to part 201, a coefficient β1 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0person ;
[0084] For part p2 corresponding to part 202, the coefficient β2 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0engine ;as well as
[0085] For part p3 corresponding to part 203, a coefficient β3 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0cargo .
[0086] In the above development, the controller 15 is configured to control the current intensity and / or frequency of the radiation source 11.
[0087] In some examples, radiation source 11 is configured to produce inspection radiation 12 with radiation energy E. As energy E increases, the energy of the X-rays produced by radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose to radiation vehicle 2 increases.
[0088] In this example, controller 15 controls the radiation source to generate the radiation energy E of the inspection radiation in S12.
[0089] With the predetermined examination dose D0 associated with the nominal radiation energy E0, the radiation energy E is controlled in S12 such that, based on the obtained information:
[0090] E = γ i ·E0
[0091] Where γ i It is based on the obtained image information and selects at least one part of the vehicle to be irradiated. i The corresponding coefficients.
[0092] For example, such as Figure 3A and 3B As shown:
[0093] For part p1 corresponding to part 201, a coefficient γ1 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0person ;
[0094] For part p2 corresponding to part 202, the coefficient γ2 can be selected such that the dose corresponds to D. 0engine ;as well as
[0095] For part p3 corresponding to part 203, a coefficient γ3 can be chosen such that the dose corresponds to D. 0cargo .
[0096] In this scenario, the penetration of radiation 12 will change because it is highly dependent on the radiation energy. Other performance metrics will also change.
[0097] In some examples, controlling the energy E includes controlling the voltage applied to electrons and / or particles (e.g., protons or deuterons) in the radiation source 11. As the voltage increases, the electrons and / or particles (e.g., protons or deuterons) have increased energy, which is converted into higher energy in the radiation source 11.
[0098] In any aspect of this disclosure, the method may also include configuring the inspection radiation collimator to radiate an inspection beam onto the vehicle.
[0099] The controller 15 is configured to perform methods of any aspect of this disclosure. The controller 15 may include a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to perform methods of any aspect of this disclosure.
[0100] This disclosure also relates to a computer program product or a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform any aspect of the methods of this disclosure.
[0101] It should be understood that the performance metrics of the inspection system (including penetration, spatial resolution, line detection, contrast, material identification, etc.) are related to the inspection dose.
Claims
1. A method for inspecting at least one vehicle using an inspection system, said inspection system and said at least one vehicle being configured to move relative to each other during inspection of at least one part of said vehicle, said method comprising: The inspection dose of the inspection radiation generated by the radiation source is controlled by a controller such that during the inspection of at least one part of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose. The radiation source is powered by a power source and generates the inspection radiation using a current intensity I, and the predetermined inspection dose is associated with a nominal current intensity I0. Controlling the examination dosage includes: The controller uses a two-step X-ray scan to obtain image information indicating the position of at least one part of the vehicle within the vehicle, and positional information indicating the position of at least one part of the vehicle relative to the radiation source. The two-step X-ray scan includes a first low-dose scan to determine if a person is located within the at least one vehicle, and if a person is identified, a second scan to scan the person using a predetermined examination radiation dose, which is the radiation dose to be examined for the person. The controller controls the radiation source by controlling the current intensity I based on the obtained information, wherein the current intensity is based on... And controlled, where α i It is with at least one part p of the vehicle to be irradiated i The corresponding coefficients are selected based on the information obtained.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined examination dose is associated with the nominal radiation source frequency f0, and in, Controlling the frequency f, based on the obtained information: Where β i It is with at least one part p of the vehicle to be irradiated i The corresponding coefficients are selected based on the information obtained.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation source is configured to be powered by a power source and generate the inspection radiation with radiant energy E, and in, Controlling the radiation source includes controlling the source to generate the radiation energy E of the inspection radiation based on the obtained information.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined examination dose is associated with the nominal radiation energy E0, and in, Controlling the radiation energy E based on the obtained information: Where γ i It is related to at least one part p of the vehicle to be irradiated. i The corresponding coefficients are selected based on the information obtained.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The radiation source is an X-ray radiation source, and the current is an electron flow, wherein electrons strike the target to generate the X-ray radiation; as well as The radiation source is a neutron radiation source, and the current is at least one of a proton flow or a deuterium flow, wherein particles collide with a target to produce neutron radiation.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion of the vehicle includes an area configured for occupancy by persons, and in, The predetermined inspection dose corresponds to the inspection dose for the area occupied by personnel, which is lower than or substantially equal to the predetermined dose, which is safe for the person occupying the area during inspection, but allows the area to be inspected by radiating the area with the inspection radiation.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the image information further includes information indicating whether a person occupies the area, or The image information also includes information indicating the brand and model of the vehicle and / or the vehicle's license plate, or The image information is stored in a record, or in, The record is generated and / or updated whenever a vehicle is inspected.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the prescribed dose corresponds to a dose substantially equal to 250 nSv per examination.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion of the vehicle includes an engine configured to cause movement of the vehicle, and in, The predetermined inspection dose corresponds to an engine inspection dose that enables the inspection of the engine's radiation through the inspection radiation.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion of the vehicle comprises at least one of a trailer or a luggage compartment configured to carry cargo, and in, The predetermined inspection dose corresponds to the cargo inspection dose that enables the inspection of radiation on the trailer and / or luggage compartment through the inspection radiation.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising collimating the inspection radiation into an inspection beam, the inspection beam being configured to radiate the vehicle.
12. The method of claim 1, for inspecting said vehicle, including at least one of a car, truck, or train.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The image information is obtained from an image of the vehicle, and the image includes at least one of the following: X-ray scan; Still images or images from video taken by a camera, optionally a tripod camera. LiDAR image; Infrared image.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is executed by the controller in real time or near real time.
15. An inspection system configured to inspect at least one vehicle, the inspection system and the vehicle being configured to move relative to each other during the inspection of the vehicle, the system comprising: A radiation source configured to generate inspection radiation at an inspection dose, enabling inspection of at least one part of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the radiation source being powered by a power source and including a pulse source that generates the inspection radiation at a frequency f. as well as The controller is configured to control the examination dose of the examination radiation generated by the radiation source based on information including: Image information obtained from an image processor using a two-step X-ray scan, the image processor being configured to determine information representing the location of at least one portion of the vehicle within the vehicle from the vehicle image, the two-step X-ray scan including a first low-dose scan for determining whether a person is located within the at least one vehicle, and, if a person is determined, a second scan using a pre-determined examination radiation dose for the person. Positional information indicating the position of at least one part of the vehicle relative to the radiation source. The inspection dose is controlled such that during the inspection of at least one part of the vehicle via the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose associated with the nominal radiation source frequency f0. Controlling the examination dose includes: controlling the radiation source based on obtained information by controlling the frequency f of the radiation source, wherein the frequency f is based on... f = β i ·f 0 is controlled, where β i It is with at least one part p of the vehicle to be irradiated i The corresponding coefficients are selected based on the information obtained.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 14.
17. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The radiation source includes at least one of the following: an X-ray source, an X-ray source including a linear accelerator or an electron induction accelerator, or a neutron source.