X-ray markers for insertion into or application to a cargo item, methods for detecting irradiation with ionizing radiation, X-ray seals for sealing a cargo item, and methods for analyzing an object

Abstract

X-ray seal for sealing a piece of cargo, comprising: - a carrier medium with a top and a bottom and an absorption coefficient for X-rays, - an adhesive device arranged on the underside of the carrier medium for creating a material-bonded connection between the carrier medium and a surface of a cargo item, - a marking device which is arranged in or on the carrier medium and is firmly connected to the carrier medium, wherein the marking device has structural elements which form a structure, wherein the structural elements have a higher absorption coefficient for X-rays than the support medium and a contrast between the structural elements and the support medium is visible in a two-dimensional X-ray image, and where the structure of the structural elements is random or quasi-random.

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the field of inspection of freight items or objects and monitoring in freight transport. An X-ray marker for insertion into or application to a freight item enables detection of irradiation with ionizing radiation. An X-ray seal for sealing a freight item, in particular an opening in a freight item, enables detection of tampering with the freight item. The following publications refer to the inspection of freight items and / or X-ray methods used for this purpose: DE 10149463 A1, EP 2618323 A2, US 2010 / 0207741 A1, DE 102009015606 A1.

[0002] Currently, imaging plates, dosimeters, or X-ray film segments are placed in cargo. These are analyzed in the laboratory at the recipient's location, and if necessary, exposure to ionizing radiation is detected.

[0003] Previously available solutions are only partially satisfactory. Analysis is performed at a later date and requires significant technical effort. Tampering with the cargo is either not detected or not detected in a timely manner.

[0004] The present invention is defined by the patent claims. Against this background, an X-ray marker for insertion into or application to a cargo item, a method for detecting irradiation with ionizing radiation, an X-ray seal for sealing a cargo item, and a method for analyzing an object are proposed. Further embodiments, modifications, and improvements will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0005] In freight transport, there are regulations governing the contents of cargo, for example, regarding dangerous goods or smuggling. In addition, the sender and recipient have a fundamental interest in the safe delivery of the cargo. Tampering with the contents of a cargo should therefore be prevented or detected.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an X-ray marker is proposed for insertion into or application to a cargo item. The X-ray marker has a contrast structure with at least two structural regions, and the structural regions have different absorption coefficients for X-ray radiation or different material thicknesses. In a two-dimensional X-ray image of the X-ray marker, different contrasts can be generated by the structural regions. The contrast structure contains readable, coded information about the cargo item.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker can be incorporated into or applied to a piece of freight. The piece of freight can, for example, be items of secure or unsafe freight transport. Within the meaning of the patent, the piece of freight can be a parcel, a carton, a package, a freight item, a suitcase, a container, a pallet, or the like. The transport of the piece of freight can, for example, be carried out by passenger, road, water, rail, or air transport, or a combination thereof.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the cargo item has a content that is sent from the sender to the recipient.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a two-dimensional X-ray image of the cargo item is created in such a way that the contents of the cargo item can be fully or partially identified. The contents of the cargo item can thus be inspected non-destructively.

[0010] The X-ray marker is visible on an X-ray image of the cargo into which the X-ray marker has been inserted or to which the X-ray marker has been applied. The X-ray marker exhibits a contrast structure. The contrast structure has at least two structural regions. In the X-ray image, the structural regions create a contrast due to different absorption coefficients for X-ray radiation or different material thicknesses. This makes them recognizable and distinguishable in the two-dimensional X-ray image, and the contrast structure itself is visible in the X-ray image.

[0011] The structural areas differ either by different material thicknesses or by different absorption coefficients. This is related to the optimal alignment of the X-ray marker to an X-ray source that irradiates the cargo and creates a two-dimensional X-ray image.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker in or on a cargo item is oriented toward an X-ray source. The X-ray source creates an X-ray image of the cargo item with the X-ray marker by measuring the cargo item's transmission. The X-ray marker is visible in the X-ray image as a two-dimensional projection. The contrast between the structural regions depends on the orientation of the X-ray marker and can even disappear if the orientation is unfavorable to the X-ray source or X-ray detector.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is inserted into the cargo item or applied to the cargo item and aligned in such a way that different contrasts can be generated through the structural areas in a two-dimensional X-ray image of the cargo item. If necessary, the cargo item must be aligned.

[0014] The contrast structure contains readable coded information about the cargo item. According to one embodiment, this information comprises an identification number or serial number of the X-ray marker. For the duration of the transport, the X-ray marker is assigned to the cargo item and vice versa. Therefore, this information also refers to the cargo item.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker forms a unique structure, i.e., it differs from other X-ray markers due to other readable coded information in the contrast structure. If an X-ray marker is incorporated into or applied to a piece of cargo, the X-ray marker is uniquely assigned to the piece of cargo. Manipulation of the piece of cargo or its contents is made difficult or impossible by the uniqueness of the X-ray marker.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is unique.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is placed in the cargo, invisible to the shipper. Only after a radiographic inspection does the X-ray marker become visible in the image. The information encoded in the contrast structure is available after the radiographic inspection.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the readably coded information of the X-ray marker is stored in a database. For example, the X-ray marker can be assigned to the database entry using a serial number.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker in the cargo is not visible from the outside. It becomes visible in the X-ray image through radiographic examination.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker can be read from an X-ray image by image recognition software in such a way that the coded information from the contrast structure can be processed.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the irradiation process can be validated with time, location, date, and / or examiner. If a database exists, this information can also be transferred to the database.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the contrast structure comprises a QR code or a bar code containing the readable coded information.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the barcode contains a character string. The character string can, for example, constitute the readable encoded information about the cargo item. However, the character string can also point to a database entry containing this information.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a QR code can contain a greater amount of information than a barcode. The QR code contains the readable encoded information about the cargo item. Furthermore, the QR code can contain additional information.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the X-ray image is taken at energies typical for freight and cargo transport. These can be in the range of 100–300 kV. The two-dimensional X-ray image is measured by a detector in transmission through the cargo. Additional measurements, such as dual-energy methods, are possible.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the X-ray image is taken at energies depending on the size and type of cargo. For very large cargo items, such as freight containers, this can be in the range of 1 MeV to 10 MeV. In addition to X-ray tubes, radioactive decays such as Co-60 at approximately 1.2 MeV can be used as an X-ray source.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a two-dimensional X-ray image is generated as contrasts in grayscale or false colors. The intensity of the gray color or the color of the false color is a measure of the absorption in the absorption path between the X-ray source and the detector. The contents of the cargo item are thus projected onto a two-dimensional image. The X-ray image depends on the orientation of the cargo item.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is formed from a solid material.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is designed as a one-piece workpiece.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is formed from a base material and a mask. The additional material thickness and / or an increased absorption coefficient of the mask on the base material creates a contrast in an X-ray image. The mask can be interchangeable with the base material, so that when the X-ray marker is reused, either the entire X-ray marker is used or the mask is replaced beforehand. However, the mask can also be permanently attached to the base material.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is formed from a coated base material. The coating forms a mask. For example, a plastic can be coated with a higher-density material, in particular a metal-containing material, thus forming the X-ray marker. In this embodiment, the coated structures form a first type of structural region, and the uncoated or differently coated structures form another type of structural region. These differ by different material thicknesses and / or a different absorption coefficient for X-ray radiation.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker comprises a base material and a material of increased density relative to the base material. For example, the X-ray marker can comprise different plastics.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker comprises materials with increased density, for example concrete, metal, or plastics containing heavy atoms.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker comprises a metal, in particular Pb, W, Cu, Zn or Fe.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is formed from a substantially homogeneous material. At least two different structural regions are formed by different material thicknesses. For example, the structural regions were inserted into a block of homogeneous material. This can be done by etching, cutting, milling, laser treatment, or similar. Alternatively, a 3D printing process can be used to create a one-piece X-ray marker.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is easy to manufacture and reusable. After the cargo item has been successfully transported, the X-ray marker can be incorporated or applied to another cargo item and permanently linked to it. If necessary, a database entry must be adjusted.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is subject to little or no wear. It is located in or on a piece of cargo. It can be used multiple times.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a database is used. By connecting to a database, X-ray markers can be continuously produced and temporarily associated with specific processes in the database or with a piece of cargo. Individual X-ray markers can also be permanently assigned to specific senders or recipients. If the X-ray marker is used multiple times, a history of the X-ray marker is possible. It is then possible to trace which piece of cargo the X-ray marker was associated with in the past.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is only discovered during or after an X-ray image of a cargo item has been taken. The X-ray marker is then visible in the X-ray image.

[0040] According to one embodiment, image processing of the X-ray image involves rotating, distorting or amplifying the X-ray marker in the X-ray image in order to read out the coded information.

[0041] According to one embodiment, an X-ray marker makes it more difficult to manipulate a cargo item because it provides evidence of irradiation of the cargo item with ionizing radiation and thus ensures that the contents of the cargo item can be checked.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the readable coded information contains at least one of the following information types: identification number, sender and recipient of the freight item, start and destination address of the freight item.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the X-ray marker is permanently assigned to a recipient or a sender, or both, so that it can contain information about them. Furthermore, it can contain information about the destination address and the sender address. The X-ray marker is then tied to this transport. Reuse of the X-ray marker is only possible to a limited extent. Other information, such as procedural instructions or information about encryption, can also be contained in the X-ray marker.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a method for detecting irradiation with ionizing radiation for objects, in particular cargo items, is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: - Providing an object into or onto which an X-ray marker has been inserted or applied, - Creating and saving a first X-ray image of the object, and - Proving exposure to ionising radiation by checking whether a file on the object, in particular on the freight, is available.

[0045] In the method for detecting irradiation with ionizing radiation for objects, in particular cargo, an object is provided. An X-ray marker is applied or inserted into or onto the object. The X-ray marker is thus permanently assigned to the object, in particular the cargo.

[0046] When creating and saving an X-ray image of the object, especially the cargo, the X-ray marker is displayed in the X-ray image. Optionally, the image can be processed to read the X-ray marker. For example, rotation, distortion correction, or enhancement can be performed automatically.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first X-ray image of the object is stored locally on a computer. The X-ray image can be sent to the sender, the recipient, or other parties in the transport chain. Additionally or alternatively, the X-ray image can be stored in a database. Access to the database can then also be granted to the sender, the recipient, or other parties.

[0048] According to one embodiment, evidence of irradiation with ionizing radiation is provided if a file of the object, in particular of the freight item, exists which includes the first X-ray image of the object.

[0049] For safe freight transport, it is beneficial to inspect cargo items. To ensure that a cargo item has been inspected, the method for detecting irradiation with ionizing radiation can be used for objects, especially cargo items.

[0050] According to one embodiment, a cargo item is advantageously subjected to irradiation at least once, but preferably no more than once. A second irradiation is only performed if tampering is suspected. This offers advantages by minimizing time, personnel, and costs.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a cargo item for which irradiation has been detected using the proposed method is marked as a secure cargo item. By ensuring that an X-ray image of the cargo item exists, potential tampering with the cargo item can be detected. This creates a deterrent effect. Tampering is thus detectable and becomes unattractive.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: - Reading the coded information of the X-ray marker from the contrast structure in the first X-ray image, - Creating a file and / or database entry containing the extracted coded information and the X-ray image,

[0053] According to one embodiment, a file and / or a database entry containing the coded information is created. This can be done before the X-ray marker is inserted into the object, in particular into the cargo item. Alternatively or additionally, the creation can be performed after the X-ray marker has been read. The file and / or the database entry can additionally be linked to or contain an X-ray image.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the file and / or database entry containing the X-ray image is validated with the time, place and date of the radiography.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: - Taking a second X-ray image of the object with the X-ray marker, - Reading the coded information from the second X-ray image, - Assigning the coded information from the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image, - Identify any manipulation of the object by comparing the first x-ray and the second x-ray.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a second X-ray image of the object, in particular the cargo item, is taken using the X-ray marker. This is particularly the case if there is suspicion of tampering.

[0057] The coded information is read from the second X-ray image and assigned to the coded information from the first X-ray image. The coded information from the first X-ray image is either stored in a file and / or a database, or it can be read from the first X-ray image. Since the X-ray marker is unique, the assignment is unambiguous.

[0058] A comparison of the first X-ray image with the second X-ray image allows for the detection of any tampering with the object. For example, the contents of the object, particularly the cargo item, may have been altered. However, the X-ray image may also have been tampered with. For example, a different X-ray image is taken and incorrectly assigned to the object, particularly the cargo item. However, the associated X-ray marker is demonstrably missing from this X-ray image, as it is unique and clearly assigned to a specific cargo item.

[0059] According to another embodiment, an X-ray seal for sealing a cargo item is proposed. The X-ray seal comprises a carrier medium with a top side and a bottom side and an absorption coefficient for X-ray radiation; an adhesive device arranged on the bottom side of the carrier medium for creating a material-to-material bond between the carrier medium and a surface of a cargo item; a marking device arranged in or on the carrier medium and firmly connected to the carrier medium, wherein the marking device comprises structural elements that form a structure, wherein the structural elements have a higher absorption coefficient for X-ray radiation than the carrier medium, and a contrast between the structural elements and the carrier medium is visible in a two-dimensional X-ray image.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a closable opening of a package can be sealed with the X-ray seal. A closable opening of a package corresponds essentially to any part of the package that can be opened non-destructively or by destruction. A conventional cardboard package, for example, has its edges as openings. Additionally, an opening can be created by destruction by cutting into the cardboard. The X-ray seal can seal both the closable, intended openings and the area of ​​the carton that does not actually represent an opening.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the X-ray seal can be applied both to the inside of a cargo item and to the outside of a cargo item.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the X-ray seal comprises a carrier medium with a top side and a bottom side. An adhesive device for creating a material-to-material bond between the carrier medium and a surface of a cargo item is arranged on the bottom side of the carrier medium. The carrier medium and an existing material-to-material bond to a surface of a cargo item span a region of the surface. This region is sealed, meaning that an opening in the cargo item located in this region cannot be opened without destroying or damaging the X-ray seal, as long as the material-to-material bond is maintained.

[0063] According to one embodiment, a bonded connection created between the carrier medium or the adhesive device and the surface of the cargo item cannot be removed without destroying or damaging the X-ray seal. The creation of the bonded connection and the removal are irreversible.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the carrier medium is designed as an elongated, flat element. For example, it can be a film or a strip. The carrier medium can be composed of different regions and / or layers and can comprise different materials, including inhomogeneously distributed materials.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the carrier medium is coated with the adhesive device on its underside. The adhesive device can create a material-to-material bond between the carrier medium and a surface. For example, the carrier medium is a film or tape coated with an adhesive.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the X-ray seal comprises a marking device arranged in or on the carrier medium and firmly connected to the carrier medium. The marking device can be arranged, for example, between two layers of the carrier medium. It can also be arranged on the underside or the top side of the carrier medium. The marking device can also be integrated into the carrier medium in such a way that the carrier medium and the marking device are perceived as a single piece.

[0067] The marking device has structural elements that form a structure. The structural elements have a higher absorption coefficient for X-rays than the absorption coefficient of the carrier medium. Therefore, they are visible in an X-ray image due to a contrast difference compared to the carrier medium. The structure of the structural elements is therefore also visible in the X-ray image.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the structure of the structural elements is arranged randomly or quasi-randomly in an X-ray image of a cargo item sealed with the X-ray seal. The structure of the structural elements can be random or quasi-random. However, it can also be a periodic structure. In an X-ray image, the cargo item and its contents create their own structure. With respect to the structure of the cargo item, the arrangement of the structural elements of the X-ray seal is random or quasi-random. The X-ray image of the sealed cargo item is therefore not reproducible once the X-ray seal has been broken.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the change or destruction of the structure of the structural elements constitutes a breach of seal.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the change in the structure of the structural elements with respect to the structure of the cargo item constitutes a breach of seal.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the structural elements comprise a metal.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the structural elements comprise a material of increased density. For example, they contain a metal or traces of a metal. However, the structural elements can also be made of plastic or concrete.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the structural elements are formed as at least one of the following elements: chips, wire, polyhedra, and spheres.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the structural elements are not visible through the top surface of the carrier medium. The structure of the structural elements is therefore only visible in an X-ray image. This further complicates tampering, as the exact arrangement of the structure cannot be identified and is therefore difficult to reproduce. Furthermore, the X-ray seal may not be recognized as a seal, and a breach of the seal may occur unknowingly. The breach of the seal is irreparable, and tampering is thus proven.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the marking device comprises a hollow body, and the structural elements are arranged within the hollow body. The structural elements can be arranged in a movable but densely packed manner within the hollow body. Opening the hollow body by destroying the X-ray seal would release the structural elements, allowing them to leave the hollow body. This irreversibly destroys the X-ray seal.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a method for analyzing an object, in particular a piece of cargo, by irradiation with ionizing radiation is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: - Providing an object, in particular a piece of freight, with at least one closable opening sealed with an X-ray seal, - Creating and saving a first X-ray image of the object, - Identifying the structural elements of the marking device, and - Analyze the structural elements for a seal break in the structure of the structural elements that was caused by opening the opening of the object.

[0077] According to one embodiment, an object, in particular a piece of cargo, is provided with at least one closable opening. The closable opening is sealed with an X-ray seal. The closable opening can be an intentional opening in the object, in particular the piece of cargo, or an opening created by the destruction of the object, in particular the piece of cargo.

[0078] The X-ray seal is visible in the first X-ray image of the object, especially the cargo. The position and orientation of the object, especially the cargo, may need to be adjusted to ensure the X-ray seal is optimally projected onto the two-dimensional X-ray image. In particular, the structural elements of the marking device are visible in the first X-ray image.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first X-ray image is created and stored locally upon creation. If necessary, the locally stored file can be sent to the recipient, sender, and / or other participants in the transport chain.

[0080] The structural elements form a structure. The structural elements can be analyzed to determine whether the X-ray seal has been breached. Opening the opening sealed with the X-ray seal results in a seal breach, which is evident in the structure of the structural elements.

[0081] Further advantages and modifications can be found in the description of the X-ray seal above and apply analogously to the associated procedure.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a database entry containing the X-ray image can be created for the X-ray seal, just as it can for the X-ray marker. The advantages of a database containing the X-ray images are described above.

[0083] According to a further embodiment, X-ray seals and X-ray markers can be combined in a single method. For this purpose, a method for analyzing an object, in particular a piece of cargo, by irradiation with ionizing radiation is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: - Providing an object, in particular a piece of freight, into or onto which an X-ray marker has been introduced or applied, with at least one closable opening sealed with an X-ray seal, - Creating and saving a first X-ray image of the object, - Analyze the structural elements for a seal break in the structure of the structural elements that was caused by opening the opening of the object.

[0084] The process can be modified and expanded with the modifications and process steps of the two X-ray seal and X-ray marker processes. The advantages are evident from the above description.

[0085] X-ray markers and X-ray seals both offer the possibility of detecting tampering with a cargo item. They increase security in freight transport and the efficiency of cargo inspection. Both devices are only visible when the cargo is x-rayed and are therefore more difficult to tamper with or circumvent than visible security measures.

[0086] A combination of X-ray marker and X-ray seal or their method of use increases the probability of detecting tampering with the cargo.

[0087] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a QR code. Fig. 2 shows a bar code. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the X-ray marker. The Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows X-ray images with an embodiment of an X-ray seal before and after manipulation. The Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shows X-ray images with another embodiment of an X-ray seal before and after manipulation.

[0088] Fig. Figure 1 shows a QR code. Data can be stored in this QR code. This is an example of the shape of an X-ray marker.

[0089] Fig. Figure 2 shows a barcode. A character string is stored in the barcode. The barcode is an example of the shape of an X-ray marker.

[0090] Fig. Figure 3 shows several X-ray markers. The X-ray markers 10 were created on a carrier medium. A thin metal layer was applied. The structure of the metal layer was created by an etching process. The metallic structure forms a contrast to the carrier medium in an X-ray image of the X-ray marker 10. In this embodiment, the X-ray marker 10 is designed as a QR code, similar to Fig. 1.

[0091] The Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show X-ray images 1 of a cargo item before and after manipulation. The cargo item was sealed with an X-ray seal 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the marking device has a cavity in which metal spheres are arranged as structural elements. The spheres are densely packed so that their structure is maintained during transport as long as the cavity remains intact.

[0092] Fig. Figure 4A shows an X-ray image of the cargo before transport and before handling. The structure of the structural elements is defined by a cavity in the marking device.

[0093] Fig. Figure 4B shows an X-ray image of the cargo after transport and after handling. Due to transport, the positions and locations of the individual elements in the cargo contents differ. The cargo contents remain the same.

[0094] A seal break is visible in X-ray image 1. The structure of the structural elements has changed compared to Fig. 4A, i.e. X-ray image 1 before manipulation, was changed.

[0095] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the cargo item is designed as a package, and the package opening has been sealed with an X-ray seal 20. Tampering with the cargo item corresponds to cutting through the X-ray seal 20 along the opening. This results in a breach of the seal and a change in the marking device or its structure.

[0096] The Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show another embodiment of the X-ray seal 20 in two X-ray images, one taken before and one after manipulation.

[0097] In the embodiment of the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the marking device comprises a metallic wire. This forms a structure that is visible in the X-ray image.

[0098] The Fig. Figure 5A shows a cargo item with an opening sealed with an X-ray seal 20 prior to tampering.

[0099] The Fig. 5B shows the same cargo as the Fig. 5A, where the cargo item was tampered with. X-ray seal 20 shows changes in the structure of the structural elements. In this case, changes to the metallic wire. It was severed in some places. This represents a breach of the seal.

[0100] The X-ray from Fig. Figure 5B clearly shows the seal breach caused by the tampering, i.e., the opening of the cargo. The seal was breached in several places. The tampering is documented by the second X-ray image.

Claims

[1] X-ray seal for sealing a cargo item, comprising: - a carrier medium with a top and a bottom and an absorption coefficient for X-rays, - an adhesive device arranged on the underside of the carrier medium for creating a material connection between the carrier medium and a surface of a cargo item, - a marking device arranged in or on the carrier medium and firmly connected to the carrier medium, the marking device having structural elements forming a structure, wherein the structural elements have a higher absorption coefficient for X-ray radiation than the carrier medium and a contrast between structural elements and carrier medium is visible in a two-dimensional X-ray image, and where the structure of the structural elements is random or quasi-random. [2] X-ray seal according to claim 1, wherein the structural elements are not visible through the top side of the carrier medium. [3] X-ray seal according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the structural elements comprise a metal. [4] X-ray seal according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structural elements are formed as at least one of the following elements: chips, wire, polyhedra, and spheres. [5] A method for analyzing a cargo item by irradiation with ionizing radiation, comprising the steps: - Providing a freight item with at least one closable opening sealed with an X-ray seal according to one of claims 1 to 4, - Creating and saving a first X-ray image of the cargo, - Identifying the structural elements of the marking device, and - Analyzing the structural elements for a seal break in the structure of the structural elements that was caused by opening the opening of the cargo piece. [6] The method of claim 5, further comprising: - Creating a database entry in a database that includes the X-ray image. [7] A method for analyzing a cargo item by irradiation with ionizing radiation, comprising the steps of: - Providing a freight item with at least one closable opening sealed with an X-ray seal according to one of claims 1 to 4, and an X-ray marker that has been introduced or applied into the freight item, wherein the X-ray marker has a contrast structure with at least two structural areas and the structural areas have different absorption coefficients for X-ray radiation or different material thicknesses, wherein in a two-dimensional X-ray image of the X-ray marker, different contrasts can be generated by the structural areas, and wherein the contrast structure contains readable coded information about the freight item - Creating and saving a first X-ray image of the cargo, - Analyzing the structural elements for a seal break in the structure of the structural elements that was caused by opening the opening of the cargo piece.

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