Opening for mobile backscatter system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SMITHS DETECTION FRANCE SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-15
AI Technical Summary
Conventional mobile backscatter detection systems for ionizing radiation face attenuation issues due to the casing obstructing the radiation path, leading to reduced quality of backscatter images during cargo inspection.
The mobile backscatter detection system is designed with a casing that opens at the level of both the source and detector during inspection mode, allowing ionizing radiation to be unhindered from the source to the cargo and backscattered radiation to reach the detector without obstruction, enhancing the mean energy and quality of the backscatter image.
This configuration results in a significant enhancement of the mean energy of detected backscattered radiation, improving the quality of cargo images and detectability while protecting the system during transport.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024065752_19122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] OPENING FOR MOBILE BACKSCATTER SYSTEM
[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The disclosure relates to a system for detecting ionizing radiation which is backscattered by cargo to be inspected, the system being mobile between inspection sites where inspections of the cargo need to take place.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0005] Some systems detect ionizing radiation which is backscattered by cargo to be inspected. There are mobile backscatter detection systems placed inside a body of a vehicle, such as a trailer or a motor vehicle, both for transport of the system and for protection of the system, such that the system can be transported between inspection sites.
[0006] SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] Aspects of the invention are recited in the independent claims and preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.
[0008] These and other aspects, embodiments and examples of the disclosure are also described herein.
[0009] PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] Embodiments and examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] Figure 1A is a top view which schematically represents a first example system of the disclosure;
[0012] Figure 1 B is a side view of the first example system of Figure 1A;
[0013] Figure 2A is a top view which schematically represents a second example system of the disclosure, in an inspection mode;
[0014] Figure 2B is a side view of the second example system of Figure 2A, in a transportation mode;
[0015] Figures 3A and 3B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, which schematically represent a third example system of the disclosure, in an inspection mode; Figures 3C and 3D are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of the third example system of respective Figures 3A and 3B, in a transportation mode; and
[0016] Figure 4 schematically represents an example method of the disclosure.
[0017] In the disclosure, similar components or elements bear the same numerical references.
[0018] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Overview
[0020] The present disclosure relates to a mobile backscatter detection system. The system comprises a source of ionizing radiation for irradiating cargo to inspect and at least one detector for detecting radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo. The source and the detector are placed in a same casing, the casing being mounted on a vehicle for transport of the system. The casing may be transported between cargo inspection sites, using the vehicle. In a first mode of operation, the mobile backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between the inspection sites. After the mobile backscatter detection system has arrived at a desired inspection site, in a second mode of operation, the backscatter detection system is configured to operate to inspect the cargo at the desired inspection site. The second mode of operation may involve mutual movement of the cargo and the inspection system, for inspection of the cargo.
[0021] In the disclosure, a mean energy of backscattered radiation detected by the at least one detector is enhanced compared to conventional mobile backscatter detection systems, such that quality of a backscatter image of the cargo is enhanced.
[0022] In the disclosure, in a first technique, the mean energy of the radiation irradiating the cargo is raised because, in the inspection mode, the casing is open at the level of the source, such that the ionizing radiation is unhindered by the casing, from the source to the cargo. The fact that the ionizing radiation is unhindered means that the ionizing radiation is unobstructed by the casing in an area of the system facing the cargo, and the ionizing radiation is totally uninterrupted by the casing, that is the ionizing radiation does not intersect or cross the casing, from the source to the cargo.
[0023] In the first technique, the radiation irradiating the cargo having a greater mean energy, the radiation backscattered by the cargo has also a greater mean energy, which is then detected by the at least one detector, such that quality of a backscatter image of the cargo is enhanced.
[0024] Alternatively or additionally, in the disclosure, in a second technique, a mean energy of backscattered radiation detected by the at least one detector in enhanced because, in the inspection mode, the casing is open at the level of the at least one detector, such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo is unhindered by the casing in the area of the system facing the cargo, and the backscattered radiation does not intersect or cross the casing, from the cargo to the at least one detector. Cargo backscatter image quality may be further enhanced.
[0025] Detailed description
[0026] Figures 1A and 1 B schematically represent a first example system of the disclosure.
[0027] In Figures 1A and 1 B, a backscatter detection system 1 mainly comprises a source 2 of ionizing radiation 20 for irradiating cargo 3 to inspect; at least one detector 4 for detecting radiation 30 backscattered by the inspected cargo 3; and a casing 5 configured to contain the source 2 and the at least one detector 4.
[0028] The backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be mobile between inspection sites where inspections of the cargo 3 take place. To that effect, the backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle, such as a trailer or a motor vehicle. In non-limiting examples the motor vehicle can be a car, a van, a lorry, or a train.
[0029] In the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, the backscatter detection system 1 is mounted on a trailer 6, which can be removably towed by a truck 7 (or tractor), the truck 7 and the trailer 6 on which the system 1 is mounted being configured to be separated or attached to each other as desired by an operator of the system 1 .
[0030] The backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be operated in at least two modes comprising: an inspection mode, wherein the backscatter detection system 1 is configured to operate to inspect the cargo at an inspection site, after the system 1 has arrived at the inspection site; and a transportation mode, wherein the backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be transported between inspection sites.
[0031] In the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, the source 2 and the at least one detector 4 being contained in the casing 5, in the transportation mode, the backscatter detection system 1 can be transported between inspection sites and thus relocated quickly from one place to another (for example from one border checkpoint to another). In the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, after the system 1 has arrived at the inspection site, in the inspection mode, the backscatter detection system 1 is movable with respect to the cargo 3. In the inspection mode, the backscatter detection system 1 may remain static with respect to the ground and the cargo 3 may be moved with respect to the ground in an inspection direction. The above mode of operation in the inspection mode is sometimes referred to as a “pass-through” mode of operation. Alternatively, in the inspection mode, the cargo 3 may remain static with respect to the ground and the backscatter detection system 1 may be moved with respect to the ground in the inspection direction, e.g. using the vehicle on which the system 1 is mounted or using an ancillary device to move the system 1. This mode of operation is sometimes referred to as a “mobile” mode of operation.
[0032] In the inspection mode, the source 2 generates a pencil beam of ionizing radiation 20 which irradiates the cargo 3. To that effect, the source may comprise a tube (not shown in the figures) configured to generate ionizing radiation and a chopper wheel (not shown in the figures) comprising holes drilled in the wheel and surrounding the tube, the chopper wheel being configured to rotate around the tube. The chopper wheel is thus configured to form a rotating collimator of the ionizing radiation 20. Each of the drilled holes is configured to allow a pencil beam of ionizing radiation to irradiate the cargo 3. In some non-limiting examples, the tube of the source 2 may use a voltage of around 225 kV (the system may be plugged to the network mains and / or the system may further comprise a generator).
[0033] It should be understood that other devices to generate the ionizing radiation may be envisaged.
[0034] In the disclosure, the backscatter detection system 1 is further configured such that, in the inspection mode, the casing 5 is open in front of the source 2, such that the ionizing radiation 20 does not cross the casing 5 in an area of the system 1 facing the cargo 3. In other words, the ionizing radiation 20 does not intersect the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo 3 during an inspection.
[0035] The fact that the casing 5 is open and that the ionizing radiation 20 is unhindered by the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo 3, allows the beam of ionizing radiation 20 to be unattenuated or affected by any crossing of the casing 5. The mean energy of the beam of radiation 20 is thus greater than a mean energy of conventional devices where the radiation has to cross the body of the vehicle in which the system is embedded to reach the cargo.
[0036] In the present disclosure, the beam of radiation 20 irradiating the cargo 3 having a greater mean energy, the radiation 30 backscattered by the cargo has also a greater mean energy compared to that in conventional devices. The greater mean energy is detected by the at least one detector 4.
[0037] The backscatter detection system 1 of the disclosure enables obtaining images of the cargo 3 of a greater quality and a greater detectability for a given power of the source 2.
[0038] In the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, the casing 5 comprises an opening 50 in front of the source 2, such that the ionizing radiation 20 is unhindered by the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo 3. In the Figures 1A and 1 B, the opening 50 is open both in the inspection mode and in the transportation mode.
[0039] In the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, the radiation 30 which is backscattered by the cargo 3 crosses the casing 5 before being detected by the detector 4.
[0040] Figures 2A and 2B schematically represent a second example system 1 of the disclosure.
[0041] The backscatter detection system 1 of Figures 2A and 2B comprises the same main components as the backscatter detection system 1 of Figures 1A and 1 B, and the components common or identical to that of Figures 1A and 1 B are not described again, for the sake of clarity.
[0042] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the backscatter detection system 1 is mounted on a motor vehicle 8, such as mounted on a frame of a truck or a van.
[0043] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, similarly to the example of Figures 1A and 1 B, in the inspection mode, the casing is open in front of the source 2, such that the ionizing radiation is unhindered by the casing, from the source 2 to the cargo 3. In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the casing 5 comprises the opening 50 in front of the source 2, such that the ionizing radiation 20 is unhindered by the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo 3.
[0044] However, in the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the backscatter detection system 1 is further configured such that, in the transportation mode, the casing 5 is closed in front of the source 2, such that the ionizing radiation source 2 is protected e.g., from projections which could provoke damage to the source 2 of the system 1 , during transport. The casing 5 may also be closed in front of the source 2 in a mode where the system 1 is simply off (e.g., not necessarily in the transportation mode but not in the inspection mode), such that the ionizing radiation source 2 is protected, e.g. from view or damage by third parties.
[0045] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the casing 5 comprises at least one cover 9 configured to open the casing 5 at least in front of the source 2, in the inspection mode. In Figures 2A and 2B, the backscatter detection system 1 comprises one cover 9. In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the cover 9 comprises one door 9 which is configured to slide along rails of the casing 5.
[0046] In the example illustrated in Figure 2A, the cover 9 opens the opening 50 in the inspection mode. In the inspection mode represented in Figure 2A, the radiation 30 which is backscattered by the cargo 3 crosses the casing 5 before being detected by the detector 4.
[0047] In the example illustrated in Figure 2B, the cover 9 is also configured to close the casing 5 at least in front of the at least one detector 4, in the transportation mode. In the closed configuration, the cover 9 protects the face of the at least one detector 4 configured to face the cargo 3 e.g., from projections which could provoke damage to the face of the at least one detector 4 configured to face the cargo 3 during transport. The cover 9 may also be closed in front of the at least one detector 4 in a mode where the system 1 is simply off (e.g., not necessarily in the transportation mode but not in the inspection mode), such that the face of the at least one detector 4 configured to face the cargo 3 is protected, e.g., from view or damage by third parties. In the example illustrated in Figure 2B, the cover 9 is further configured to close the casing 5 in front of the source 2, in the transportation mode. In the example illustrated in Figure 2B, the source 2 does not generate radiation in the transport mode or when the cover 9 closes the opening 50.
[0048] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D schematically represent a third example system of the disclosure.
[0049] The backscatter detection system 1 of Figure 3 comprises the same components as the backscatter detection system 1 of Figures 1A and 1 B or of Figures 2A and 2B, and the components which are common or identical are not described again, for the sake of clarity.
[0050] In the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle (not represented), such a motor vehicle or a trailer.
[0051] In the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, similarly to the system of Figures 1A, 1 B, 2A and 2B, the backscatter detection system 1 is configured such that, in the inspection mode, the casing 5 is open in front of the source (not represented), such that the ionizing radiation does not cross or intersect the casing, and the ionizing radiation is unhindered by the casing 5 in the area of the system facing the cargo, from the source to the cargo (not represented). However, in the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, in the inspection mode, the casing 5 is also open in front of the at least one detector 4, such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo is also unhindered by the casing 5, from the cargo to the at least one detector 4.
[0052] The facts that the casing 5 is open in front of both the source and the detectors 4 and that radiation is unhindered by the casing 5 both from the source to the cargo and from the cargo to the detectors, allow both the ionizing radiation and the backscatter radiation to be unattenuated or affected by any crossing of the casing 5 during an inspection. The mean energy of the radiation which is detected by the detectors is thus even greater than a mean energy in devices where the radiation crosses the body of the vehicle to reach the detectors. It is for example estimated that the backscatter detection system 1 of Figure 3 has a detected mean energy at least 30% greater than that in conventional devices.
[0053] The fact that the casing 5 is open in front of the at least one detector 4 in the inspection mode also avoids the backscattered radiation hitting reinforcements or inhomogeneities in the walls of the casing 5, thus avoiding generations of artefacts in the images of the cargo.
[0054] In the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the casing 5 comprises an opening 50 in front of the source 2 and in front of the at least one detector 4 such that, in the inspection mode, the ionizing radiation 20 is unhindered by the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo, and such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo is unhindered by the casing 5, from the cargo to the at least one detector 4.
[0055] In the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the backscatter detection system 1 comprises 16 backscatter detectors 4, 8 backscatter detectors being symmetrically located on each side of a plane of propagation of the ionizing radiation, to face the cargo to be inspected. Other numbers of detectors are envisaged.
[0056] In the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the casing 5 comprises at least one cover 9 configured to open the casing 5 in front of the source and of the detectors 4, in the inspection mode. In the example illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the cover 9 opens the opening 50 in the inspection mode.
[0057] In the example illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, the backscatter detection system 1 is further configured such that, in the transportation mode, the casing 5 is closed in front of the source and in front of the at least one detector 4.
[0058] In Figures 3C and 3D, the cover 9 comprises one roller blind 90 configured to roll along rails of the casing 5.
[0059] In the example of Figures 3C and 3D, the cover 9 is configured to close the casing 5 at least in front of the at least one detector and in front of the source, in the transportation mode.
[0060] In some examples, the backscatter detection system may comprise a controller (not shown in the figures) configured to control the opening and closing of the at least one cover.
[0061] In some examples, the backscatter detection system may comprise a check module (not shown in the figures) configured to check whether the casing is open in front of the source and to prevent the source of ionizing radiation from emitting radiation if the casing 5 is not open. In some examples, the check module is further configured to communicate with the controller (when present) to ensure that the controller opens the at least one cover 9 in the inspection mode.
[0062] Figure 4 represents an example method 100 of the disclosure, for operating a backscatter detection system.
[0063] The method 100 mainly comprises providing, at S1 , a mobile backscatter detection system at an inspection site where inspection of cargo has to take place. The mobile backscatter detection system may be a system according to any aspect of the present disclosure.
[0064] The method 100 further comprises opening, at S2, the casing, in the inspection mode, such that at least one of the ionizing radiation and the backscattered radiation does not substantially cross the casing, in an area of the system facing the cargo.
[0065] The method 100 may further comprise opening, at S3, the casing in front of the at least one detector, in the inspection mode, such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo does not substantially cross the casing and is substantially unhindered by the casing, from the cargo to the at least one detector.
[0066] The method 100, may further comprise opening, at S4, in the inspection mode, the casing in front of the source, such that the ionizing radiation does not substantially cross the casing and is unhindered by the casing, from the source to the cargo.
[0067] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the cover 9 comprises only one door 90. It should be understood that a cover according to the disclosure may comprise a plurality of doors, such as two sliding doors. Similarly, in the example of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the cover 9 comprises only one roller blind 90. It should be understood that a cover according to the disclosure may comprise a plurality of roller blinds.
[0068] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the cover 9 comprises a sliding door. It should be understood that a cover according to the disclosure may comprise one or more doors configured to pivot around hinges and / or pivots of the casing.
[0069] It should be understood that the check module and the controller may be present in any of the examples described in conjunction with Figures 2A, 2B and Figure 3B.
[0070] A controller has been described but, alternatively or additionally, manual operation of the cover by the operator of the system is also envisaged. Similarly, any direction of opening and / or closure of the cover is envisaged in the disclosure, such as in any direction along a substantially horizontal direction or any direction along a substantially vertical direction.
[0071] In the examples of the figures of the disclosure, the ionizing radiation 20 does not intersect at all the casing 5, from the source 2 to the cargo 3, in the inspection mode. Similarly, in the example of Figures 3A and 3B of the disclosure, the backscattered radiation 30 also does not intersect at all the casing 5, from the cargo 3 to the at least one detector 4 in the inspection mode. However, it should be understood that slight variants of the cases described above, where the ionizing radiation and / or the backscattered radiation may cross the casing in very small areas, in the inspection mode, may be envisaged, but, in accordance with the disclosure, in those cases the slight crossing described above does not substantially affect the ionizing radiation from the source on its way to the cargo and / or the backscattered radiation from the cargo to the at least one detector, such that the mean energy of the ionizing radiation or of the backscattered radiation is not altered or affected by the casing on a very large majority of the area of the system facing the cargo.
[0072] The backscatter detection system according to the disclosure may be used on its own or in combination with a transmission scanner for high energy radioscopic imaging. In some examples the transmission scanner may be mounted on the same vehicle as the backscatter detection system. In such a case, the backscatter detection system enables to provide a complementary functionality to the high energy radioscopic imaging.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A backscatter detection system configured to be mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a source of ionizing radiation for irradiating cargo to inspect; at least one detector for detecting radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo; and a casing configured to contain the source and the at least one detector, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be mobile between inspection sites where inspections of the cargo take place, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be operated in at least two modes comprising: an inspection mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to operate to inspect the cargo at an inspection site; and a transportation mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between inspection sites, wherein the backscatter detection system is further configured such that, in the inspection mode, the casing is open, such that at least one of the ionizing radiation and the backscattered radiation does not substantially cross the casing, in an area of the system facing the cargo.
2. The backscatter detection system of claim 1 , wherein the backscatter detection system is further configured such that, in the transportation mode, the casing is closed in front of the source.
3. The backscatter detection system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the backscatter detection system is further configured such that, in the inspection mode, the casing is open in front of the source, such that the ionizing radiation does not substantially cross the casing and is unhindered by the casing, from the source to the cargo, and / or wherein the backscatter detection system is further configured such that, in the inspection mode, the casing is open in front of the at least one detector, such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo is does not substantially cross and is unhindered by the casing, from the cargo to the at least one detector.
4. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the backscatter detection system is further configured such that, in the transportation mode, the casing is closed in front of the at least one detector.
5. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a check module configured to check whether the casing is open at the level of the source and to prevent the source of ionizing radiation from emitting radiation if the casing is not open.
6. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the casing comprises at least one cover configured to open the casing at least in front of the source, in the inspection mode.
7. The backscatter detection system of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one cover is further configured to open the casing at least in front of the at least one detector, in the inspection mode.
8. The backscatter detection system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at least one cover comprises at least one door which is configured to slide along rails of the casing and / or pivot around hinges and / or pivots of the casing.
9. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one cover comprises at least one roller blind configured to roll along rails of the casing.
10. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a controller configured to control the opening and closing of the at least one cover.11 . The backscatter detection system of the preceding claim when dependent on claim 5, wherein the check module is further configured to communicate with the controller to ensure that the controller opens the at least one cover in the inspection mode.
12. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, such as a trailer or a motor vehicle.
13. A method of operating a backscatter detection system, the method comprising: providing a mobile backscatter detection system at an inspection site where inspection of cargo has to take place, the backscatter detection system comprising a source of ionizing radiation for irradiating cargo to inspect, at least one detector for detecting radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo, and a casing configured to contain the source and the at least one detector, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be operated in at least two modes comprising: an inspection mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to operate to inspect the cargo at an inspection site, and a transportation mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between inspection sites; and opening the casing, in the inspection mode, such that at least one of the ionizing radiation and the backscattered radiation does not substantially cross the casing, in an area of the system facing the cargo.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising opening the casing at the level of the at least one detector, in the inspection mode, such that the radiation backscattered by the inspected cargo does not substantially cross the casing and is substantially unhindered by the casing, from the cargo to the at least one detector.
15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising opening, in the inspection mode, the casing in front of the source, such that the ionizing radiation does not substantially cross the casing and is unhindered by the casing, from the source to the cargo.