Object inspection system and object inspection method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of object inspection, the field of radiation scanning, the field of security inspection or other fields. Provided are an object inspection system. The system comprises: a conveying apparatus, which comprises a first conveying mechanism and a third conveying mechanism for conveying an object; a ray scanning apparatus, which comprises a second conveying mechanism configured to convey the object from the first conveying mechanism to a ray scanning area and convey the object to the third conveying mechanism; and a control apparatus, which is in communication connection with the conveying apparatus and the ray scanning apparatus, wherein the conveying apparatus, the ray scanning apparatus and the control apparatus use a unified communication protocol, and the conveying apparatus is configured to control the operation of the second conveying mechanism by means of the control apparatus. Further provided in the present disclosure are an object inspection method.

Description

Object inspection system and object inspection method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311649344.0, filed on December 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of object inspection, radiation scanning, security inspection or other fields, and more particularly, to an object inspection system and an object inspection method. Background Art

[0003] As the scale of logistics, security inspection, and express delivery grows, the demand for faster object inspection speeds is increasing. For example, currently, most air logistics operations rely on manual parcel scanning. This involves placing a package onto a security inspection machine, pressing the forward button, and then waiting for the image recognition result. If the result indicates a potential inspection error, the package must be removed from the machine by pressing the reverse button. Some facilities have also undergone automated retrofits, primarily using transport devices to transport packages to the security inspection machine for scanning.

[0004] In the process of realizing the inventive concept of the present disclosure, the inventors discovered that the entire relevant object inspection system includes devices from various manufacturers. For example, the transportation device and the security inspection machine belong to different manufacturers, and it is necessary to increase the interconnection interface between different systems, which affects the project cycle and cost, and will indirectly affect user fees. Maintenance and upgrades are relatively cumbersome. In addition, during the inspection process, the operation of the transportation device and the security inspection machine may affect each other, resulting in the inability to accurately track and efficiently inspect objects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an object inspection system and an object inspection method.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an object inspection system, comprising: a transport device, including a first transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism for transporting objects; a radiation scanning device, including a second transport mechanism, configured to transport objects from the first transport mechanism to a radiation scanning area, and transport the objects to the third transport mechanism; a control device, communicatively connected to the transport device and the radiation scanning device; wherein the transport device, the radiation scanning device and the control device adopt a unified communication protocol, and the transport device is configured to control the operation of the second transport mechanism through the control device.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it also includes: an image judgment device, which adopts the unified communication protocol to communicate with at least the ray scanning device, and the image judgment device is configured to obtain a scanned image obtained by the ray scanning device scanning the object, and obtain an image judgment conclusion of the scanned image.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport device is configured to generate a first identification for the object, and when the object triggers a second trigger mechanism on the ray scanning device, send the first identification to the ray scanning device, wherein the second trigger mechanism is located between the first beam and the second beam of radiation of the ray scanning device; the ray scanning device is configured to send the first identification and the scanned image of the object to the image judgment device.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it also includes: an identification device, which is placed on the path of the first transportation mechanism transporting the object, and adopts the unified communication protocol to communicate with at least the transportation device; the identification device is configured to scan the label of the object passing through its identification area to generate a second identifier, and send the second identifier to the transportation device, and the second identifier is used to record the object.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport device is configured to send the first identification and the second identification of the object to the ray scanning device; the ray scanning device is configured to send the first identification, the second identification and the scanned image of the object to the image judgment device.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device is communicatively connected with the recognition device and the image judgment device, and the control device is configured to: receive status information of each device among the transportation device, the ray scanning device and the recognition device, and send the status information to the image judgment device for processing, and the status information indicates the operating status of the corresponding device.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport device also includes a sorting machine connected to the third transport mechanism, and the transport device is configured to obtain the first identification and image judgment conclusion of the object, and control the sorting machine to sort the object based on the first identification and image judgment conclusion of the object.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport device further includes at least one sorting branch connected to the sorting machine, a sixth trigger mechanism is provided on the third transport mechanism, and a seventh trigger mechanism is provided on each sorting branch. The control device is configured to verify the sorting result based on the time difference between when the object successively triggers the sixth trigger mechanism and the seventh trigger mechanism of the target sorting branch. The target sorting branch is determined based on the first identifier of the object and the image recognition conclusion.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device is configured to control the sorting machine to stop running when the time difference exceeds a preset threshold.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting branch is configured to transport the object thereon to a designated location, and the control device is configured to control the non-target sorting branch to stop transporting when the object triggers the seventh triggering mechanism of the non-target sorting branch.

[0016] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an object inspection method for an object inspection system as described in any one of the above items, the method comprising: causing a transport device to transport an object, wherein the transport device comprises a first transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism for transporting the object; causing a second transport mechanism in a radiation scanning device to transport the object from the first transport mechanism to a radiation scanning area, and transporting the object to the third transport mechanism; and causing the transport device to control the operation of the second transport mechanism through a control device, wherein the control device is communicatively connected to the transport device and the radiation scanning device, and the transport device, the radiation scanning device and the control device adopt a unified communication protocol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above contents and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG1 schematically shows an application scenario diagram of an object inspection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG2 schematically shows a structural diagram of a sorting area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG3 schematically shows a flow chart of an object inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG4 schematically shows an overall structural diagram of an object inspection system in the related art;

[0022] FIG5 schematically shows an example of a rewind diagram of an object inspection system in the related art;

[0023] FIG6 schematically shows a partial structural diagram of an object inspection system according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG7 schematically shows a structural diagram of an overall object inspection system according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG8 schematically shows a flow chart of an object tracking method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG9 schematically shows a logic channel diagram for implementing an object tracking method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The figure marks involved in the above drawings are as follows: 100, object inspection system; 110, transportation device; 111, first transportation mechanism; 1111, first trigger mechanism; 112, third transportation mechanism; 1121, third trigger mechanism; 1122, fourth trigger mechanism; 1123, fifth trigger mechanism; 1124, sixth trigger mechanism; 113, sorting machine; 114, release branch; 1141, seventh trigger mechanism A; 115, inspection branch; 1151, seventh trigger mechanism B; 120, X-ray scanning device; 121, second trigger mechanism; 130, control device; 140, identification device; 150, image judgment device; 200, object; 201, luggage.

[0028] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, in the drawings used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sizes of the overall / local structures or overall / local areas may be enlarged or reduced, that is, these drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details. In addition, in the following description, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessary confusion of the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the technical terms involved in some embodiments are first explained as follows:

[0031] XIS: X-ray Inspection System, X-ray inspection system;

[0032] BHS: Baggage Handling System;

[0033] ATR: Automatic Target Recognition, automatic target recognition;

[0034] BPH: Bags per Hour, bags per hour.

[0035] In related technologies, manual labor is no longer sufficient to meet the large-scale inspection needs of logistics, security inspections, and express delivery. Although there are plans to transform the system through technologies such as automatic code scanning, package tracking, automatic sorting, and centralized image recognition, while the object inspection pass rate has indeed increased significantly compared to manual methods after the system transformation, many problems still exist. For example, the security inspection machine, automatic code scanning system, package tracking and sorting system, and centralized image recognition system are provided by different manufacturers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the interconnection interfaces between different systems, which will affect the project cycle and cost, and indirectly affect user fees. The impact on maintenance work will lead to difficult situations in the definition of responsibilities. The impact on subsequent system upgrades will increase the scope of responsible parties and require coordination with multiple relevant parties.

[0036] Furthermore, the transporter needs to stop if image analysis time is insufficient, an object anomaly occurs, or if various devices experience operational anomalies. For example, due to limited space in airport cargo terminals, the security inspection machine is often not far enough from the sorting facility behind it, leaving the inspectors with insufficient time to analyze the images. To extend the inspector's time, the transporter must be temporarily stopped, allowing the package to rest in front of the sorting machine pending analysis. This halt in the transporter signals the security inspection machine to stop. If the security inspection machine is currently scanning an image, it must rewind the image to ensure the integrity of the scanned image. However, timely data transmission between the transporter and the inspection machine to determine the object's status is impossible. In the entire tracking system of the line and inspection machine, the rewind disturbance caused by the inspection machine will affect the transporter's package tracking success rate.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an integrated object inspection system is provided, in which a transport device, a radiation scanning device, and a control device are connected by a unified communication protocol to realize an integrated solution, and the transport device is configured to control the operation of a second transport mechanism through a control device to realize unified transport control of the object during the inspection process, thereby eliminating the need to increase interconnection interfaces between different systems, improving the convenience of maintenance and upgrading, and avoiding the mutual influence between the transport device and the radiation scanning device to achieve the effect of accurate tracking and efficient inspection.

[0038] For example, during the transportation and tracking of objects, the start and stop of the second transport mechanism is controlled by the transport device. The second transport mechanism is regarded as part of the line body. When the puzzle needs to be rewound, the transport device controls the rewinding without mutual interference, thereby achieving precise tracking and improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an application scenario of an object inspection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely an example of an application of the present disclosure to help those skilled in the art understand the technical content of the present disclosure, and does not imply that the present disclosure cannot be applied to other devices, systems, or other environments and scenarios.

[0040] As shown in FIG1 , the object inspection system 100 according to this embodiment includes a transport device 110 and a security inspection machine. The security inspection machine includes a radiation scanning device 120 and a control device 130. The transport device 110 includes a first transport mechanism 111 and a third transport mechanism 112 for transporting an object 200; the radiation scanning device 120 includes a second transport mechanism (not shown in the figure) configured to transport the object 200 from the first transport mechanism 111 to a radiation scanning area (not shown in the figure) and to transport the object 200 to the third transport mechanism 112; the control device 130 is communicatively connected with the transport device 110 and the radiation scanning device 120; wherein the transport device 110, the radiation scanning device 120 and the control device 130 adopt a unified communication protocol, and the transport device 110 is configured to control the operation of the second transport mechanism through the control device 130.

[0041] For example, any of the first, second, and third transport mechanisms 111, 112 can be in the form of a conveyor belt, conveyor rollers, or tracks. For example, the conveyor rollers can include a motorized roller and multiple driven rollers. The motorized rollers can be driven by a servo motor, and the rollers can be connected by belts. The first, second, and third transport mechanisms 111, 112 can all transport objects 200 and / or pallets for inspection. As shown in Figure 1, objects 200 can be moved from the entrance of the first transport mechanism 111 along the dashed arrows, passing through the X-ray scanning device 120 to the sorter 113, where they are sorted into various sorting branches.

[0042] By way of example, the security inspection machine may include a control device 130, a housing, a radiation scanning device 120, and a second transport mechanism. The housing forms a housing for housing and protecting the various functional components within. An inspection channel is provided within the housing, and a second transport mechanism, such as a belt conveyor, is located within the inspection channel. A security inspection entrance and exit are provided at opposite ends of the housing, connecting the two ends of the second transport mechanism. The radiation scanning device 120 is located within the inspection channel, emitting an X-ray beam to image the object 200 to be inspected within the radiation scanning area.

[0043] For example, the ray scanning device 120 may include one or more ray sources, which are suitable for generating an X-ray beam. The ray scanning device 120 may also include a detector. The ray source emits rays toward the object 200, and the detector detects the rays after interacting with the object 200, thereby completing the inspection of the object 200. For example, an X-ray source emits rays toward the object 200 being conveyed on the inspection channel, and the detector detects the rays after passing through the object 200 to obtain a scanned image. For another example, multiple ray sources may emit X-rays toward the object 200 from multiple angles in a time-sharing manner, and detect the rays that pass through the object 200 each time, and form a scanned image of the object 200 by processing the detection signals.

[0044] In some embodiments, the control device 130 can be implemented by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The control device 130 is connected to the transport device 110 and the X-ray scanning device 120 through a network. The network is used to provide a medium for the communication link, which can include various connection types, such as wired or wireless communication links or fiber optic cables, etc. PPI communication protocol, MPI (multipoint interface) communication protocol, Profinet communication protocol, etc. can be used as a unified communication protocol. The programmable controller is composed of functional units such as a CPU, instruction and data memory, input / output interface, power supply, digital-to-analog conversion, etc. It has powerful logical operation functions and can better adapt to industrial control environments. In other embodiments, a microprocessor, a computer or a server can also be used as the control device 130.

[0045] In some embodiments, the control device 130 can issue control instructions to the transport device 110 and the radiation scanning device 120, such as controlling the start and stop of each transport mechanism, transport speed, and radiation emission and reception. For example, the transport device 110 and the radiation scanning device 120 can be equipped with a number of trigger mechanisms, such as light barriers, to track the object 200. When the object 200 reaches the light barrier, the photoelectric sensors included in the light barrier are triggered and send a trigger signal to the control device 130. After receiving the trigger signal from the corresponding light barrier, the control device 130 records the current position of the object 200. It should be noted that the trigger signal can be sent to the control device 130 directly or indirectly. Indirect means that it is first collected by the control module on the transport device 110 and then sent to the control device 130 by the control module.

[0046] Exemplarily, the object 200 may include a vehicle, a container, luggage 201 or other items in a security inspection scenario, or various materials in a material analysis scenario.

[0047] In the related art, during actual freight terminal automation renovations, security inspection machine manufacturers and line manufacturers often disagree on whether the security inspection machine should rewind and rewind the tape. Security inspection machine manufacturers, concerned about the integrity of the package scan image, require the security inspection machine to rewind and rewind the tape when it stops, while line manufacturers, concerned about package tracking stability, prefer that the security inspection machine avoid rewinding, creating a difficult compromise. The solution currently adopted by most sites is to eliminate the rewind function for the security inspection machine and treat incomplete images caused by stopping the tape as if they were being inspected. However, this isn't a perfect solution. For sites with limited space and frequent stops, a certain percentage of packages may be thrown to the inspection side.

[0048] In some embodiments, for example, the transport device 110 can send control requests to the control device 130 to control the operation of the second transport mechanism, including starting, stopping, accelerating, and decelerating. This integrated design enables integrated control of the transport device 110 and the security inspection machine's transport mechanism (i.e., the second transport mechanism), coordinating the transport operations of the object 200 between the two and reducing pauses and delays when the two transfer the object 200. Regarding tracking the object 200, the integrated design enables continuous positioning of the object 200, precisely controlling the transport path and speed of the object 200, and reducing position misjudgments.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated object inspection system 100 is provided, in which a transport device 110, a ray scanning device 120 and a control device 130 are communicatively connected using a unified communication protocol to realize an integrated solution, and the transport device 110 is configured to control the operation of a second transport mechanism through the control device 130 to realize unified transport control of the object 200 during the inspection process, thereby eliminating the need to increase interconnection interfaces between different systems, improving the convenience of maintenance and upgrading, and avoiding the mutual influence between the transport device 110 and the ray scanning device 120 to achieve the effects of accurate tracking and efficient inspection.

[0050] In some embodiments, the object inspection system 100 further includes an image judgment device 150, which uses a unified communication protocol to communicate with at least the X-ray scanning device 120. The image judgment device 150 is configured to obtain a scanned image obtained by the X-ray scanning device 120 when scanning the object 200, and obtain an image judgment conclusion of the scanned image.

[0051] For example, during security checks in public places such as highways, train stations, and airports, the X-ray scanning device 120 obtains a scanned image of the luggage 201 in the X-ray scanning area. The X-ray scanning device 120 can then directly send the scanned image to the image interpretation device 150, or the scanned image can be obtained by the control device 130 and then sent to the image interpretation device 150. The image interpretation device 150 can then be assigned to a security inspector for image interpretation. The image interpreter interprets the X-ray image based on the X-ray image itself and their personal experience, and provides an interpretation conclusion. The image interpretation device 150 can also call on an automatic image interpretation system to identify the scanned image and automatically draw an image interpretation conclusion. The image interpretation conclusion includes whether contraband is contained. The image interpretation device 150 can display the scanned image information and the image interpretation conclusion.

[0052] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the image judgment device 150 uses a unified communication protocol with the control device 130, the transportation device 110 and the X-ray scanning device 120 to achieve unified interface and protocol standardization between the various devices, reduce compatibility issues in communication between the various devices, and improve the speed and completeness of the information obtained by the image judgment device 150.

[0053] In some embodiments, the object inspection system 100 further includes an identification device 140, which is placed on a path where the first transport mechanism 111 transports the object 200, and is communicatively connected to at least the transport device 110 using a unified communication protocol; the identification device 140 is configured to scan a label of an object 200 passing through its identification area to generate a second identifier, and send the second identifier to the transport device 110, where the second identifier is used to record the object 200.

[0054] For example, if a barcode or QR code label is attached to the object 200, the recognition device 140 can generate a second identifier by scanning the label and transmit it to the transport device 110 so that it can track and record the identified object. The transport device 110 can transmit the information directly to the transport device 110 or to the control device 130, which will record and process the data based on the second identifier and generate corresponding control instructions for the transport device 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 is configured to generate a first identification for the object 200, and to send the first identification to the radiation scanning device 120 when the object 200 triggers the second trigger mechanism 121 on the radiation scanning device 120, wherein the second trigger mechanism 121 is located between the first radiation beam and the second radiation beam of the radiation scanning device 120; the radiation scanning device 120 is configured to send the first identification and the scanned image of the object 200 to the image judgment device 150.

[0056] For example, the second trigger mechanism 121 includes a photoelectric beam sensor having a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits red light or infrared light, and the receiver receives the red light or infrared light. When an object 200 passes by, the red light or infrared light is cut off. In this embodiment, the radiation scanning device 120 can directly send the first identifier and scanned image of the object 200 to the image judgment device 150, or the control device 130 can receive the first identifier instead of the radiation scanning device 120, obtain the scanned image, and then send it to the image judgment device 150. The first identifier is used by the object inspection system 100 itself, such as the transport device 110 or the control device 130, to track the object 200, and the second identifier is used to record the tracking and transportation status of the object 200 at the inspection site.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the second trigger mechanism 121 is selected to enable the transport device 110 and the ray scanning device 120 to exchange information, thereby avoiding inaccurate tracking during rewinding.

[0058] In some embodiments, after receiving the second identifier sent by the recognition device 140, the transport device 110 is configured to send the first identifier and the second identifier of the object 200 to the radiation scanning device 120; the radiation scanning device 120 is configured to send the first identifier, the second identifier, and the scanned image of the object 200 to the image recognition device 150, so that the image recognition device 150 can obtain complete information about the object 200 and display it.

[0059] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 also includes a sorting machine 113 connected to the third transport mechanism 112. The transport device 110 is configured to obtain the first identification and image judgment conclusion of the object 200, and control the sorting machine 113 to sort the object 200 based on the first identification and image judgment conclusion of the object 200.

[0060] For example, a trigger mechanism is provided on the third transport mechanism 112 to track objects. When the object 200 arrives at the sorting machine 113, the image recognition device 150 sends a signal to the control device 130. The control device 130 generates a sorting control instruction based on the first identification of the object 200 and the image recognition conclusion to the transport device 110, thereby driving the sorting machine 113 to perform corresponding sorting operations.

[0061] FIG2 schematically shows a structural diagram of a sorting area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 further includes at least one sorting branch connected to the sorting machine 113, a sixth trigger mechanism 1124 is provided on the third transport mechanism 112, and a seventh trigger mechanism is provided on each sorting branch. The control device 130 is configured to verify the sorting result based on the time difference between the object 200 successively triggering the sixth trigger mechanism 1124 and the seventh trigger mechanism of the target sorting branch. The target sorting branch is determined based on the first identification of the object 200 and the image recognition conclusion.

[0063] 1 and 2 , the object 200 is transported from the third transport mechanism 112 to the sorting machine 113. The sorting machine 113 performs sorting according to the instructions of the control device 130. If the object 200 is safe, it directly enters the release branch 114. If the object 200 is suspicious, it will be transferred to the inspection branch 115 after sorting for further transportation, so that the suspicious object 200 can be unpacked and inspected later.

[0064] For example, during the inspection of baggage 201, after the baggage 201 triggers the light barrier in the sixth trigger mechanism 1124, the control device 130 starts the corresponding timer based on the first and second identifiers of the baggage 201. If the target sorting branch is the release branch 114, the timer stops when the baggage 201 triggers the seventh trigger mechanism A-1141 thereon.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control device 130 is configured to control the sorter 113 to stop running when the time difference exceeds a preset threshold.

[0066] For example, when the sorting machine 113 is sorting the bag 201, if the bag 201 is stuck, stops operating, or makes a sorting error, the bag 201 may be unable to reach the target sorting branch for a long time. If the time difference exceeds a preset threshold (such as 30 seconds, for example), the sorting machine 113 is stopped in time to check the cause.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sorting branch is configured to transport the object 200 thereon to a designated location, and the control device 130 is configured to control the non-target sorting branch to stop transporting when the object 200 triggers the seventh triggering mechanism of the non-target sorting branch.

[0068] For example, if bag 201 is destined for sorting branch 114 but is instead sorted to inspection branch 115, the seventh trigger mechanism B-1151 of inspection branch 115 is triggered. Regardless of whether the time difference is within a preset threshold, inspection branch 115 is stopped from transporting the bag 201, allowing the error to be corrected promptly. Furthermore, sorter 113 can be stopped to prevent baggage accumulation.

[0069] Taking an airport as an example, when a parcel passes through the sorting machine 113, the sorting machine 113 will dispatch the parcel to the inspection branch 115 according to the instructions. If the sorting machine 113 encounters a parcel dispatching anomaly, the inspected parcel may be mistakenly sent to the release branch 114, which is a serious safety issue in the airport cargo system.

[0070] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary verification process is provided before and after parcel sorting to ensure that the parcel enters the correct branch. Referring to Figure 2, parcels entering the sorter 113 are continuously tracked, and light barrier information in the release and inspection directions is used to determine whether they enter the corresponding inspection or release branch 114. If an inspection parcel enters the release branch 114, the system will immediately stop the belt and issue an alarm to prompt security personnel to take appropriate action.

[0071] In combination with the above embodiments and FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , embodiments of each device in the object inspection system 100 and the object inspection process are further described.

[0072] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1 , the transport device 110 may be a BHS, with the first transport mechanism 111 being the entrance BHS. The conveyor mechanism may include two 1-meter-long conveyor belts. These conveyor belts can pull packages to the required package spacing, such as 0.5 meters. Specifically, after detecting an object 200 through a light barrier, the conveyor waits for a specified period before releasing the next object 200, thereby achieving package pulling.

[0073] The identification device 140 may include an ATR automatic barcode scanning system, located at the front end of the XIS and utilizing SICK's AliS system (five-sided scanning), straddling the entrance conveyor belt. It can obtain the parcel barcode information (i.e., the second identifier) ​​and, in response to a request from the XIS (radio scanning device 120), transmit the barcode information via the BHS interface. The BHS directly or indirectly (e.g., via the control device 130) receives the parcel barcode information from the ATR automatic barcode scanning system, tracks the parcel, and transmits the barcode information to the XIS at a fixed location (the location of the second trigger mechanism 121), facilitating the XIS's binding of the parcel image with the parcel barcode information.

[0074] The XIS transmits and scans the package, passes the X-ray image and package barcode information to the remote image interpretation system through the network, and feeds back the package barcode information and image interpretation conclusion to the BHS interface.

[0075] The image judgment device 150 may include a local image judgment system or a remote image judgment system, which is interconnected with the XIS through a network to realize functions such as X-ray image distribution, storage, and remote image judgment.

[0076] The third transport mechanism 112, serving as the export BHS, is located behind the XIS and includes several conveyor belt sections (customized according to site requirements), a 1-meter sorter 113, a curved conveyor section, and a return belt section (illustrative only). It receives packages from the XIS and releases and sorts them based on the image analysis results. Released and inspected packages are continuously tracked to ensure they are routed accordingly.

[0077] In some embodiments, the control device 130 is communicatively connected with the recognition device 140 and the image judgment device 150. The control device 130 is configured to: receive status information of each device in the transportation device 110, the X-ray scanning device 120 and the recognition device 140, and send the status information to the image judgment device 150 for processing. The status information indicates the operating status of the corresponding device.

[0078] For example, the line (including the first transport mechanism 111, the sorter 113, the third transport mechanism 112, and the sorting branch), the security inspection machine, and the image recognition device 150 interact with each other in depth. The display interface of the image recognition device 150 can display information such as the security inspection machine status, package tracking status, package sorting status, and the status of the sorter 113. For example, the display interface of the image recognition device 150 can be used to conduct security inspection queries and equipment management, and display information such as the waybill number, scanned image, current location, image recognition conclusion, image recognition time, sorting result, abnormal sorting processing result, and sorting status for each piece of luggage 201.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by sharing information among the line, security inspection machine and image judging device 150, the image judging device 150 can obtain comprehensive information of the object inspection system 100 and the object 200, and can perform image analysis and equipment management more accurately.

[0080] Based on the above object inspection system 100, some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an object inspection method. FIG3 schematically shows a flow chart of the object inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] In operation S310 , the transport device 110 transports the object 200 , wherein the transport device 110 includes a first transport mechanism 111 and a third transport mechanism 112 for transporting the object 200 ;

[0082] In operation S320 , the second transport mechanism in the radiation scanning device 120 transports the object 200 from the first transport mechanism 111 to the radiation scanning area, and then transports the object 200 to the third transport mechanism 112 ; and

[0083] In operation S330 , the transport device 110 controls the operation of the second transport mechanism through the control device 130 , wherein the control device 130 is in communication with the transport device 110 and the X-ray scanning device 120 , and the transport device 110 , the X-ray scanning device 120 and the control device 130 use a unified communication protocol.

[0084] In some embodiments, the image recognition device 150 acquires a scanned image of the object 200 obtained by the ray scanning device 120 and obtains an image recognition conclusion of the scanned image. The image recognition device 150 communicates with at least the ray scanning device 120 using a unified communication protocol.

[0085] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 generates a first identification for the object 200, and when the object 200 triggers the second trigger mechanism 121 on the ray scanning device 120, the first identification is sent to the ray scanning device 120, wherein the second trigger mechanism 121 is located between the first beam and the second beam of the ray scanning device 120; the ray scanning device 120 sends the first identification and the scanned image of the object 200 to the image judgment device 150.

[0086] In some embodiments, the identification device 140 scans the tag of the object 200 passing through its identification area to generate a second identifier, and sends the second identifier to the transport device 110. The second identifier is used to record the object 200. The identification device 140 is placed on the path of the object 200 transported by the first transport mechanism 111 and is connected to at least the transport device 110 using a unified communication protocol;

[0087] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 sends the first identifier and the second identifier of the object 200 to the radiation scanning device 120 ; and the radiation scanning device 120 sends the first identifier, the second identifier and the scanned image of the object 200 to the image judgment device 150 .

[0088] In some embodiments, the control device 130 is communicatively connected with the identification device 140 and the image judgment device 150, so that the control device 130 receives status information of each device in the transportation device 110, the X-ray scanning device 120 and the identification device 140, and sends the status information to the image judgment device 150 for processing. The status information indicates the operating status of the corresponding device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 further includes a sorting machine 113 connected to the third transport mechanism 112, so that the transport device 110 obtains the first identification and image recognition conclusion of the object 200, and controls the sorting machine 113 to sort the object 200 based on the first identification and image recognition conclusion of the object 200.

[0090] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 further includes at least one sorting branch connected to the sorting machine 113, a sixth trigger mechanism 1124 is provided on the third transport mechanism 112, and a seventh trigger mechanism is provided on each sorting branch, so that the control device 130 verifies the sorting result according to the time difference between the object 200 successively triggering the sixth trigger mechanism 1124 and the seventh trigger mechanism of the target sorting branch, and the target sorting branch is determined according to the first identification of the object 200 and the image recognition conclusion.

[0091] In some embodiments, the control device 130 controls the sorting machine 113 to stop running when the time difference exceeds a preset threshold.

[0092] In some embodiments, the sorting branch is made to transport the object 200 thereon to a designated location, and when the object 200 triggers the seventh triggering mechanism of the non-target sorting branch, the control device 130 controls the non-target sorting branch to stop transporting.

[0093] 1 to 3 , some embodiments for improving object tracking accuracy are described below.

[0094] Fig. 4 schematically shows the overall structure of an object inspection system in the related art. Fig. 5 schematically shows an example of rewinding of an object inspection system in the related art.

[0095] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the BHS tracks bag 201 to the XIS entrance. At the XIS entrance light barrier, the BHS transmits bag 201's ID information to the XIS. After bag 201 is transferred to the XIS, the XIS begins tracking it. After generating a scanned image of bag 201, the XIS associates the bag's ID with the scanned image and transmits it to the image recognition system. When bag 201 leaves the XIS, the XIS transmits the bag's ID back to the BHS. The BHS then continues tracking the bag to the sorting exit and performs the appropriate inspection or release procedures.

[0096] In actual application, after the XIS stops, it reverses for about 10-25 cm (the reverse running distance of the XIS varies at different speeds). In the entire BHS and XIS tracking system, once the XIS rewind disturbance is added, the BHS's tracking success rate for baggage 201 will be affected.

[0097] If the BHS and XIS are from different manufacturers, they interact at the entrances and exits. This entrance and exit interaction method can meet system requirements during normal use. However, if the XIS rewinding puzzle is disrupted, the probability of tracking bag 201 increases. This is because bag 201 may accidentally contact the XIS entrance and exit light barriers and the line entrance and exit light barriers during the rewinding process. Bag 201 that has already passed the entrance light barrier may trigger the XIS entrance light barrier or the BHS exit light barrier again, and the same applies to the XIS exit light barrier and the BHS entrance light barrier. These four light barriers are important judgment factors in the tracking process of bag 201. If they are repeatedly triggered by mistake, the tracking success rate will be reduced.

[0098] Based on the problems pointed out in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the present disclosure provides an object inspection system 100 and an object tracking method, which are further described below with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .

[0099] Fig. 6 schematically shows a partial structural diagram of an object inspection system 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 schematically shows an overall structural diagram of an object inspection system 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the object inspection system 100 includes a transport device 110 (i.e., a BHS) and a radiographic scanning device 120 (i.e., an XIS). The transport device 110 includes a first transport mechanism 111 (e.g., a BHS entrance conveyor) for transporting an object 200 (e.g., luggage 201), wherein the first transport mechanism 111 is provided with a first trigger mechanism 1111 (i.e., a BHS entrance light barrier) for tracking the object 200. The radiographic scanning device 120 includes a second transport mechanism configured to transport the object 200 from the first transport mechanism 111 to a radiographic scanning area and then reverse a certain distance after stopping transporting the object 200. The first trigger mechanism 1111 is located at a first distance from the entrance of the radiographic scanning device 120, and the first distance is greater than the distance any object 200 on the second transport mechanism moves during reverse operation.

[0101] When an object 200 passes the first tracking point, the BHS generates a first identifier and associates it with the object 200 for subsequent tracking. The first tracking point is the closest tracking point to the XIS entrance. Because of its first distance from the XIS entrance, any object 200 transported in the reverse direction during the rewind process will not trigger the first trigger mechanism 1111 again, eliminating duplicate tracking records for the object 200 generated due to false triggering.

[0102] 6 and 7 , the first trigger mechanism 1111 is located further from the XIS entrance than in the related art shown in FIG1 and FIG2 . For example, if the reverse operation is about 10-25 cm, and the maximum length of the luggage 201 is about 1 meter, for example, if the first trigger mechanism 1111 is more than 1 meter from the edge of the XIS entrance, the first tracking point is set at this location, and the XIS rewind will not be triggered inadvertently.

[0103] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the second transport mechanism stops transporting the object 200 and then runs in the opposite direction for a certain distance, which corresponds to a temporary stop during the object inspection process, rather than the object inspection system 100 stopping as a whole and no longer inspecting the object 200.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object inspection system 100 including a transport device 110 and a ray scanning device 120 is provided, in which a first trigger mechanism 1111 originally located in the first transport mechanism 111 in the transport device 110 is set at a position with a first distance from the entrance of the ray scanning device 120. Even during the reverse operation of the second transport mechanism rewinding the puzzle, since the first distance is greater than the moving distance of any object 200 on the second transport mechanism during the reverse operation, the first trigger mechanism 1111 can be avoided from being accidentally touched, thereby achieving the effects of accurate tracking and efficient inspection.

[0105] In some embodiments, the ray scanning device 120 is configured to be provided with only a second trigger mechanism 121 (i.e., the middle light barrier of the XIS beam plane), and the second trigger mechanism 121 is located between the first ray beam plane (i.e., beam plane 1) and the second ray beam plane (i.e., beam plane 2) of the ray scanning device 120, and the second trigger mechanism 121 is used to track the object 200.

[0106] Exemplarily, the XIS includes a first radiation source and a first radiation detector, which together form a first radiation beam plane, and a second radiation source and a second radiation detector, which together form a second radiation beam plane. Beam planes 1 and 2 are parallel. This prevents interference between radiation signals and enables inspection of objects in over 200 ways and at multiple angles.

[0107] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the XIS beam tracking point is located at the location of the second trigger mechanism 121, while the XIS entrance light barrier is eliminated. This overcomes the problem of reverse operation causing the XIS entrance light barrier to be mistakenly triggered in the related art. The BHS and XIS transmit a first identifier when the object 200 passes the XIS beam tracking point. Subsequently, tracking is achieved by combining this first identifier with the scanned image. This utilizes both light barrier information and scanned image information. Even if the second trigger mechanism 121 is triggered again after rewinding, the existing scanned image can filter out any false triggering disturbances during the tracking process.

[0108] In some embodiments, the transport device 110 includes a third transport mechanism 112 for transporting the object 200 from the second transport mechanism. The third transport mechanism 112 includes N transport sub-mechanisms, such as N conveyor belts. Each transport sub-mechanism is configured to transport the object 200 to the next transport sub-mechanism until the object 200 leaves the third transport mechanism 112. The first transport sub-mechanism closest to the X-ray scanning device 120 is configured to operate synchronously with the second transport mechanism.

[0109] Referring to Figure 7 , the N transport sub-mechanisms can be N conveyor belts, such as the BHS exit conveyor belt and all conveyor belts between it and the sorter 113. The first transport sub-mechanism is the BHS exit conveyor belt. Synchronous operation means that the XIS conveyor belt (i.e., the second transport sub-mechanism) is included as part of the line, facilitating the BHS to track objects 200 on each conveyor belt section.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first transport sub-mechanism is provided with a third trigger mechanism 1121. The third trigger mechanism 1121 is configured to generate a start / stop signal when triggered by an object 200 and when a specific condition is met. The first transport sub-mechanism is configured to stop or operate according to the start / stop signal. For example, the specific condition mentioned in this disclosure may be generating a start signal when the next transport sub-mechanism is operating and a stop signal when it stops operating.

[0111] In some embodiments, the third trigger mechanism 1121 is located at the end of the transport path provided by the first transport sub-mechanism.

[0112] Referring to Figure 7 , a start / stop determination point is located at the end of the third trigger mechanism 1121. When the first transport sub-mechanism stops or starts operating in response to the start / stop signal, the second transport sub-mechanism also stops or starts operating simultaneously. Third trigger mechanism 1121 is the trigger mechanism closest to the XIS exit edge on the BHS, with a second distance (e.g., approximately 1 meter). Positioned at the end of the BHS exit conveyor, it prevents inadvertent rewinding of the XIS.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second transport sub-mechanism is the next transport sub-mechanism adjacent to the first transport sub-mechanism. The second transport sub-mechanism is provided with a fourth trigger mechanism 1122 , and the fourth trigger mechanism 1122 is used to track the object 200 .

[0114] In some embodiments, a fifth trigger mechanism 1123 is provided on the second transport sub-mechanism. Fifth trigger mechanism 1123 is located further away from the first transport sub-mechanism than fourth trigger mechanism 1122. Fifth trigger mechanism 1123 is configured to track object 200 and, when triggered by object 200 and specific conditions are met, to issue start / stop signals. Referring to FIG7 , the second tracking point is provided on fourth trigger mechanism 1122, and the third tracking point is provided on fifth trigger mechanism 1123.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fourth trigger mechanism 1122 is located at the beginning of the transport path provided by the second transport sub-mechanism, and the fifth trigger mechanism 1123 is located at the end of the transport path provided by the second transport sub-mechanism. The transport path includes the path of the transported object of each independent conveyor belt, such as the rectangular area corresponding to each conveyor belt in Figure 7.

[0116] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the tracking point and start / stop point at the XIS exit are appropriately selected, and the start / stop light barrier and tracking light barrier at the XIS exit are selected separately. On the BHS exit conveyor belt closest to the XIS, the third trigger mechanism 1121 is selected only as the conveyor belt start / stop determination point, not as a tracking point. This has the following advantages:

[0117] The BHS exit conveyor belt (i.e., the first transport sub-mechanism) and the XIS conveyor belt (i.e., the second transport mechanism) start and stop simultaneously. When bag 201 triggers the light barrier at the end of the conveyor belt, if the next belt section stops, that section and the XIS conveyor belt also stop simultaneously. If the XIS needs to rewind the puzzle, that section of belt will also rewind synchronously with the XIS conveyor belt. Because the light barrier does not serve as a tracking point, even if the conveyor belt is restarted after rewinding, a second triggering of the light barrier by bag 201 will not affect bag 201 tracking. The synchronized start and stop of the exit conveyor belt and the XIS facilitates the precise calculation of the time window (see Figures 8 and 9 below), allowing for more accurate tracking of bag 201.

[0118] Selecting the light barrier at the entrance of the next section of the BHS exit conveyor (i.e., the second transport sub-unit) as the tracking point (see the second tracking point in Figure 7) eliminates the impact of XIS rewinding. The system is designed to stop the belt step by step, starting at the sorting entrance. Through logical processing, the BHS exit conveyor continuously transfers bag 201 to the next section of the conveyor, which then continues to transport the bag until it enters sorter 113. Therefore, when bag 201 passes the second tracking point during its transfer from the BHS exit conveyor to the next section of the conveyor, the system will not stop the belt.

[0119] In some embodiments, each of the N transport sub-mechanisms except the first transport sub-mechanism and the second transport sub-mechanism is provided with at least one sixth trigger mechanism 1124, and the sixth trigger mechanism 1124 is used to track the object 200 and send a start-stop signal when triggered by the object 200 and specific conditions are met.

[0120] In some embodiments, each of the remaining transport sub-mechanisms except the first transport sub-mechanism and the second transport sub-mechanism among the N transport sub-mechanisms is provided with a sixth trigger mechanism 1124 at least at the end of the provided transport path.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 7 , there are four 1-meter conveyor belt sections (for example only) behind the XIS. Except for the BHS exit conveyor belt closest to the XIS, where only this light barrier is selected as the conveyor belt start / stop determination point and not as a tracking point, a light barrier is installed at the end of each remaining conveyor belt section as a trigger mechanism. This light barrier typically serves as a tracking point and also as a conveyor belt start / stop determination point (baggage 201 triggers this light barrier to query the status of the next belt section. If the next belt section stops, the conveyor belt containing baggage 201 also stops immediately). This facilitates the precise calculation of the time window and enables more accurate tracking of baggage 201.

[0122] It should be noted that the above four-section and one-meter parameters are for ease of description only. The object inspection system 100 can be designed in a modular manner, with different module configurations selected based on the user's budget and usage requirements. For example, the ATR automatic barcode scanning system can use a high-cost three-sided barcode scanning camera: this system automatically scans the barcodes, resulting in a high baggage 201 clearance rate, with a baggage handling rate of approximately 800 pieces / hour. Alternatively, a low-cost barcode scanning gun can be used: this system uses manual scanning, resulting in a lower clearance rate, with a baggage handling rate of approximately 360 pieces / hour. For example, different BHS configurations can be used, such as a multi-section conveyor belt BHS. This solution allows for flexible configuration of the number of conveyor belts based on different site conditions. This line achieves a high baggage 201 clearance rate through intelligent queuing logic. The remote image recognition system can choose between a pop-up image recognition mode or a remote scroll image recognition mode.

[0123] With reference to the descriptions and various embodiments described above in Figures 1 to 7 , an integrated object inspection system was designed to address the impact of the XIS rewinding puzzle on the system's baggage tracking success rate. This primarily involves the following aspects: The XIS and BHS are integrated, with the XIS conveyor belt serving as part of the BHS, meaning the start and stop of the XIS conveyor belt are controlled by the BHS; The center point between the two XIS beam surfaces is selected as a tracking point, replacing the XIS entrance and exit points, to prevent baggage 201 from accidentally triggering the light barrier when the XIS rewinds; The tracking point light barrier and the start / stop light barrier on the XIS exit side are separated to prevent baggage 201 from accidentally triggering the light barrier when the XIS rewinds.

[0124] Figure 8 schematically shows a flow chart of an object tracking method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 schematically shows a logic channel diagram for implementing the object tracking method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] 3 to 7 , the transport device 110 and the X-ray scanning device 120 in the object inspection system 100 are provided with a total of M1 trigger mechanisms. The M1 trigger mechanisms serve as M1 tracking points for tracking the object 200. As shown in FIG8 , the object tracking method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0126] In operation S810 , M2 tracking points are allocated to the object 200 to be inspected during transportation, wherein the transport device 110 and the radiation scanning device 120 are configured to transport the object 200 , M1 and M2 are both integers greater than or equal to 1, and M2 is less than or equal to M1;

[0127] In operation S820, M2 time windows are allocated to the M2 tracking points, where the time window indicates a time period having a specific time length.

[0128] In operation S830 , if the object 200 reaches the corresponding tracking point within each time window, it is determined that the object 200 is tracked.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the object 200 does not arrive at the corresponding tracking point within any time window, the object 200 is transported to the baggage inspection channel. Therefore, abnormalities can be quickly identified by whether the object 200 arrives at the tracking point within the corresponding time window. When abnormal luggage 201 appears, it is dispatched to the baggage inspection channel.

[0130] Illustratively, each tracking point corresponds to a trigger mechanism, each of which includes a photoelectric beamforming sensor. When luggage 201 is transported to the corresponding tracking point, the corresponding photoelectric beamforming sensor is triggered. After being triggered, the photoelectric beamforming sensor sends a trigger signal to the control module or control device 130 of the transport device 110. In other embodiments, an encoder can be used to assist in timing. The control module or control device 130 of the transport device 110 can send a pulse signal to the encoder, causing the encoder to start counting. When the luggage 201 triggers the next photoelectric beamforming sensor, the conveyor controller controls the encoder to stop counting until the object 200 reaches the next tracking point within a time window or exceeds the time window.

[0131] For example, taking the control device 130 as an example, the verification of whether the luggage 201 arrives at the corresponding tracking point within each time window includes:

[0132] Step 1: The control device 130 stores the time window of each tracking point. It is understood that the time window of each tracking point can be the same or different, and is flexibly determined based on distance and speed. When a tracking point is reached, the time window of the next tracking point begins to count.

[0133] Step 2: Store the encoder count value corresponding to the time window of each tracking point.

[0134] Step 3: At each tracking point, baggage 201 triggers the photoelectric sensor to send a photoelectric signal, and the encoder starts counting.

[0135] Step 4: The control device 130 obtains the actual count value of the encoder based on the real-time count value and the start count value of the encoder, and compares the actual count value with the pre-set value. If it has not exceeded the preset value, the verification result indicates that the luggage 201 is being transported. If it has exceeded the preset value, the luggage 201 has not accurately arrived at the corresponding tracking point.

[0136] Step 5: When baggage 201 triggers the photoelectric sensor at the next tracking point to emit a photoelectric signal, the encoder stops counting for that time window, and the control device 130 controls the encoder to start counting for the next time window. It should be understood that the above example uses a single encoder, but a corresponding encoder can also be provided for each tracking point, and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9, any trigger mechanism has an associated transport mechanism on the transport device 110 or the X-ray scanning device 120, and for any time window, it also includes: when the transport mechanism associated with the tracking point corresponding to the time window is running forward, the consumed time is counted forward within the time window (i.e., the conveyor belt is running forward and the time is counted positively); when the transport mechanism associated with the tracking point corresponding to the time window is running backward, the consumed time is counted backward within the time window (i.e., the conveyor belt is reversed and the time is counted negatively); when the transport mechanism associated with the tracking point corresponding to the time window stops running, the consumed time is stopped within the time window (i.e., the conveyor belt stops and the time is not counted).

[0138] Continuing with Figure 9 , each bag 201 is assigned a logical channel. The number of logical channels should be greater than the maximum number of bags 201 that can be accommodated by the line. Logical channels can be reused. Each logical channel is assigned a number of tracking points, for example, six. Once a bag 201 enters a logical channel, it is assigned a tracking ID (i.e., a first identifier) ​​and a time window is preconfigured for each subsequent tracking point. If a bag 201 reaches a tracking point within the time window, it is corrected to eliminate the tracking error for that segment before moving on to the next tracking segment. Before a bag 201 arrives at the sorting port, the corresponding image recognition conclusion information is queried in the conclusion data queue, and the bag is then inspected or released accordingly.

[0139] For example, when object 200 reaches the first tracking point, a tracking ID for object 200 is generated as the tracking starting point. A timer is then started, with a 5-minute window for reaching the beam surface tracking point, and the elapsed time is the forward timer. If the beam surface tracking point is reached within the specified time window, the tracking ID is transmitted to the XIS for image-ID binding. For any tracking point after the tracking starting point, if it arrives within the corresponding time window (specified time range), the tracking ID is transmitted to the next conveyor belt. Otherwise, the logical channel is closed, tracking is terminated, and the object is transported to the package inspection channel.

[0140] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object tracking method for an object inspection system 100 is provided. By assigning a number of tracking points to an object 200 to be inspected and pre-allocating a time window for reaching each tracking point, a predictive effect on object tracking is achieved. During the actual transportation of the object 200, real-time tracking is performed based on the triggering of the tracking points, thereby improving the tracking accuracy of the object 200.

[0141] With reference to the descriptions and various embodiments described above in Figures 1 to 9, the integrated object inspection system 100 is suitable for use in airport cargo terminal security inspection scenarios, integrating the CX100 / 100DB-A X-ray inspection system, ATR automatic barcode scanning system, BHS, and remote image recognition system. This system primarily involves the following aspects: The front-end of the security inspection machine: adding an automatic bag-pulling conveyor belt and a baggage 201 information collection system; Renovating the security inspection machine: improving baggage 201 throughput through lightweight lead curtains; developing interconnected software to coordinate with the line system to track baggage 201; and the back-end of the security inspection machine: designing the conveyor belt, automatic sorter 113, return mechanism, and release mechanism. PLC programming is developed to track and sort baggage 201, focusing on addressing the impact of the security inspection machine's rewinding jigsaw puzzle on baggage 201 tracking. Research and development of the sorter 113 focuses on addressing the insufficient sorting capacity of conventional wheel sorters 113 for irregular baggage 201. Remote image recognition system: In addition to meeting the image distribution and remote image recognition functions, the remote image recognition system can also integrate the system's internal body and security inspection machine information, making it easier for security personnel to monitor the entire airport cargo terminal integrated object inspection system 100.

[0142] In some embodiments, the operation process of the object inspection system 100 during airport cargo terminal security inspection is as follows:

[0143] Identity verification: Before the security check of a single piece of luggage 201, the freight forwarder must conduct identity verification before starting to transport the goods. After the verification is successful, the security inspection machine belt starts to rotate forward, and the automatic barcode scanner belt at the entrance of the security inspection machine and the exit belt rotate forward in conjunction. The freight forwarder prepares to load each piece of luggage 201 with a label.

[0144] Entrance BHS bag handling: The entrance BHS receives the bag 201 and performs bag handling on the bag 201, ensuring that the distance between bags is not less than 500 mm (for example only).

[0145] Automatic barcode scanning: After baggage 201 enters the ATR barcode scanning area, the ATR scans it. After successful scanning, the ATR sends the barcode of baggage 201 to the entrance BHS at a fixed location (at the XIS entrance).

[0146] Baggage security inspection: The entrance BHS begins tracking bag 201 at a fixed location and sends the bag 201 barcode and tracking BID code (generated by the BHS) to the XIS at the center of the XIS beam surface. The XIS packages the bag 201 image, the corresponding barcode, and the BID code and sends them to the remote image recognition system.

[0147] Security Inspection Image Interpretation: The exit BHS continuously transmits and tracks baggage 201. During this time, the remote image interpretation station interprets the received image information. After the interpreter makes a conclusion on baggage 201, the remote image interpretation system sends the conclusion and the tracking BID code to the XIS. The XIS then sends it to the exit BHS.

[0148] Baggage 201 sorting: When baggage 201 is conveyed to the fixed position in front of sorter 113, the exit BHS extracts the conclusion from the data queue based on the received conclusion + tracking BID code, and sorts or releases the corresponding baggage 201 according to the image recognition conclusion.

[0149] Unpacking and inspection: The unpacker and the freight forwarder must unpack and inspect the suspicious baggage 201 sent back and re-declare the name of the goods and perform other operations. During the transportation and unpacking of the suspicious baggage 201, other baggage 201 can continue to be inspected by the security inspection machine.

[0150] Baggage re-inspection: After the unpacking inspection is completed, the baggage 201 that does not contain prohibited items will need to be re-inspected. The re-inspection process is the same as the initial inspection. If any suspicious baggage 201 is found during the re-inspection, it will need to be sent back for unpacking inspection again. After every piece of baggage 201 has been processed, the security inspection process for the entire baggage 201 is completed.

[0151] During the baggage inspection process, the processing of interference factors is shown in Table 1 below.

[0152] Table 1 Anti-interference indicators

[0153] The object inspection system 100 and object tracking method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure integrate the BHS and XIS into an integrated design, rationally select information interaction points between the BHS and XIS, rationally design system tracking points and package start and stop points, and optimize the tracking algorithm, thereby improving the system tracking and sorting success rate.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure may be combined and / or coupled in various ways, even if such combinations and / or couplings are not explicitly described in this disclosure. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure may be combined and / or coupled in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. All such combinations and / or couplings are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0155] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Although each embodiment has been described separately above, this does not mean that the measures in each embodiment cannot be used in combination to advantage. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may make various substitutions and modifications, which should all fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An object inspection system, comprising: The transport device includes a first transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism for transporting an object; The radiation scanning device includes a second transport mechanism configured to transport the object from the first transport mechanism to the radiation scanning area and transport the object to the third transport mechanism; A control device, in communication with the transport device and the ray scanning device; Wherein, the transport device, the ray scanning device and the control device adopt a unified communication protocol, and the transport device is configured to control the operation of the second transport mechanism through the control device.

2. The object inspection system according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The image judging device is connected to at least the ray scanning device by using the unified communication protocol. The image judgment device is configured to obtain a scanned image obtained by the ray scanning device scanning the object, and obtain an image judgment conclusion of the scanned image.

3. The object inspection system according to claim 2, wherein: The transport device is configured to generate a first identification for the object, and send the first identification to the radiation scanning device when the object triggers a second trigger mechanism on the radiation scanning device, wherein the second trigger mechanism is located between the first radiation beam and the second radiation beam of the radiation scanning device; The ray scanning device is configured to send the first identification and the scanned image of the object to the image judgment device.

4. The object inspection system according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: an identification device, disposed on a path along which the first transport mechanism transports the object, and communicating with at least the transport mechanism using the unified communication protocol; The identification device is configured to scan the label of the object passing through its identification area to generate a second identifier, and send the second identifier to the transportation device, where the second identifier is used to record the object.

5. The object inspection system according to claim 4, wherein: The transport device is configured to send the first identification and the second identification of the object to the radiation scanning device; The ray scanning device is configured to send the first identification, the second identification and the scanned image of the object to the image judgment device.

6. The object inspection system according to claim 4, wherein: The control device is in communication with the recognition device and the image judging device, and the control device is configured as follows: The status information of each device in the transport device, the ray scanning device and the identification device is received, and the status information is sent to the image judging device for processing, wherein the status information indicates the operation status of the corresponding device.

7. The object inspection system according to claim 3, wherein: The transport device also includes a sorting machine connected to the third transport mechanism, The transport device is configured to obtain the first identification and the image recognition conclusion of the object, and control the sorting machine to sort the objects based on the first identification and the image recognition conclusion of the object.

8. The object inspection system according to claim 7, wherein: The transport device further comprises at least one sorting branch connected to the sorting machine, a sixth trigger mechanism is arranged on the third transport mechanism, and a seventh trigger mechanism is arranged on each sorting branch. The control device is configured to verify the sorting result according to the time difference between the object successively triggering the sixth trigger mechanism and the seventh trigger mechanism of the target sorting branch, and the target sorting branch is determined according to the first identifier of the object and the image judgment conclusion.

9. The object inspection system according to claim 8, wherein: The control device is configured to control the sorting machine to stop running when the time difference exceeds a preset threshold.

10. The object inspection system according to claim 9, wherein: The sorting branch is configured to transport the objects thereon to a designated location, and the control device is configured to: When the object triggers the seventh trigger mechanism of the non-target sorting branch, the non-target sorting branch is controlled to stop transportation.

11. An object inspection method, used in the object inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: Allowing a transport device to transport an object, wherein the transport device comprises a first transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism for transporting the object; causing the second transport mechanism in the radiation scanning device to transport the object from the first transport mechanism to a radiation scanning area, and transport the object to the third transport mechanism; and The transport device controls the operation of the second transport mechanism through a control device, wherein the control device is communicatively connected with the transport device and the ray scanning device, and the transport device, the ray scanning device and the control device use a unified communication protocol.

Images