Accelerator X-ray Energy Measurement via HVL Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring X-ray energy of an accelerator in inspection systems is challenging due to various factors affecting half-value layer (HVL) measurements, such as collimator slit width, detector-target distance, and shielding plate thickness, requiring a database of correspondence between HVL and X-ray energy to calibrate accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method involving building a database of HVL and X-ray energy correspondence under predetermined conditions, using Monte Carlo simulations or standard measurements, and measuring HVL with a detector and calibration device to determine X-ray energy, allowing for real-time acquisition of the accelerator's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HVL measurement is performed for X-rays generated by an accelerator, then X-ray energy can be determined, but measurement accuracy is affected by multiple factors including collimator slit width, detector distance, and shielding plate thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a database of correspondence between HVL values and X-ray energy under predetermined conditions before actual measurement. This includes pre-determining collimator slit width, detector distance, and shielding plate thickness, and pre-calculating or pre-measuring the corresponding HVL values. When measurement is needed, the system only needs to match the measured HVL against the pre-built database, avoiding the complexity of controlling all measurement conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a database that replicates the relationship between HVL and X-ray energy under standardized conditions. Instead of performing complex controlled experiments each time, the system copies the essential relationship into a lookup table that can be queried directly, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a database comprising correspondence between HVL and X-ray energy is built under predetermined conditions, then X-ray energy can be determined accurately, but the system requires additional calibration devices and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the inspection system to perform its own calibration using existing components. The system uses its own detector, collimator, and shielding plates to build the HVL-energy correspondence database, rather than requiring external calibration equipment. This allows the system to calibrate itself periodically, maintaining measurement accuracy without adding permanent calibration devices.
3Ease of operation
If HVL measurement is performed without predetermined conditions, then measurement process is simpler, but the correspondence between HVL and X-ray energy cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the complex work of establishing predetermined conditions and building the HVL-energy database in advance. Once the database is created under standardized conditions, actual measurements become simple lookups that maintain both ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the essential calibration relationship into a database, allowing simple operational measurements to reference pre-established accuracy standards. This separates the complexity of calibration from the simplicity of routine measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time acquisition of the accelerator's working state for direct adjustment of inspection system performance, facilitating effective radiography and radiation protection without the need for additional devices, especially for systems without calibration devices.
Implementation Method 1
measuring HVL of X-rays generated by the accelerator in the inspection system
Implementation Method 2
the thickness of the shielding plate... measuring HVL of X-rays... a attenuation body being used can be made of any one of steel, lead, and tungsten
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for measuring X-ray energy of an accelerator in an inspection system, the method comprises: building a database comprising correspondence between half-value layer (HVL) and energy under a predetermined condition; measuring HVL for X-rays of the accelerator in the inspection system on line under the same predetermined condition; and comparing the measured HVL with the HVLs in the database comprising correspondence between HVL and energy to determine the X-ray energy of the accelerator. The method is applicable to a large-scale container/vehicle inspection system for measurement of X-ray energy / HVL of the accelerator so as to acquire source state of the inspection system in real time.