Adaptive Modular Cargo Screening with Dual-Energy X-Ray Scanners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional x-ray cargo scanning systems face challenges in accurately identifying items of interest due to variations in object density and composition, leading to poor-quality data and inadequate image resolution for both low-density and high-density objects, as low-energy scanners struggle with high-density objects and high-energy scanners with low-density ones.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a controller for generating scan instructions and using multiple x-ray scanners of varying energies to dynamically adjust radiation dose and penetration, coupled with a conveyance system for real-time movement control, allowing for dual-view radioscopic inspection and adaptive scanning to optimize image quality across different densities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a low-energy x-ray scanner is used, then the system can operate within the energy range of 75 kV to 200 kV, but the x-ray penetration is insufficient to effectively screen high-density objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray energyVSAvoidscreening effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the x-ray energy level based on the density characteristics of the scanned object. The controller modifies radiation parameters in real-time during the scanning process, transitioning from fixed-energy to variable-energy operation to optimize penetration for different material densities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the x-ray energy parameter adaptively based on detected material properties. By measuring initial attenuation characteristics and adjusting the radiation energy level accordingly, the system overcomes the limitation of fixed low-energy scanners when encountering high-density objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a high-energy x-ray scanner is used, then the system can inspect larger, higher-density items, but it fails to produce an adequate image of a low-density object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening effectivenessVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the x-ray energy parameter adaptively based on detected material properties. By measuring initial attenuation characteristics and adjusting the radiation energy level accordingly, the system overcomes the limitation of fixed high-energy scanners when encountering low-density objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the same total emitted radiation is used regardless of the object being scanned, then the scanning process is simplified, but the generated data or images are of poor quality that cannot be used to accurately identify items of interest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning processVSAvoiddata quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control where the controller receives attenuation data from the scan, compares it against reference values, and automatically adjusts radiation parameters for subsequent scanning. This closed-loop approach optimizes image quality without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary scan or assessment to determine object characteristics before executing the main scanning sequence. This preliminary action allows the controller to pre-adjust radiation parameters based on detected material properties, ensuring optimal image quality from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables effective detection of objects of interest by adjusting radiation energy and scan speed based on real-time data, improving image resolution and accuracy across a range of densities, enhancing the ability to identify materials like explosives and radioactive materials.

Implementation Method 1

x-rays can be directed at the object in question. Depending on the density and composition of the object, some of the energy carried by the x-rays can be deposited in or reflected by the object, the energy thereby failing to be transmitted through the object being referred to as absorbed energy, or the absorbed dose. Transmitted x-rays can then be measured by a detector located proximate to the object and opposite the x-ray source.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2537397B1Adaptive modular cargo screening

Publication Date: 2020.11.18 ROE KRISTOFER J

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AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for scanning an object of interest. The system can include a controller for generating scan instructions. The system can further include a scanner, responsive to the scan instructions, for providing radiation at an energy to generate scan data for the object of interest and an other scanner, responsive to scan instructions from the controller generated based on the scan data, for providing radiation an at other energy to generate scan data for the object of interest. The system can also include a conveyance controller for generating conveyance instructions to control the relative movement of the scanner and the other scanner with respect to the object of interest based on the scan data.