Adjustable Collimator Backscatter Imaging for Multi-Depth Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backscatter imaging systems face challenges in adaptability, making it difficult to effectively detect objects in diverse environments and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A backscatter imaging device with adjustable collimation angles and a controller to switch between scanning modes, allowing for precise detection of multiple depths and enhanced imaging of specific areas using a distributed ray source and collimator assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed collimation angle is used in the backscatter imaging system, then the system structure is simple, but the detection adaptability to different depths and scenarios is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the collimation angle adjustable rather than fixed. The first collimator assembly includes multiple collimating channels with different collimation angles, and at least part of these channels have adjustable collimation angles that can be dynamically changed based on detection needs. This allows the system to adapt to different detection scenarios and depths while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the collimation angle parameter of the first collimator assembly. By adjusting the collimation angle, the system can detect scattered photons from different depth ranges within the object. The controller switches between different collimation angle configurations to optimize detection for specific depths, thereby improving detection adaptability without requiring multiple complete detector arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple detector arrays are used to detect scattered photons from different depths, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth detection precisionVSAvoiddetector array complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single detector array that can detect scattered photons from multiple depth ranges through the use of adjustable collimation angles. The first collimator assembly with multiple collimating channels of different angles allows one detector array to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple separate detector arrays, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining depth detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics by making the collimation angle adjustable, allowing a single detector array to dynamically switch between detecting scattered photons from different depth ranges. This dynamic reconfiguration enables one detector array to replace multiple fixed detector arrays, achieving the same depth-resolved detection capability with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the collimation angle is adjusted to detect scattered photons from different depths, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by systematically switching between different collimation angle configurations in a structured manner. The controller adjusts the collimation angle of the first collimator assembly through a series of discrete, optimized steps, each configured to detect scattered photons from specific depth ranges. This periodic switching between predetermined angle configurations allows the system to efficiently cover multiple depth ranges without requiring continuous or exhaustive angular scanning, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If a pencil X-ray beam is used for backscatter imaging, then the material discrimination capability is improved, but the scanning speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial discrimination capabilityVSAvoidscanning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into multiple depth ranges, with each collimating channel configured to detect scattered photons from a specific depth range. This segmentation allows the system to process different depth information separately and efficiently, improving material discrimination capability while maintaining reasonable scanning speed through parallel processing of different depth segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action by systematically switching between different collimation angle configurations in an optimized sequence. This structured periodic switching allows the system to efficiently cover multiple depth ranges with the pencil beam, improving material discrimination through depth-resolved detection while minimizing the total time required by avoiding redundant or continuous scanning motions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

Enhances detection adaptability and accuracy by enabling scanning at various depths and focused imaging of suspect areas, improving the system's ability to handle different detection scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

Since rays in low atomic number substances such as explosives and drugs have stronger Compton scattering, the backscatter imaging system may distinguish materials and highlight organic substances.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompton scattering: Compton Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a first collimator assembly including a plurality of first collimating channels corresponding to the plurality of backscatter detectors respectively, arranged on one side of the backscatter detector array adjacent to the scanning area, and configured to align the scattered photons when the rays are backscattered by the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 3

a backscatter detector array including a plurality of backscattering detectors and configured to receive scattered photons when the rays are backscattered by an object within the scanning area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoton detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4187237B1Backscatter imaging device, control method, and inspection system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP4187237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4187237B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4187237B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~6(c)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a backscatter imaging device, a control method and an inspection system. The backscatter imaging device comprises: a ray source assembly (10) configured to emit rays to a scanning area; a backscatter detector array (21) comprising a plurality of backscattering detectors and configured to receive scattered photons (52) when the rays are backscattered by an object (40) within the scanning area; and a first collimator assembly (22) comprising a plurality of first collimating channels (22b) corresponding to the plurality of backscatter detectors respectively, arranged on one side of the backscatter detector array (21) adjacent to the scanning area, and configured to align the scattered photons (52) when the rays are backscattered by the object (40), so that the plurality of backscatter detectors receive scattered photons (52) corresponding to a plurality of depths in the object (40) respectively; wherein at least part of the plurality of first collimation channels (22b) have an adjustable collimation angle.