Back-scattering Inspection System with Phase-Shifted X-ray Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Back-scattering security inspection systems with two devices placed in opposite positions suffer from reduced scanning speed due to time-sharing emission, requiring scanning times that are at least double that of a single device.
Innovation Solution
A human body back-scattering inspection system with two devices positioned oppositely, each equipped with a flying-spot forming unit having spirally distributed holes, and a controlling unit that synchronizes their X-ray emissions to differ by half a cycle, allowing both devices to emit beams simultaneously without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two back-scattering devices are placed in opposite positions to scan both sides of the human body simultaneously, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the devices cannot emit beams at the same time due to signal interference, resulting in scanning time being at least double that of a single device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the emission of X-ray beams from two opposite devices to occur at different phases of their operational cycles. Specifically, when one device emits beams, the other device is in its reception phase, and vice versa. This periodic coordination allows both devices to operate simultaneously without signal interference, effectively halving the scanning time compared to sequential operation while maintaining complete inspection coverage.
2Speed
If two devices emit beams at the same time, then the scanning speed is enhanced, but signal interference occurs on the detectors, preventing correct scanning image acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the operational cycle into emission and reception phases for each device. Device A emits during its emission phase while Device B receives, and vice versa during their respective phases. This time-division multiplexing approach allows both devices to operate at full speed simultaneously without causing signal interference on each other's detectors, thus maintaining both high scanning speed and reliable image accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that while one device is emitting beams, the other device is continuously receiving signals, and vice versa. This continuous alternating operation eliminates idle time between emissions and receptions, allowing the system to maintain maximum operational throughput. The useful action of both emission and reception continues uninterrupted across the two devices, effectively doubling the scanning capacity without compromising image quality.
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 solution enhances scanning speed while maintaining accuracy by reducing interference between the devices, enabling them to operate simultaneously and reducing the overall scanning time.
Implementation Method 1
Back-scattering technique is one of the techniques for human body inspection. It scans a human body with beams of X-rays, and receives scattered signals by a large-area detector at the same time.
Data Source
AI summary
Human body back-scattering inspection systems and methods are disclosed. In the invention, X-rays modulated by the flying-spot forming unit having spirally distributed flying-spots have a distribution having alternating peaks and valleys on the irradiated surface. In this way, scanning starting times can be precisely controlled to cause two devices to have scanning starting times that are different by a half of a cycle. That is, the beams outputted from one device are at maximum when the beams outputted from the other device are at minimum. In other words, even if the ray source of one device emits rays, it will not significantly affect imaging result of the other device. In such way, the two devices may emit rays and perform scanning at the same time, and thus the total scanning time is reduced.