Baggage X-Ray Analysis for Overlapping Target Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baggage inspection systems face challenges such as long inspection times, large device sizes, high costs, oversight when detection targets overlap, difficulty in distinguishing similar materials, and reliance on human inspectors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing conveyance, irradiation, imaging, analysis, and display means, with control mechanisms to identify and display overlapping detection targets, employing CT, dual energy, and photon counting for precise identification, and machine learning for similarity estimation to enhance detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual energy X-ray inspection devices or CT baggage inspection devices are used to detect overlapping targets, then detection accuracy is improved, but device size increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by dividing the baggage image into multiple analysis regions and processing each region separately with specialized detection algorithms. This allows accurate detection of overlapping targets without requiring complex dual-energy or CT hardware, thus maintaining detection accuracy while avoiding increased device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by examining target relationships in multiple spatial dimensions and using depth information from single-energy X-ray images. This approach achieves 3D-like detection capability without requiring actual CT scanning hardware, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dual energy X-ray inspection devices or CT baggage inspection devices are used to detect overlapping targets, then detection accuracy is improved, but inspection costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective single-energy X-ray imaging combined with sophisticated software analysis algorithms rather than expensive dual-energy or CT systems. This approach achieves accurate detection of overlapping targets using cheaper, more readily available equipment, directly addressing the cost issue while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/hardware systems (dual-energy sources, CT scanners) with computational methods and image processing algorithms. This substitution achieves the same detection capability through software intelligence rather than hardware complexity, significantly reducing inspection costs while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If inspectors visually inspect all X-ray images to ensure no oversights, then detection thoroughness is improved, but inspection time increases and personal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated detection system that performs the inspection task independently without human intervention. The system automatically analyzes images, identifies overlapping targets, and generates detection results, eliminating the need for human inspectors while maintaining thorough detection and increasing inspection speed through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection results are continuously refined through algorithmic analysis and validation. The system uses machine learning models that learn from detection patterns and improve accuracy over time, ensuring thorough detection while operating at high speeds without human involvement.
4Productivity
If conventional X-ray inspection is used for overlapping targets, then inspection speed is maintained, but oversight occurs when detection targets overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis by pre-processing images to identify potential target regions before final detection. The system segments images into analysis regions and pre-identifies candidate objects, which allows rapid processing while ensuring no overlapping targets are missed. This preliminary organization enables both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic detection algorithms that adapt their analysis depth and methodology based on the complexity of the image content. For simple cases, the system uses faster detection methods, while for complex overlapping targets, it automatically applies more thorough analysis, maintaining both inspection speed and detection accuracy across varying scenarios.
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
The system efficiently identifies and displays overlapping detection targets without oversight, reducing inspection time, device size, and costs, while improving detection accuracy and reducing reliance on human inspectors.
Implementation Method 1
irradiation means for irradiating the piece of baggage with an X-ray
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are system, method, program, and recording medium for non-destructively inspecting baggage in which an inspection corresponding to an article to be inspected is performed even when the article overlaps various objects including similar materials, whereby the system, method, program, and recording medium are efficient and do not exhibit any oversight in inspection. The system comprising a belt conveyor by which baggage is transported, a radiation unit that irradiates the baggage with X-rays, an imaging unit that captures X-rays passing through the baggage, an analysis unit by which image information from the imaging unit is analyzed, a display unit by which an image analyzed by the analysis unit is displayed, and a controller that performs a control so that at least part of the article to be sensed is displayed as an object by the display unit when at least part of the article is analyzed.