Open-Topped Cargo Inspection Using Lidar Volume and X-Ray Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray scanners struggle to accurately inspect high-density or high-thickness cargo due to excessive absorption, necessitating manual inspection which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a top-observation device, such as Lidar scanners, to estimate cargo volume and mass by observing the top surface during movement, combined with a side-inspection device for ionizing radiation to determine density, enabling detection of objects of interest hidden within high-density or high-thickness cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional X-ray scanners are used to inspect high-density or high-thickness cargo, then the inspection process can be automated, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the cargo absorbs most of the X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent measurement components: top-observation device for volume measurement, side-inspection device for density measurement, and mass estimation module. Each component performs a specific measurement function, and their results are integrated to detect objects of interest, avoiding the limitation of single-method inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary calculations (volume estimation from top observation, density estimation from side inspection) as mediators to indirectly detect objects of interest. Instead of directly imaging the cargo, the system measures volume and density separately and uses their relationship to identify anomalies
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to inspect high-density or high-thickness cargo, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical inspection process is replaced with an automated system using optical (top-observation device) and radiation (side-inspection device) measurement technologies. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving inspection speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inspection where the cargo characteristics (volume, density, mass) are automatically measured and analyzed without human intervention. The computer executes algorithms to compare estimated mass with expected mass, automatically identifying objects of interest
3Reliability
If top-observation device and side-inspection device are integrated, then the detection capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple measurement functions (volume measurement, density measurement, mass estimation, object detection) into a single multi-functional inspection system. Each device serves multiple purposes: top-observation device measures volume and contributes to mass estimation, side-inspection device measures density and contributes to mass estimation, and together they enable object detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through computer-controlled comparison of estimated mass with expected mass. The computer calculates the difference between measured characteristics and predetermined values, using this feedback to identify objects of interest and trigger appropriate responses
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
Automated detection of objects of interest in high-density or high-thickness cargo, reducing the need for manual inspection and improving efficiency by accurately estimating cargo characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing a top-observation device, such as Lidar scanners, to estimate cargo volume and mass by observing the top surface during movement
Implementation Method 2
a side-inspection device for ionizing radiation to determine density
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, it is disclosed a computer-implemented method for inspecting cargo in an open-topped vehicle, comprising: obtaining an estimate of a volume of the cargo in the open-topped vehicle, based on data obtained from a top-observation device, the top-observation device being configured to observe a top surface of the cargo in the open-topped vehicle during a mutual movement of the open- topped vehicle and the top-observation device; determining an estimate of a mass of the cargo in the open-topped vehicle, based on the obtained volume estimate; comparing the determined mass estimate with a reference mass associated with the cargo in the open-topped vehicle; and determining whether the cargo in the open-topped vehicle is in conformity with the reference mass, based on the comparing.