Cargo Screening Apparatus Signal Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo screening techniques, such as pulsed-neutron elemental analysis detectors, are inefficient for large quantities of cargo due to prolonged screening times and high costs, as they require extensive data collection periods and are prone to pulse pile-up, which corrupts signal characterization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that irradiate subjects with excitation radiation, collect and process detector output data to resolve individual signals by determining signal form, parameter estimates, and energy, using mathematical models and filters to improve resolution and throughput, thereby reducing screening time and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulsed-neutron elemental analysis detector is used for cargo screening, then detection capability is provided, but screening time becomes prohibitively long for large quantities of cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting detector output data continuously during the irradiation period, preparing signal forms and parameter estimates before final analysis. This allows the actual screening decision to be made more quickly once data collection is complete, reducing overall screening time while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes parameters by determining signal temporal position, signal form, and energy parameters from detector output data. By extracting multiple parameters including time-domain characteristics and energy information, the system achieves faster screening without sacrificing detection precision, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Measurement precision
If extended data collection period is used to improve signal characterization, then measurement accuracy improves, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by continuously collecting detector output data during irradiation and continuously processing signals in real-time. This continuous processing allows accurate signal characterization to be achieved without extending the total data collection period, thereby maintaining high throughput while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical/time-based data collection methods with digital signal processing techniques. By using mathematical models and computational algorithms to analyze detector output data, the system achieves accurate signal characterization faster than traditional methods, improving both measurement precision and throughput simultaneously.
3Productivity
If higher radiation flux is used to increase screening speed, then throughput increases, but pulse pile-up increases which corrupts signal characterization
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring detector output data for signs of pulse pile-up and adjusting processing parameters accordingly. The signal processing algorithm adapts to the actual signal conditions, correcting for pulse pile-up effects and maintaining measurement precision even at higher radiation fluxes that increase screening speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes traditional pulse-based detection methods with digital signal processing that can resolve overlapping signals. By using mathematical models to deconvolute pulse pile-up effects from detector output data, the system maintains accurate signal characterization even when higher radiation flux causes pulse pile-up, thus achieving both high throughput and measurement precision.
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 significantly reduces screening time, improves resolution, and increases throughput, enabling the screening of multiple containers quickly and efficiently, potentially reducing costs per container by up to 60% compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation detector for detecting radiation emitted by the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A screening method and apparatus, the method comprising irradiating a subject for screening with excitation radiation, collecting detector output data from a radiation detector located near the subject, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The screening time is shorter, dwell time is shorter, resolution is improved and/or throughput is increased.