Covert Mobile Inspection Vehicle Backscatter X-ray System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveillance systems for detecting threat items and contraband in vehicles or on persons lack mobility, integration of multi-modality sensors, and simultaneous active and passive radiation detection capabilities, particularly challenging for large aircraft inspections where conventional X-ray systems struggle with penetration and discrimination of materials.
Innovation Solution
A covert mobile inspection vehicle equipped with a backscatter X-ray scanning system, combining an X-ray source and detectors for radiographic imaging, along with sensors for distance measurement and multi-modality surveillance, enabling simultaneous active backscatter and passive radiation detection using a dual-purpose detector and modulating devices to switch between active and passive measurement modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transmission-based X-ray imaging systems are used to inspect large aircraft, then penetration capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of placement increase due to requiring sources and detectors on opposite sides of the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional transmission-based X-ray geometry by using backscatter imaging, where both the X-ray source and detectors are positioned on the same side of the aircraft. This allows the system to achieve penetration capability while reducing the complexity of placing equipment on opposite sides of large aircraft structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a transmission-based approach (requiring line-of-sight through the entire object) to a backscatter approach that utilizes scattered radiation returning to the detector. This dimensional change in detection geometry enables inspection of complex three-dimensional aircraft structures without requiring detectors on opposite sides.
2Ease of operation
If backscatter-based detection systems are used for aircraft inspection, then ease of placement is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for areas with high attenuation such as fuel tanks and transformers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple X-ray energy levels (parameter change) to optimize penetration through high-attenuation areas. By varying the energy parameters of the X-ray source, the system can penetrate dense materials like fuel tanks and transformers while maintaining adequate backscatter signal for precise detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic scanning and multiple energy level alternation to systematically inspect different areas of the aircraft. This allows the backscatter detector to accumulate sufficient signal strength in high-attenuation regions through repeated measurements at different energy levels, improving measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-mode X-ray systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to inability to simultaneously perform active backscatter inspection and passive radiation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active backscatter inspection capability with passive radiation detection capability into a single integrated system. The dual-purpose detector can operate in both modes, allowing simultaneous performance of inspection and radiation detection functions, thereby significantly improving productivity and inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal inspection system where a single platform can perform multiple functions: active backscatter imaging for structural inspection, passive radiation detection for nuclear materials detection, and chemical sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate inspection systems and improves overall productivity.
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 provides efficient, non-intrusive, and robust threat detection capable of inspecting large aircraft from multiple sides, effectively distinguishing between typical metals and special nuclear materials, while reducing logistic complexity and scan time through simultaneous active and passive radiation detection.
Implementation Method 1
In backscatter-based inspection systems, X-rays are used for irradiating a vehicle or object being inspected, and rays that are scattered back by the object are collected by one or more detectors
Implementation Method 2
a scanning laser range finder causing a beam of infra-red light to be scattered from the surface of the object wherein a time taken for the beam of infra-red light to return to the sensor is indicative of the distance to the surface of the object
Implementation Method 3
inspection system and method for simultaneous active backscatter and passive radiation detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The system is configured to also simultaneously detect passive radiation. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.