Combined CT and NRF Cargo Inspection System

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo inspection systems, particularly those using CT and NRF, face challenges in efficiently detecting contraband in large cargo containers due to high false alarm rates, time-consuming processes, and costly equipment requirements, with existing CT systems being inadequate for large crates and pallets, and NRF systems requiring extensive detectors and lacking effective shielding mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A combined X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) scanning system that optimizes detector positioning and shielding to minimize radiation attenuation and maximize signal strength, using CT for initial detection and NRF for confirmation, with a platform to position cargo for efficient scanning and data processing to infer the presence of contraband.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CT scanning is used for initial detection in large cargo containers, then detection coverage is improved, but false alarm rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidfalse alarm rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection process is segmented into two stages: CT scanning for initial detection of all items, followed by NRF scanning for confirmation of suspicious items. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while reducing false alarms by applying the more precise but slower NRF method only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

CT scanning is performed as a preliminary action to identify and locate items of interest before conducting the more time-consuming NRF analysis. This preliminary screening step filters out most benign items, allowing the system to focus resources on potential threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If NRF scanning is used for confirmation, then measurement precision is improved, but inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontraband confirmation accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection process is segmented into two stages: CT scanning for initial detection of all items, followed by NRF scanning for confirmation of suspicious items. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while reducing false alarms by applying the more precise but slower NRF method only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

CT scanning is performed as a preliminary action to identify and locate items of interest before conducting the more time-consuming NRF analysis. This preliminary screening step filters out most benign items, allowing the system to focus resources on potential threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a large number of detectors are used in NRF scanning, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of detectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CT scan performs a preliminary action by creating a three-dimensional map that identifies the precise location of items of interest. This information is used to configure the NRF scan, allowing the use of fewer detectors positioned strategically to target only the identified items rather than requiring comprehensive coverage of the entire cargo container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the NRF detector configuration based on the CT scan results. The detector positions, orientations, and activation are optimized in real-time according to the location and characteristics of detected items, allowing efficient use of a smaller number of detectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate, efficient detection of contraband, including explosives and nuclear materials, with reduced false alarms and lower operational costs, enabling rapid inspection of large cargo containers while maintaining high spatial resolution and specificity.

Implementation Method 1

In a CT scanner, a large number of precise X-ray 'views' are obtained at multiple angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The high-energy photons cause nuclear states in the object elements to fluoresce. The identification of the elemental composition of an object is based on the characteristic energy of the gamma-ray energies re-emitted by the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear resonance fluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS7539283B2Combined computed tomography and nuclear resonance fluorescence cargo inspection system and method

Publication Date: 2009.05.26 MORPHO DETECTION LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for scanning a container for contraband are provided. In one aspect, a method includes scanning the container using computed tomography (CT) to identify a location of an item of interest, determining a nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) scan configuration based on the location of the item of interest, positioning the container in the NRF scan configuration, irradiating the item of interest, detecting gamma rays emitted from the item of interest to generate signals representative of the detected gamma rays, and analyzing the generated signals to determine a presence of contraband.