Detector Matrix for High-Speed Cargo Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed inspection systems for cargo often fail to detect hidden objects due to increased distance between successive thin images, resulting in incomplete coverage of the load, especially at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A matrix of detectors with adjustable arrays based on inspection speed and radiation pulse frequency, ensuring a predetermined extent of the load is irradiated and detected, enhancing detection success rates and image quality through overlapping irradiation and varying array depths for material identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inspection speed of the load increases, then the productivity of the inspection system improves, but the distance between successive thin images increases causing incomplete coverage and reduced detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is divided into multiple arrays arranged in a matrix configuration. Each array captures a portion of the radiation spectrum at different angles or energies, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive coverage even when the load moves at high speed between successive radiation pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear array of detectors to a two-dimensional matrix of detector arrays. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture radiation data across multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, ensuring complete load coverage regardless of inspection speed.
2Reliability
If the number of arrays of detectors is increased to improve detection coverage, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector array in the matrix is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting radiation intensity, determining material composition through energy spectral analysis, and providing spatial information about the load. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized detector systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies parameters such as the number of arrays, array dimensions, and detector spacing based on the inspection speed and load characteristics. This allows optimization of detection coverage without permanently maintaining maximum complexity for all operating conditions.
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 effectively enhances the detection of hidden objects at high speeds by ensuring comprehensive irradiation and improves image quality by increasing data quantity and resolution, while allowing for material identification through varying array depths.
Implementation Method 1
inspection radiation transmitted through a load (such as a vehicle) for inspecting cargo of the load
Implementation Method 2
a matrix of detectors... configured to detect successive radiation pulses
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In one aspect, it is disclosed a system for inspection of a load, comprising: a detection device configured to detect, after transmission through the load, successive radiation pulses emitted at a predetermined frequency by a source, the load being in movement in an inspection direction, at an inspection speed with respect to the system, the detection device comprising a matrix of a plurality of arrays of detectors, wherein the matrix has a width associated with the inspection direction, the width of the matrix being based on the inspection speed of the load and the predetermined frequency of the successive radiation pulses.