X-Ray Detector Matrix Reconstruction for Cargo Depth Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray cargo inspection systems suffer from image distortions due to the dependency of projections on depth, leading to oversampling and incomplete imaging of cargo zones, which are not addressed by existing methods of adjusting X-ray pulse frequency based on scanner speed.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing inspection data by determining successive reconstruction zones, selecting reconstruction planes, generating intermediate images, and averaging them to correct distortions, while extracting neighborhoods with minimal criteria to generate a final image with reduced distortion and depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the frequency of X-ray pulses is adjusted to the speed of the matrix to avoid oversampling, then oversampling is reduced, but zones of the cargo are not imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo volume into multiple depth slices or reconstruction zones along the beam direction. Each slice is reconstructed independently using data from detector rows that correspond to that depth range, ensuring complete coverage without oversampling any single zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth as an additional dimension for data organization and reconstruction. Instead of processing all detector data uniformly, the system segments data by depth zones and reconstructs each zone separately, transforming the problem from a 2D projection issue to a 3D volumetric reconstruction problem.
2Device complexity
If a single reconstruction plane is selected for image generation, then processing is simplified, but zones of cargo located in other planes appear with distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cargo volume into multiple reconstruction planes or depth slices. Each slice is reconstructed using data from the corresponding depth zone, allowing accurate representation of cargo zones at different depths without the distortions that occur when using a single reconstruction plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different reconstruction parameters and settings to different depth zones within the cargo. Each reconstruction plane uses optimized parameters suited to that specific depth range, improving local image quality while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated zone-based processing.
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 method effectively corrects image distortions and provides accurate depth information by identifying and minimizing distortion neighborhoods, ensuring complete coverage of the cargo and reducing artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, with the scanner, radiation generated by a plurality of successive X-ray pulses irradiating the cargo during the mutual scanning displacement
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, there is described a method for processing inspection data associated with cargo irradiated by a plurality of successive pulses of X-rays. The method may involve obtaining the inspection data, the inspection data being generated as a result of scanning the cargo using a matrix including a plurality of at least two rows of detectors, and a source of the plurality of successive pulses. In some examples radiation corresponding to the plurality of successive pulses irradiating the cargo is arranged in a first order on the plurality of rows of detectors of the matrix and one or more successive reconstruction zones for the inspection data and corresponding to different orders are determined. Intermediate images of the cargo and an average image are generated. On the generated average image, pixels may be selected and neighbourhoods of the pixels having fewer artefacts may be extracted.