Distance-Triggered DR and CT Imaging Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosive detection systems using CT and DR imaging technologies face challenges with bulky and costly equipment, reduced inspection speed due to the addition of DR imaging, and image distortion caused by varying object speeds during simultaneous scanning by CT and DR imaging apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An inspection system that employs a distance triggered mode for both DR and CT imaging apparatuses, using rotary encoders or position marks to synchronize data acquisition based on predetermined distances rather than time intervals, ensuring consistent image quality regardless of object speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the DR imaging apparatus is added to the explosive detection system, then the detection capability is improved, but the overall length of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the DR imaging apparatus and CT imaging apparatus into a compact integrated system where the DR detector is positioned adjacent to the CT beam path. This merging approach allows both imaging modalities to share space, reducing the overall system length while maintaining enhanced detection capability through multi-modal imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If the distance between CT and DR imaging apparatus is reduced to minimize system length, then the overall dimension is decreased, but the object may be scanned by both apparatuses simultaneously causing speed synchronization issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem lengthVSAvoidspeed synchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a distance-triggered detection mechanism as an intermediary between the object conveyor and the imaging apparatuses. This mediator uses distance markers or encoders to trigger data acquisition at specific positions, allowing independent control of each imaging apparatus's scanning speed and eliminating synchronization conflicts that would arise from direct coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the object is scanned by both DR and CT imaging apparatuses at the same time, then the inspection efficiency is improved, but the DR imaging apparatus must operate at lower speed to match CT speed, reducing overall inspection speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidinspection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed control where the DR imaging apparatus can operate at its optimal high speed while the CT apparatus operates at its required lower speed. The distance-triggered detection system dynamically adjusts data acquisition timing based on the object's position and speed, allowing each apparatus to optimize its scanning speed independently while maintaining coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Speed

If the DR imaging apparatus operates at high speed while CT operates at low speed, then the average inspection speed increases, but the object is scanned by DR at different speeds causing image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaverage inspection speedVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional time-triggered mechanical synchronization system with a distance-triggered detection system that uses position markers or encoders. This substitution allows the DR imaging apparatus to maintain high speed operation while the trigger mechanism ensures accurate spatial positioning of each detected point, eliminating image distortion caused by speed variations without requiring mechanical speed matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for increased inspection speed while maintaining image quality by decoupling data acquisition from object speed, preventing distortion and enhancing the overall performance of the explosive detection system.

Implementation Method 1

using rotary encoders or position marks to synchronize data acquisition based on predetermined distances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical encoding:

Implementation Method 2

the DR imaging apparatus emits beams at a regular time interval, and detectors receive the beams penetrating the object and convert received information into digital information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

detectors receive the beams penetrating the object and convert received information into digital information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

the CT technology has become prevailing in the aviation security field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComputed tomography: Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2450697B1Detection system comprising a dr imaging device and a CT imaging device, and detection methods
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2450697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2450697B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b

AI summary

Disclosed is detection system for detection an object being conveyed along a convey path, the detection system comprises a DR imaging apparatus and a CT imaging apparatus which is provided at the downstream or upstream of the DR imaging apparatus along the convey path, wherein an average speed at which the object passes the DR imaging apparatus is higher than an average speed at which the object passes the CT imaging apparatus. The present invention also relates to a DR imaging apparatus for forming an image of an object by scanning the object, the object being conveyed along a convey path, the DR imaging apparatus comprising: an X-ray source; a detector for detecting passing of the object; a digital image processing unit; and a DR. trigger module for data acquisition, wherein during the object passes the DR imaging apparatus, the DR trigger module triggers the DR imaging apparatus to perform data acquisition every time the object passes the DR imaging apparatus a predetermined distance A along the convey path.