Distributed X-ray Source for Mobile Back Scattering Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile X-ray back scattering inspection apparatuses face limitations due to distortion in ray spot dimensions and spatial distribution at large spread angles, requiring increased distance between the ray source and object, which affects spatial coverage and imaging quality, and result in inefficient scanning speeds.

Innovation Solution

A mobile back scattering imaging security inspection apparatus utilizing a distributed X-ray source with multiple target points that emit pencil ray beams simultaneously, controlled by a controller to achieve improved scanning efficiency and imaging quality, and includes distance measuring devices to optimize the number of target points for simultaneous emission based on the object's distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single target source with large spread angle is used, then the imaging range is improved, but the ray spot dimensions and spatial distribution become distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging rangeVSAvoidray spot dimensions and spatial distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single target source is segmented into multiple target points arranged in a specific pattern. Each target point emits rays at controlled angles, collectively covering the desired imaging range while maintaining precise ray spot dimensions and spatial distribution without distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the distance between the ray source and object is increased to reduce distortion, then the ray spot distortion is reduced, but the spatial coverage of the detector is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveray spot distortionVSAvoidspatial coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adjusting only the distance (one dimension), the invention uses multiple target points arranged in a two-dimensional pattern with different angular positions. This allows achieving both low distortion and wide spatial coverage by utilizing angular distribution in addition to spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If a wheel-type flying spot scanning mechanism is used, then the pencil ray beam is formed, but the scanning speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepencil ray beam formationVSAvoidscanning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple target points emit pencil ray beams simultaneously or in rapid succession, eliminating the sequential mechanical scanning of wheel-type mechanisms. This continuous parallel emission maintains the pencil beam advantage while dramatically increasing scanning speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If multiple target points emit rays simultaneously, then the scanning speed is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple target points are merged into a single distributed source system with unified control. The controller coordinates all target points to emit rays simultaneously, achieving high-speed scanning while managing system complexity through integrated control rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances imaging quality by reducing distortion and variation in ray spot size, improving scanning speed, and allowing for higher contrast images to be obtained in a single scan operation, while efficiently managing the distance between the detector and object.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile back scattering imaging security inspection apparatus utilizing a distributed X-ray source with multiple target points that emit pencil ray beams simultaneously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBack scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2963453B1Mobile back scattering imaging security inspection apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2963453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2963453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2963453B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a mobile back scattering imaging security inspection apparatus, comprising: a back scattering scanner (2), a detector (3), a controller (4), and a movable stage (1) configured to carry the back scattering scanner, the detector and the controller and being movable with respect to the object to be inspected; wherein the back scattering scanner is a distributed X-ray source comprising a plurality of target points (201), each of which is able to emit the ray beam individually, and wherein the back scattering scanner, the detector and the controller perform an imaging security inspection operation on the object to be inspected during moving along with the movable stage with respect to the object.