Dual-Energy X-Ray Detector Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-energy X-ray detection systems for food products, particularly poultry, face challenges in accurately detecting bones due to limited detection capabilities, high false reject rates, and the inability to synchronise images effectively from multiple detectors, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves optimizing detector performance by using different scanning rates, integration times, and diode sizes for high-energy and low-energy X-ray detection, aligning focal points, and combining images to achieve precise synchronisation, along with utilizing laser height measurement to create a 'pseudo X-ray' image for improved foreign object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-energy X-ray detection is used for scanning food products, then detection capability is improved, but image synchronisation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scanning rates for high-energy and low-energy X-ray detectors, allowing each detector to operate at optimized speeds rather than being constrained by a fixed synchronized rate. This enables the high-energy detector to scan faster while the low-energy detector scans at a slower pace, with software synchronization compensating for the speed difference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scanning rate parameter differently for each detector type. High-energy X-ray scanning operates at a faster rate than low-energy X-ray scanning, allowing each detector to capture images at optimal intervals for its specific energy requirements, thereby improving overall detection capability while maintaining synchronisation through computational alignment.
2Speed
If laser height measurement is used to detect food product thickness, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision in occluded regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges laser height measurement data with dual-energy X-ray imaging data to create a comprehensive view of the food product. The laser provides rapid thickness measurements in visible areas, while the X-ray imaging compensates for occluded regions where the laser cannot directly measure, combining the speed advantage of laser measurement with the penetration capability of X-rays.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-energy X-ray system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap created by laser measurement limitations. When the laser encounters occluded regions it cannot measure accurately, the X-ray imaging system provides the missing information, effectively mediating between the fast but limited laser measurement and the comprehensive but slower X-ray imaging.
3Reliability
If different scanning rates are used for high-energy and low-energy X-ray detection, then detector performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the scanning rates of high-energy and low-energy detectors are independently optimized based on their specific performance requirements. Software algorithms continuously adjust and synchronize the images from both detectors, providing feedback control that manages the complexity of coordinating different scanning rates while maintaining improved detector performance.
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 the accuracy and synchronisation of detector images, reducing false rejects and improving bone detection in poultry by aligning detector geometries and using zoning to optimise data usage, resulting in improved detection of foreign objects and bones.
Implementation Method 1
dual-energy detector system comprising high-energy X-ray detection and low-energy X-ray detection
Implementation Method 2
laser height measurement means, for creating a 'pseudo X-ray' image of an item to be scanned
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimising detector performance in a dual-energy detector system including high-energy X-ray detection and low-energy X-ray detection. The method includes one or more steps from a group including: utilising different scanning rates for high-energy X-ray detection and low-energy X-ray detection; utilising different integration times for high-energy Xray detection and low-energy X-ray detection; and/or utilising different diode sizes for high-energy X-ray detection and low-energy X-ray detection.