Explosive Detection via Nickel Peak Subtraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Neutron detection technologies for explosives face challenges with false determinations, particularly due to interference from stainless steel materials which can produce false positive results.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate a detection spectrum by reacting an object with neutrons, deduct a detection background, and specifically subtract a characteristic nickel peak to reduce false positives, using a computer-readable storage medium to implement the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If neutron detection technology is used to detect explosives, then detection accuracy is improved, but false detection occurs due to interference from stainless steel materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection spectrum is segmented into multiple components: detection background, nickel characteristic peak, and explosive characteristic peaks. By dividing the spectrum analysis into distinct segments, the method can separately process and identify each component, allowing accurate differentiation between stainless steel (nickel) and explosives despite both producing signals in the detection spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nickel characteristic peak, which causes false positives, is extracted and removed from the detection spectrum through dedicated subtraction processing. This extraction isolates the interfering signal from the stainless steel material, allowing the true explosive signals to be clearly identified without contamination from nickel peaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If stainless steel materials are present in the detection object, then detection sensitivity is maintained, but false positive results occur due to nickel peak interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse positive results
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nickel peak, which initially causes harmful false positives, is converted into a useful diagnostic feature. By specifically identifying and subtracting the nickel characteristic peak, the method transforms the interfering signal into a known reference that can be removed, thereby converting the harmful effect into a beneficial process that eliminates false positives while preserving true explosive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the parameter representation of the detection spectrum by performing mathematical subtraction of the nickel peak component. This parameter transformation converts the raw spectrum containing interference into a processed spectrum where the nickel contribution is eliminated, allowing clear identification of explosive signals without false positives from stainless steel materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces the probability of false determinations by accurately distinguishing between explosives and stainless steel materials, enhancing detection accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a neutron source configured to emit neutrons into the detection room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutron emission:

Implementation Method 2

a detection unit configured to detect a gamma ray generated by a reaction of the neutrons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGamma ray generation through nuclear reaction: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 3

detect a gamma ray generated by a reaction of the neutrons, so as to generate a detection signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGamma ray detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4354129A1Method and device for detecting explosive, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY
  • EP4354129A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4354129A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4354129A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a method for detecting an explosive, including: receiving a detection signal to generate a detection spectrum, wherein the detection spectrum is a spectrum of a gamma ray generated by a reaction between an object to be detected and neutrons; deducting a detection background in the detection spectrum to obtain a first processing spectrum; deducting a characteristic peak at a nickel peak position in the first processing spectrum to obtain a second processing spectrum; and determining whether the explosive is contained in the object to be detected, based on the second processing spectrum. A device for detecting an explosive and a computer readable storage medium are further provided.