Inspection Device Using Coherent X-ray Scattering for Material Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inspection systems for detecting explosives have high error rates and require manual detection operations due to limitations in density and atomic number-based methods, necessitating a more reliable and efficient approach.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a coherent X-ray scattering technology with a distributed light source and cylindrical detector, allowing for three-dimensional positioning and high signal-to-noise ratio, utilizing an inverted fan-shaped beam to enhance detection efficiency and reduce system costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single light source point is used in inverted fan-shaped beam detection, then the system structure is simplified, but the ray intensity in detection plane is significantly degraded and signal-to-noise ratio is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single light source is segmented into multiple light source points arranged in specific geometric patterns (linear, circular, or planar distributions). This segmentation allows simultaneous illumination of multiple regions in the detection plane, maintaining high ray intensity while preserving the simplified inverted fan-shaped beam structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light source points are merged into a coordinated system where each point contributes to illuminating specific regions. The combined effect of multiple sources maintains high signal-to-noise ratio while the integrated system preserves the overall simplified inverted fan-shaped beam geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple light source points are used to illuminate various pixels simultaneously, then detection efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection task is segmented across multiple light source points, each responsible for illuminating specific pixels simultaneously. This enables parallel detection of multiple regions, improving detection efficiency while the modular segmented structure keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light source distribution transitions from a single point to multi-dimensional arrangements (linear arrays, circular patterns, or planar distributions). This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous illumination of multiple detection plane regions, achieving parallel detection without proportionally increasing system complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If CT detection technology is used to obtain material information, then spatial position and density information are obtained, but the error rate in identifying explosives remains high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial information accuracyVSAvoidexplosive identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted fan-shaped beam detection system acts as an intermediary between CT detection and explosive identification. It provides additional coherent scattering information that complements CT data, enabling more reliable explosive identification by adding a specialized detection layer rather than relying solely on general-purpose CT imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter from general density and spatial information (CT) to specific coherent scattering patterns characteristic of crystalline explosives. This parameter transformation enables specialized explosive identification that overcomes the limitations of general-purpose CT detection.

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 solution significantly reduces error rates, enhances detection efficiency, and improves the reliability of the inspection system by enabling targeted detection and optimized signal intensity, achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio and cost reduction.

Implementation Method 1

coherent X-ray scattering technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

coherent X-ray scattering (X-ray diffraction) technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

a collimator, and a cylindrical detector with an axis of Y axis, wherein the collimator allows only rays which are scattered at a predetermined angle to be incident on the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 4

measures an energy distribution of X-rays scattered at a fixed angle to obtain a lattice constant of the materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy spectrum measurement:

Implementation Method 5

primarily based on the Bragg diffraction equation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBragg diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3115773B1Inspection device, method and system
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3115773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3115773B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3115773B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses an inspection device, an inspection method and an inspection system. The device comprises a distributed ray source comprising multiple source points; a light source collimator arranged at a ray beam output end of the distributed ray source, and configured to converge the rays generated by the distributed ray source along fan-shaped radial lines to form an inverted fan-shaped ray beam; a scatter collimator configured to only allow rays scattered at one or more particular scattering angles which are generated by the rays from the light source collimator interacting with inspected objects to pass; at least one detector arranged on the downstream of the scatter collimator, each detector comprising multiple detection units which have an energy resolution capability and are substantially arranged in a cylindrical surface to receive the scattered rays passing through the scatter collimator; and a processing apparatus configured to calculate energy spectrum information of the scattered rays from the inspected objects based on a signal output by the detectors. The device described above measures an energy distribution of scattered X-rays at a fixed angle by using detectors having an energy resolution capability, to obtain a lattice constant of materials, so as to recognize categories of the materials.