Matrix Detector Image Correction for X-Ray Cargo Depth Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray cargo inspection methods suffer from image distortions due to the dependency of projections on depth, leading to oversampling and incomplete imaging of cargo zones, which existing frequency adjustments for X-ray pulses fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a matrix of detectors that adjusts X-ray pulse frequency based on the speed of mutual scanning displacement to minimize oversampling, identifies reconstruction zones, generates intermediate images, and selects neighborhoods with minimal distortion for correcting the final image, providing depth information about cargo parts relative to the matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frequency of X-ray pulses is adjusted to the speed of the matrix to avoid oversampling, then sampling efficiency is improved, but zones of the cargo are not imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo into multiple depth zones (first zone closer to matrix, second zone farther from matrix) and applies different pulse frequency strategies to each zone. This segmentation allows the system to optimize sampling for each zone independently, preventing both oversampling and missed imaging regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pulse frequency adjustments are applied to different spatial regions (depth zones) of the cargo. The pulse frequency is locally optimized based on the depth zone being imaged, ensuring that each region receives appropriate sampling density without causing oversampling or gaps in other regions.
2Ease of operation
If a single pulse frequency is used for the entire cargo, then system operation is simplified, but both oversampling and incomplete imaging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the pulse frequency based on the current depth zone being imaged and the scanning speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity through automation while achieving high imaging quality through adaptive frequency control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the scanning speed and depth zone identification to automatically adjust the pulse frequency. This closed-loop control maintains ease of operation by removing manual intervention while ensuring optimal imaging quality through continuous adaptation to changing conditions.
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 reduces image distortions and ensures complete imaging of cargo, generating a final image with reduced artifacts and accurate depth information, thereby improving the quality of X-ray cargo inspection.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, with the scanner, radiation generated by a plurality of successive X-ray pulses irradiating the cargo during the mutual scanning displacement
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In some examples, there is described a method for processing inspection data associated with cargo irradiated by a plurality of successive pulses of X-rays. The method may involve obtaining the inspection data, the inspection data being generated as a result of scanning the cargo using a matrix comprising a plurality of at least two rows of detectors, and a source of the plurality of successive pulses. In some examples radiation corresponding to the plurality of successive pulses irradiating the cargo is arranged in a first order on the plurality of rows of detectors of the matrix and one or more successive reconstruction zones for the inspection data and corresponding to different orders are determined. Intermediate images of the cargo and an average image are generated. On the generated average image, pixels may be selected and neighbourhoods of the pixels having fewer artefacts may be extracted.