Autonomous Mobile Radiation Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radiation imaging systems lack flexibility and autonomy, making it difficult to inspect objects in hazardous, confined, or hard-to-reach spaces without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two autonomous unmanned vehicles, one with a source of penetrating radiation and the other with an image detector, that can independently move and position to acquire images from different angles, allowing for tomographic reconstruction of the target object's internal structure without prior knowledge of its exact position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed radiation imaging system is used, then imaging stability is improved, but adaptability to different environments and objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed imaging system into a mobile system with autonomous vehicles that can dynamically position themselves and adjust their orientations to acquire radiation images from multiple angles, thereby achieving both stability in image acquisition and adaptability to different environments and objects
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then operational control is improved, but safety in hazardous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by equipping autonomous vehicles with onboard processing units that independently control the propelled motion of the vehicles and coordinate image acquisition, eliminating the need for human operators to be present in hazardous environments while maintaining precise operational control
3Device complexity
If single-angle imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of internal structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from single-angle (2D projection) imaging to multi-angle (3D tomographic) imaging, where autonomous vehicles positioned at different locations and orientations capture radiation images from multiple perspectives, enabling tomographic reconstruction that precisely reveals internal structures
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
Enables efficient and safe imaging of objects in challenging environments by allowing autonomous detection and imaging without operator intervention, providing detailed internal structure data through tomographic reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction
Implementation Method 2
an image detector for registering a spatial distribution of this penetrating radiation as an image
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging a target object comprises a first unmanned vehicle including a source of penetrating radiation. The first vehicle positions the source such as to direct the radiation toward the target object. A second unmanned vehicle comprises an image detector for registering a spatial distribution of the radiation as an image, in which the second vehicle positions the detector to register the distribution of radiation when transmitted through the target object. These unmanned vehicles are autonomous vehicles adapted for independent propelled motion, and comprise a positioning unit for detecting a position of the vehicle. A processing unit controls the motion of the unmanned vehicles to acquire at least two images corresponding to at least two different projection directions of the radiation through the target object. The processing unit is adapted for generating data representative of an internal structure of the target object from the at least two images.