Movable X-Ray Source Scanning for 3D Cargo Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for aviation pallet cargo face challenges such as image overlap, limited scanning angles, low pass rates, poor image quality, high labor costs, and technical difficulties in manufacturing and maintaining large-sized CT scanning systems, which affect the detection of prohibited items like explosives and knives.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic-static combined scanning method using a movable X-ray source and detector assembly, with multiple scanning positions and a conveying device, allowing for a combined scanning angle greater than 180 degrees and reconstruction of three-dimensional images, while utilizing separate vacuum spaces for each X-ray source to enhance detection efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-sized CT scanning system is used to inspect aviation pallet cargo, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and maintenance difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into multiple independent ray sources, each with its own vacuum space and target spots. Instead of using one large complex CT scanner, multiple smaller ray sources work together to cover the entire inspection area, reducing individual component complexity while maintaining overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable ray sources that can translate between multiple scanning positions along the central axis. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage through coordinated movement of multiple simpler units rather than requiring a single large stationary complex system.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-sized CT scanning system is used to inspect aviation pallet cargo, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the maintenance difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each ray source is enclosed in a separate vacuum space with its own target spots, creating modular units that can be independently maintained. If one ray source requires maintenance, it can be serviced without affecting the others, significantly easing the maintenance burden compared to a monolithic large CT system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual ray sources to be replaced or recovered independently. Worn or damaged ray sources can be removed and replaced with new ones without dismantling the entire system, facilitating easier recovery and maintenance operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ray sources with separate vacuum spaces are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple ray sources with separate vacuum spaces to eliminate interference between beams, improving detection accuracy. Each ray source operates independently in its own vacuum environment, ensuring clean X-ray generation without cross-contamination, while the modular segmentation keeps individual units manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent ray sources are merged into a coordinated system that translates along the central axis. The combination of multiple simple vacuum-sealed ray sources achieves the detection accuracy of a complex single system while maintaining lower individual component complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the ray source translates between multiple scanning positions, then image overlap is reduced, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ray sources dynamically translate between multiple predefined scanning positions along the central axis. This dynamic positioning allows the system to capture images from different angles and positions, reducing overlap while the automated translation mechanism minimizes the time penalty through efficient movement between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines multiple scanning positions along the central axis before inspection begins. By planning the translation path in advance and positioning ray sources at optimal locations beforehand, the system reduces unnecessary movement and minimizes total scanning time while ensuring adequate coverage to reduce image overlap.
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
The method improves detection efficiency and accuracy by reducing image overlap, enhancing automatic recognition of prohibited items, and minimizing maintenance costs through modular X-ray sources, resulting in a more effective security inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ray source configured to emit X-rays... detector assembly configured to receive X-rays emitted from the at least one ray source and passing through an inspection region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an inspection method, and an inspection system including: at least one ray source; a detector assembly and a conveying device. At least one ray source and the detector assembly may move in a traveling direction relative to the conveying device, so that the to-be-inspected object may enter an inspection region. When viewed along a central axis of the inspection region, at least one ray source may translate between scanning positions, and a translation distance of at least one ray source between two adjacent scanning positions is greater than a spacing between adjacent target spots of each ray source. When at least one ray source is located at one scanning position, at least one ray source and the detector assembly move in the traveling direction and at least one ray source emits X-rays. After moving a predetermined distance, at least one ray source translates to another scanning position.