Multi-Energy Radiation Inspection for Cargo Material Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo inspection systems using single-energy radiations cannot accurately identify materials in large or medium-sized objects, such as containers, due to limitations in energy levels and detection errors, leading to inaccurate results, especially when objects are intermixed or have small mass thickness.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing multi-energy radiations with at least three different energy levels to interact with objects, followed by curve fitting and analysis to determine material attributes, employing a calibration function and weighting factors for accurate material identification and imaging, with a multi-layered detector module and energy spectrum modulator to optimize energy levels for discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-energy radiations are used for inspection, then the system structure is simple, but material identification accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of radiations from single-energy to multi-energy (at least three different energy levels). By using radiations with different energy levels, the system can obtain multiple sets of detection values that reflect different material interaction characteristics, thereby enabling accurate material identification while maintaining system simplicity through a single detector array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the radiation energy spectrum into multiple discrete energy levels (at least three). Each energy level provides independent detection data, and by combining these segmented energy measurements, the system achieves comprehensive material characterization without requiring complex multi-detector systems.
2Measurement precision
If two high-energy X-ray beams with different energy levels are used, then material identification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple radiation energy measurements into a single inspection system. Instead of using two separate X-ray machines with different energy levels, the system uses at least three different energy levels from a single radiation source, combining their effects through multi-energy detection to achieve material identification with reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single detector array universal by enabling it to detect radiations at multiple energy levels (at least three). This multi-functional approach allows one detector system to perform what would traditionally require multiple specialized detectors, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining material identification capability.
3Device complexity
If filtered X-ray beams are used to obtain different energy levels, then device complexity is reduced, but energy spectrum difference is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to energy spectrum generation by using at least three distinct energy levels that provide sufficient spectral differentiation. This parameter change ensures that the energy spectrum difference is adequate for accurate material identification across various material types, including both low-Z and high-Z materials, while still using a single accelerator system.
4Device complexity
If direct interpolation and lookup tables are used for material identification, then processing is simple, but detection accuracy is poor for intermixed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection approach by using at least three different energy levels to obtain multiple sets of detection values. This parameter change provides sufficient data dimensions to distinguish between intermixed materials and account for variations in mass thickness, enabling accurate material identification without relying on simple interpolation or lookup tables.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for inspecting an object using multi-energy radiations and an apparatus thereof. The method comprises the steps of: causing multi-energy radiations to interact with an object under inspection; detecting and recording detection values after an interaction between the multi-energy radiations and the object under inspection; substituting a portion of the detection values into a predetermined calibration function to obtain information comprising primary material attribute; and determining further material attributes of the object by applying a set of functions suitable for a energy band corresponding to the information. The present invention is applicable to the large container cargo inspection without opening containers at customs, ports and airports.