3D X-Ray Luggage Inspection via Multi-View Tomography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting objects, such as luggage, using electromagnetic radiation struggle to provide precise evaluation and detection due to the limited number of views from stationary radiation sources and detectors, which restricts full reconstruction of complex objects and results in partial information from selected regions.
Innovation Solution
The method employs multiple (4 to 15) stationary radiation sources and detectors arranged to emit fan-shaped x-ray planes in different directions, allowing for the measurement of unabsorbed radiation intensities across various energy ranges, enabling a dual-energy method and subsequent three-dimensional reconstruction of objects to detect materials based on attenuation coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a low number of stationary radiation sources and detectors are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and detection performance deteriorate due to insufficient views for full object reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D single-view imaging to 3D multi-view tomographic imaging by arranging multiple radiation sources and detectors to capture images from different angles. This dimensional expansion enables full object reconstruction and significantly improves detection precision without requiring an excessively large number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process is segmented into multiple independent views, each captured by a specific radiation source-detector pair. These segmented views are then computationally reconstructed to form a complete 3D representation of the object, allowing precise material detection while using a manageable number of radiation sources and detectors.
2Device complexity
If only single-energy x-ray evaluation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for material identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of x-rays by implementing dual-energy evaluation, where radiation is measured at two different energy levels. This allows differentiation of materials based on their distinct attenuation characteristics at different energies, significantly improving material identification precision without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The same radiation sources and detectors serve multiple functions by evaluating radiation at different energy levels. The system universally processes both low-energy and high-energy x-rays through the same hardware configuration, enabling enhanced material discrimination without increasing device complexity.
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 enhances detection performance by providing precise material identification and improved evaluation of complex objects, allowing for accurate determination of materials within objects through detailed imaging and mass profiling.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting a particular material in an object, particularly in a piece of luggage, by means of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the intensities of unabsorbed radiation from at least three radiation planes are measured and evaluated
Implementation Method 3
Typically, the inspection occurs with use of x-rays
Implementation Method 4
an absorption thickness of the area is then determined with use of a stored value
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for detection of a particular material in an object, in particular in an item of luggage, by means of electromagnetic radiation in which the intensities of non-absorbed radiation from at least three radiation planes are measured and evaluated in associated detector apparatus, wherein an image is produced, initially from the intensities of the non-absorbed radiation, and then if single regions of low complexity are found which are characterized by approximately constant intensities, an estimation of the attenuation coefficient s performed and a material detection is carried out in the region according to an algorithm which calculates a three-dimensional reconstruction from different views.