MV X-Ray Backscatter Detector for Dual-Mode Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray backscatter systems for cargo scanning rely on kilovolt (kV) x-ray tubes, requiring both kV and megavolt (MV) sources for transmission and backscatter detection, which is inefficient and unsuitable for materials differentiation due to similar scattering coefficients.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a MV x-ray source with a backscatter detector configured to accept lower energy photons and reject higher energy photons, incorporating shielding and collimation to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, allowing simultaneous transmission and backscatter imaging without the need for a kV source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional kV x-ray tubes are used for backscatter imaging, then the system can perform cargo scanning, but it requires both kV and MV sources which increases device complexity and is inefficient for material differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the kV and MV x-ray source functions into a single MV source that operates in both transmission and backscatter modes. The MV source generates a spectrum containing both high-energy photons (for transmission imaging) and low-energy photons (for backscatter imaging), eliminating the need for separate kV and MV sources and reducing device complexity while maintaining scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The MV x-ray source is designed to perform multiple functions: transmission imaging, backscatter imaging, and material differentiation. By utilizing the energy spectrum of the MV source, the system can selectively detect different energy ranges for different imaging modes, making a single source replace what previously required two separate sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If kV and MV sources are used simultaneously for transmission and backscatter detection, then both imaging modes can be performed, but material differentiation is not achieved due to similar scattering coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by detecting different energy ranges of photons from the MV source for different imaging purposes. The system uses energy discrimination to separate low-energy photons (for backscatter material differentiation) from high-energy photons (for transmission imaging), allowing each detection channel to optimize for its specific function and enabling accurate material differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter of the detected photons by using an MV source that emits a broad energy spectrum. By detecting photons at different energy levels (low energy for backscatter, high energy for transmission), the system can differentiate materials based on their distinct scattering coefficients at different energies, improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If MV x-ray source is used with backscatter detector accepting lower energy photons, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but background radiation interference must be reduced through shielding and collimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shielding and collimation components as intermediaries between the MV source and the backscatter detector. These components filter and direct the radiation, allowing the detector to accept lower energy photons for improved signal-to-noise ratio while blocking harmful background radiation and scattered photons that would interfere with the measurement.
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 effective material differentiation and improved imaging by reducing background radiation interference, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for flexible detector placement, thus improving scanning efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Other x-rays may scatter from the object in a variety of directions depending on characteristics of the object
Implementation Method 2
a backscatter detector configured to accept lower energy photons and reject higher energy photons
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray system, comprising: a backscatter detector, comprising: an x-ray conversion material; a plurality of sensors configured to generate electrical signals in combination with the x-ray conversion material in response to incident x-rays; and a collimator disposed on the x-ray conversion material and including a plurality of partitions extending away from the x-ray conversion material and the sensors and forming a plurality of openings, each opening corresponding to one of the sensors.