Neutron Gamma Detection for Angular Localization of Hidden Substances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection methods, such as imaging and mass spectrometry, fail to accurately determine the spatial position and type of prohibited objects like explosives and drugs, lacking sufficient clues for further inspection.

Innovation Solution

An object detecting device and method using neutron-induced gamma ray analysis to determine the angular orientation and type of target substances by rotating the object and analyzing gamma energy spectra, employing a detector with sub-detectors at different heights and calculating index parameter values based on detection signal quantities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging method or mass spectrometry is used to detect prohibited objects, then detection accuracy is improved, but the ability to determine spatial position and type of prohibited substances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidspatial position information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces angular orientation as a new dimension of information. By rotating the detected object and measuring gamma ray signals at multiple angles, the system determines the spatial orientation of prohibited substances within the object. This angular dimension complements the traditional detection methods, enabling both identification of prohibited substances and determination of their spatial positions without requiring physical opening or disassembly of the object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If neutron-induced gamma ray analysis is used to determine angular orientation, then spatial position detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial position informationVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified approach. The same neutron source and gamma ray detector used for detecting prohibited substances are also employed to determine their spatial orientations through angular measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each detection task, thereby managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-rotates the detected object to multiple predetermined angles before measurement, and pre-calculates the angular orientations based on the gamma ray signal patterns. This preliminary preparation of angular positions and signal characterization allows for efficient real-time detection without requiring complex real-time computation during the actual inspection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the detected object is rotated to multiple angles for comprehensive detection, then detection completeness is improved, but inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the detected object through a complete 360-degree circle at all possible angles, the system selects and measures at a finite set of predetermined angles that are sufficient to determine the angular orientation of prohibited substances. This partial sampling of angular positions provides adequate detection completeness while significantly reducing the inspection time compared to full angular scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Accurately determines the angular orientation and type of prohibited substances, providing effective search clues for further inspection without damaging the object, and ensuring food safety.

Implementation Method 1

a neutron source configured to release a neutron to the detected object, so that a neutron induced nuclear reaction occurs between the neutron and the detected object and a gamma ray is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutron-induced nuclear reaction: Nuclear Fission

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to receive the gamma ray and analyze the gamma ray so as to obtain a detection signal quantity corresponding to the gamma ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGamma ray detection: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4012462B1Object detecting device, object detecting method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP4012462B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012462B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A
  • EP4012462B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an object detecting device, including a neutron source, a detector, a rotating component and a processor. The neutron source is configured to release a neutron to a detected object so that a neutron induced nuclear reaction occurs between the neutron and the detected object and a gamma ray is generated; the detector is configured to receive the gamma ray and analyze the gamma ray so as to obtain a detection signal quantity corresponding to the gamma ray; the rotating component is configured to carry the detected object and rotate the detected object relative to the neutron source and the detector; the processor is configured to: control the rotating component to rotate the detected object from an initial angle to at least M predetermined angles in sequence; acquire at least M detection signal quantities respectively corresponding to the M predetermined angles, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and determine an angle orientation of a suspected target substance in the detected object based on the M detection signal quantities and a preset reference signal quantity. The present disclosure further provides an object detecting method and a computer-readable storage medium.