Portable X-ray Imaging Device with Coded Aperture Backscattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable devices for non-destructive examination of packages are limited by low spatial resolution and narrow field of view, making them inadequate for detecting explosives and radioactive materials, especially in situations requiring quick analysis without moving the object or coming into contact with it.
Innovation Solution
A portable device combining an X or gamma radiation source, a large and finely pixelated matrix detector, a removable shielding and collimation accessory, and a coded aperture imaging system, allowing for both transmission and backscattering imaging with enhanced spatial resolution and field of view, enabling real-time image display and operation in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a portable device uses a small detection matrix with few pixels (as in known CdTe detector), then the device becomes more compact and portable, but the spatial resolution and field of view become too low for examining suspicious packages
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent detection pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel detects radiation independently, and the collective data from all pixels forms the complete image. This segmentation allows achieving high spatial resolution through numerous pixels while keeping each individual pixel small, thus maintaining device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-pixel or few-pixel detection approach to a two-dimensional array of detection pixels. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple pixels arranged in a matrix, the system achieves both high spatial resolution and wide field of view while maintaining portability through integrated compact detector design.
2Ease of operation
If a portable device places the detector close to the object surface to examine difficult-to-access objects, then the device can examine objects in tight spaces, but the space between the surface and object becomes insufficient to install the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed as a thin, flexible matrix that can be positioned close to the object surface. The thin-film structure of the detector allows it to fit into tight spaces while still providing sufficient detection area and resolution. This enables examination of objects in confined spaces without requiring large installation clearance.
3Productivity
If the device uses transmission X-ray imaging to analyze objects in flow (port/airport zones), then systematic analysis can be performed, but the backscattering technique is needed to reveal lightweight materials that transmission imaging cannot detect
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device is designed to perform multiple imaging functions: transmission radiography, backscattering imaging, and gamma imaging. By integrating these different imaging modalities into a single device, the system can systematically analyze objects in flow while also being capable of detecting lightweight materials through backscattering techniques, thus achieving both productivity and versatility.
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 device provides a versatile solution for examining objects of various sizes, including those difficult to access, with improved spatial resolution and field of view, enabling effective detection of explosives and radioactive materials without moving the object or coming into contact with it, and can operate in different imaging modes such as single-energy radiography, backscattering imaging, and radiation source imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X or gamma radiation source adapted to radiography
Implementation Method 2
an X or gamma radiation source adapted to radiography
Implementation Method 3
at least one matrix detector sensitive to X rays or gamma rays
Implementation Method 4
X backscattering imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Portable and versatile X-ray or gamma imaging device for non-destructive examination of suspicious packages, integrating transmission and backscattering imaging.It comprises an X or gamma radiation source (4) adapted to radiography, a large and finely pixelated detector (6) sensitive to X rays or gamma rays adapted to radiography, a removable shielding and collimation accessory (5) to adapt the source to backscattering imaging, a removable accessory (10) comprising a large and finely pixelated coded mask placed in contact with the detector when a backscattering imaging or radioactive source imaging is made, and a synchronized control system (14) for the source, the detector and the latter accessory, and for data acquisition and processing to display an image in real time.