Security Screening Device Using X-Ray and Neutron Radiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current security screening devices face challenges in quickly and accurately detecting hazardous materials like explosives, illegal drugs, and nuclear substances due to interference between X-rays and neutron radiation, which affects image quality and makes it difficult to identify materials with similar features, especially when they are concealed in cargo with similar compositions.
Innovation Solution
A security screening device that generates both X-rays and neutron radiation using a single device, reduces interference by using a shielding unit, and employs gamma-ray energy spectrum analysis to accurately identify hazardous materials, allowing for simultaneous detection of shape and substance information without the need for separate radiation generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If neutron radiation is additionally irradiated toward an object to obtain material information, then substance identification capability is improved, but interference between neutrons and X-rays increases causing noise and decreasing image information quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation detection into separate channels: an X-ray detector for shape information and a neutron detector for substance information. By segmenting the detection function, the system can process neutron and X-ray signals independently, avoiding interference between the two radiation types while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shielding unit as an intermediary component that selectively blocks harmful radiation interference. The shielding unit allows the system to maintain separate detection paths for neutrons and X-rays, preventing mutual interference while enabling both to pass through to their respective detectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate radiation generators are used for X-rays and neutron radiation, then detection capability for different types of radiation is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single radiation generator that is capable of producing both X-rays and neutron radiation. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate radiation generators while maintaining the ability to detect different types of radiation, thereby reducing device complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple radiation generation functions into a single integrated device. By merging the X-ray and neutron radiation generation capabilities into one unit, the system achieves the same detection versatility as multiple separate generators but with reduced complexity and lower costs.
3Measurement precision
If neutron radiation is used to detect hazardous materials, then substance detection capability is improved, but difficulty in discerning materials with similar features increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two independent channels: X-ray detection for shape information and neutron detection for substance information. This segmentation allows the system to process material differentiation through neutron radiation while maintaining shape context through X-ray radiation, improving the ability to discern materials with similar features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection methods to different aspects of the inspection object: X-ray radiation is used locally to detect shape and structural information, while neutron radiation is used locally to detect substance composition. This localized application of specialized detection methods improves the system's ability to differentiate materials with similar overall features.
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 quick and accurate detection of hazardous materials by reducing interference between X-rays and neutron radiation, improving image quality, and allowing for precise identification of materials through gamma-ray energy spectrum analysis, facilitating efficient screening of cargo and mail at airports and ports.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation generator configured to produce an X-ray and neutron radiation and irradiate the X-ray and the neutron radiation toward an inspection object
Implementation Method 2
a radiation generator configured to produce an X-ray and neutron radiation
Implementation Method 3
a radiation detector configured to detect an X-ray and neutron radiation passed through the inspection object
Implementation Method 4
a radiation detector configured to detect an X-ray and neutron radiation passed through the inspection object
Implementation Method 5
a gamma ray detector that is installed adjacent to the inspection object and is configured to detect a gamma signal generated from the inspection object
Implementation Method 6
analyze a detected gamma ray to analyze the inspection object, and identify a location of the inspection object from the image information
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates a security screening device, comprising: a radiation generator for respectively generating X-rays and neutron beams and irradiating same toward an inspection object; an inspection object transfer unit for changing the position of the inspection object; a radiation detector configured to respectively detect X-rays and neutron beams transmitted through the inspection object; and a gamma ray detector installed adjacent to the inspection object and configured to detect a gamma signal generated from the inspection object, wherein the radiation detector acquires image information of the inspection object by using radiation information detected from the X-rays and neutron beams that have passed through the inspection object, and the gamma ray detector analyzes the detected gamma ray to detect the location of the inspection object from the analysis of the inspection object and the image information.