Two-Stage Object Scanning Protocol for Material Identification

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for scanning objects with high-energy ionizing radiation face interference from electromagnetic signals caused by motor-driven movement, compromising the accuracy of material identification in security and customs applications, particularly for objects with homogeneous contents.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage scanning process involving a moving scan to identify anomalies and a static scan for precise composition analysis, with the latter eliminating motor interference and allowing for higher throughput and accurate material identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the object is moved relative to the radiation source and detector using a motor-driven conveyance system, then scanning capability and throughput are improved, but electromagnetic interference from the motor affects the accuracy of material identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning throughputVSAvoidmaterial identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is divided into two distinct stages: a first scanning stage where the object moves through the radiation beam to identify anomalous structures and locate regions of interest, and a second scanning stage where the object is held stationary for precise compositional analysis. This segmentation allows the motor-driven movement to be separated from the high-precision measurement phase, eliminating electromagnetic interference during the second stage while maintaining throughput efficiency through the first stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first scanning stage performs preliminary identification of anomalous structures and location of regions of interest before the second scanning stage conducts detailed compositional analysis. This preliminary action allows the system to efficiently navigate to critical areas and focus resources on the most important regions, improving overall throughput while preparing the object for accurate stationary measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the scanning rate is increased to improve throughput, then productivity is improved, but the count rate through a given object feature is reduced, diminishing materials identification effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning throughputVSAvoidmaterials identification effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is divided into two distinct stages: a first scanning stage where the object moves through the radiation beam to identify anomalous structures and locate regions of interest, and a second scanning stage where the object is held stationary for precise compositional analysis. This segmentation allows the motor-driven movement to be separated from the high-precision measurement phase, eliminating electromagnetic interference during the second stage while maintaining throughput efficiency through the first stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first scanning stage performs preliminary identification of anomalous structures and location of regions of interest before the second scanning stage conducts detailed compositional analysis. This preliminary action allows the system to efficiently navigate to critical areas and focus resources on the most important regions, improving overall throughput while preparing the object for accurate stationary measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

The method effectively identifies both structural anomalies and material composition in objects with homogeneous contents, enhancing security screening by maintaining high throughput and achieving accurate compositional analysis without electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a high energy ionising radiation beam traverses a cross section of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonizing radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the transmitted beam of high-energy ionising radiation is detected at a suitable detector after it has passed through the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

the electric motor typically used to power a drive means driving the movement of the object relative to the radiation source and detector may cause electromagnetic signals that may interfere with the signal representative of the radiation detected at the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9086495B2Object scanning protocol

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 KROMEK

AI summary

A two step method of scanning objects to gain information about material content comprises the steps of providing a radiation source and a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone therebetween. In a first scanning step, an object is moved relative to the source and detector system, intensity information about radiation incident at the detector system after interaction with the object as it passes through the scanning zone is collected, variation of intensity as the object moves through the scanning zone is used to identify anomalous structures and/or absence of homogeneity in the object. In a second, subsequent scanning step an object is located in fixed position in the scanning zone and collecting intensity information collected, analysed against a suitable functional relationship relating transmitted to incident intensity, and the results compared with a library of suitable data to provide an indication of material content.