Variable Frequency Scanning for Moving Target Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle inspection systems are inefficient due to long inspection times, high costs, and low throughput when scanning moving targets at inhomogeneous speeds, requiring drivers and passengers to exit the vehicle and using constant scanning frequencies.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that dynamically adjust scanning and imaging frequencies based on the speed and type of the moving target, using ground sensing coils, quick-responsive measuring light screens, and a control unit to ensure efficient inspection without radiation exposure to operators, allowing for 100% inspection ratio and increased throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If constant frequency scanning is used, then the scanning process is simple, but the inspection time is long and inspection efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning process simplicityVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant frequency scanning to variable frequency scanning. The scanning frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the vehicle's speed and position, with higher frequencies used when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, and lower frequencies used when the vehicle moves faster. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple scanning control while significantly improving inspection efficiency through intelligent frequency modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scanning frequency parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that adapts to different inspection conditions. By modifying the scanning frequency parameter based on vehicle speed, position, and type, the system achieves both operational simplicity and high inspection efficiency, resolving the technical contradiction between process simplicity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If constant frequency scanning is used, then the apparatus operation is simple, but the inspection time is several minutes and throughput is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus operation simplicityVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring vehicle speed, position, and type, then using this information to adjust scanning frequency in real-time. The system receives feedback about the vehicle's movement characteristics and automatically modulates the scanning frequency to optimize inspection time while maintaining operational simplicity, thereby reducing inspection time from several minutes to much shorter durations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle characteristics (speed, position, type) before initiating the scanning process. By preparing the scanning parameters in advance based on pre-detected vehicle information, the apparatus can quickly adjust its operation mode, reducing inspection time while keeping the operation interface simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If high energy radiation scanning is used, then imaging quality is good, but the apparatus cost is high and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidapparatus cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the radiation energy parameter dynamically based on inspection needs. Instead of using constant high energy radiation, the system adjusts the radiation energy level according to vehicle type, speed, and scanning stage. This parameter modulation allows the system to maintain good imaging quality while reducing overall radiation exposure and apparatus cost, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using high energy radiation only when and where necessary, rather than continuously. The system selectively applies high energy scanning for specific vehicle parts or when quality inspection is critical, while using lower energy modes for routine scanning, thereby reducing overall apparatus cost and improving operator safety while maintaining adequate imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If high energy radiation scanning is used, then imaging quality is good, but operator safety is compromised due to radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidradiation exposure to operators
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces radiation exposure by dynamically changing the radiation energy parameter. The system uses lower radiation energy levels during most scanning operations and reserves high energy radiation for specific critical inspections. This parameter modulation significantly reduces cumulative radiation exposure to operators while maintaining adequate imaging quality for inspection purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly moving through the scanning process using variable frequency scanning. The system quickly scans through vehicle components at optimized speeds, reducing the total time radiation sources are active and thereby minimizing operator exposure. The rapid scanning approach allows quality inspection to be completed faster with reduced radiation cumulative dose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Significantly reduces inspection time, increases vehicle throughput, and lowers apparatus costs while ensuring operator safety and efficient radiation use, capable of inspecting over 200 container lorries per hour without requiring drivers and passengers to exit the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerator for scanning and imaging the moving target at a variable frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a detector for detecting radiation beam scattered from the moving target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2093561B1Device and method for rapid imaging and inspecting of a moving target
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2093561B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2093561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for quick imaging and inspecting a moving target, comprises: a passage for the moving target passing therethrough, a scanning and imaging device irradiating radiation beam to the moving target passing through the passage to form an image thereof for inspection, a first determination unit for determining whether the moving target has entered the passage and for counting the moving target entering the passage, a second determination unit for determining the moving speed of the moving target in the passage; and a control unit for controlling the second determination unit to determine the moving speed of the moving target based on the detection signal from the first determination unit indicating the moving target having entered the passage, and for controlling the scanning and imaging device to irradiate radiation beam for the inspection of the moving target with a frequency corresponding to the moving speed of the moving target based on the determination result of the second determination unit.