Vertical Radiographic Source Array for Artifact-Free Security Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The linear scanning based imaging method for security inspection results in incomplete data in the cone angle direction of radiographic sources, leading to artifacts in the reconstructed images of objects being inspected.

Innovation Solution

A scanning imaging system where radiographic sources are arranged vertically and alternately emit ray beams to form a scanning area, with a conveying unit moving the object through the area, allowing linear detector arrays to capture first and second projection images, and a revolving unit ensuring comprehensive data collection by rotating the object, thereby eliminating artifacts in the reconstructed images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If linear scanning based imaging method is used with fixed radiographic sources, then device complexity is reduced, but data completeness in cone angle direction deteriorates leading to artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddata completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane linear scanning arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where multiple radiographic sources are distributed along a vertical line. This dimensional extension enables data collection from multiple elevation angles simultaneously, completing the cone angle direction data without requiring complex rotational mechanics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent radiographic sources arranged vertically, each contributing data from a specific angle. This segmentation allows the system to gather comprehensive conical data through parallel acquisition from multiple sources rather than sequential rotation, reducing mechanical complexity while improving data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple radiographic sources are arranged vertically to collect complete cone angle data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple radiographic sources are merged into a single vertical linear array structure, sharing common support infrastructure and detection resources. This combining approach achieves the measurement precision of multiple angled sources while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent scanning systems, as all sources operate within a unified linear scanning framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If radiographic sources are fixed at one side with linear scanning, then ease of operation is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a vertical dimension to the traditional linear scanning arrangement, creating a three-dimensional source distribution along a vertical line. This dimensional enhancement maintains the simplicity of linear scanning operation while eliminating cone artifacts by providing complete angular data coverage through the vertical arrangement of multiple sources.

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

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

This approach provides complete data in the cone angle direction, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of the reconstructed images by eliminating artifacts and improving the quality of security inspection imaging.

Implementation Method 1

radiographic sources are fixed at one side of a scanning channel... the radiographic sources emit ray beams... linear detector arrays are arranged at the other side of the scanning channel for detecting first projection images, which are formed after the ray beams emitted by the plurality of radiographic sources penetrate through the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3460531B1Scanning imaging system for security inspection of an object and imaging method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3460531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3460531B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3460531B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A scanning imaging system for security inspection of an object and an imaging method thereof are disclosed, the system comprising: a conveying unit (101) configured for bringing the object to move along a conveying direction; a plurality of radiographic sources (102) at one side of the conveying unit, being arranged successively in a direction vertical to a plane, in which the conveying unit is located, configured for alternately emitting ray beams to form a scanning area; a linear detector array (103) at the other side of the conveying unit, being configured for detecting first projection images, which are formed after the ray beams emitted by the plurality of radiographic sources penetrate through the object, in the process of the object passing through the scanning area; an imaging unit configured for obtaining a first reconstructed image of the object based on the first projection images of the plurality of radiographic sources.