X-ray Inspection System Hazard Zone Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT systems lack a precise and fully automatic method for determining the hazard area between a test object and an X-ray test system, leading to potential collisions and damage, especially when the system components have multiple degrees of freedom and limited visual navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses camera images to determine the dimensions of the test object by recording shadow images from different angles, calculating the hazard radius, and storing relevant parameters to avoid collisions, which can be used to control the rotational movement of the X-ray inspection system, thereby preventing collisions without the need for additional camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed restriction of drivable area is used for collision protection, then collision avoidance is achieved, but the system lacks precision and cannot adapt to different test objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the test object before the main inspection to determine its hazard area in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to establish precise collision boundaries before moving components enter the inspection zone, combining early detection with precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazard area determination is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the hazard area boundaries based on the actual test object dimensions detected during scanning, allowing the collision protection to be precisely tailored to each specific test object rather than using a static restricted zone.
2Reliability
If visual navigation through eye contact is used, then collision protection is provided, but the viewing angle is clearly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional visual navigation through lead glass windows to three-dimensional hazard area determination using X-ray scanning. By scanning the test object from multiple angles and reconstructing its three-dimensional hazard area, the system overcomes the limited viewing angle constraint of traditional visual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual navigation system (lead glass windows with limited viewing angles) with an X-ray-based scanning and detection system. This substitution enables comprehensive hazard area determination without being constrained by physical viewing angles.
3Reliability
If pressure sensors are used for collision monitoring, then last-resort collision avoidance is achieved, but minor damage from collision cannot be ruled out
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by determining the hazard area in advance using X-ray scanning before any physical contact occurs. The control system uses this pre-determined hazard area information to prevent the test object or inspection components from entering the hazardous zone, thereby preventing both major and minor collision damage before they can occur.
4Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used for test objects, then flexibility is maintained, but precision and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic hazard area determination through X-ray scanning and automated image processing. The system scans the test object, processes the images to identify boundaries, and automatically generates hazard area information without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing automation while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 precise and automatic volume recognition and surface recognition of test objects, allowing for safe positioning and collision avoidance by determining the hazard area accurately, reducing the risk of damage to the test object and other system components.
Implementation Method 1
camera images to determine the dimensions of the test object by recording shadow images from different angles
Implementation Method 2
the X-ray tube is used as the radiation source and the X-ray detector of the X-ray inspection system is used as the radiation detector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the danger zone 7 between a test object 3 and an x-ray inspection system, which rotate counter to one another about an axis of rotation 5 extending through the test object 3, wherein, by means of a radiation source and a radiation detector arranged at a predetermined distance therefrom, those marginal rays 6 are determined which, under a predetermined angle of rotation γ between test object 3 and radiation source/radiation detector arrangement, graze the external contour of the test object 3 under this angle of rotation γ, determining the danger radius 8 of the external contour in relation to the axis of rotation 5 of the test object 3 for the predetermined angle of rotation γ, repeating the determination of the marginal rays 6 for predetermined angles of rotation γ, which are distributed over 360°, and determining the respective danger radius 8, generating a table with the relevant parameters of the danger radii 8 of the edge of the test object 3 obtained for the predetermined angles of rotation γ.