X-ray Inspection System Using CT and Projection Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray inspection systems face challenges in improving throughput while maintaining high detection reliability for non-destructive object inspection, often requiring human operator intervention and struggling with accurate classification of materials within objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize both computed tomography and multi-energy X-ray techniques to generate three-dimensional and two-dimensional data sets, allowing for the determination of material properties and geometric variables, with edge correction and statistical evaluation to enhance detection accuracy and reliability, enabling automated classification without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating radiation source and stationary radiation source are used together, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into two independent radiation source subsystems: a rotating radiation source for computed tomography and stationary radiation sources for projection radiography. Each subsystem operates independently to provide different types of inspection data, allowing the system to maintain high detection reliability while managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system integrates multiple radiation sources that can perform different inspection functions simultaneously. The rotating radiation source provides three-dimensional tomographic imaging, while stationary radiation sources provide two-dimensional projection imaging, creating a multi-functional system that enhances detection reliability across different inspection scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If computed tomography and two-dimensional X-ray methods are used together, then material classification accuracy is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inspection using stationary radiation sources to generate two-dimensional projection images that provide initial material classification information. This preliminary action allows the rotating radiation source to focus on specific regions of interest, reducing the total inspection time while maintaining high material classification accuracy through the combination of both methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection method merges computed tomography data with two-dimensional projection radiography data to create a comprehensive material classification system. By combining the three-dimensional structural information from CT with the material-specific attenuation information from projection radiography, the system achieves high material classification accuracy more efficiently than either method alone.
3Productivity
If multiple radiation sources are used, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating radiation source continuously rotates around the inspection object while stationary radiation sources continuously capture projection images at multiple angles. This continuous operation of multiple radiation sources simultaneously enables high throughput by inspecting the object from multiple perspectives in parallel, maximizing productivity while the automated coordination manages the complexity of having multiple sources.
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 achieves a higher inspection rate with high detection reliability, allowing for accurate classification and detection of specific materials within objects, reducing the need for human operators and improving the efficiency of X-ray inspection systems.
Implementation Method 1
an object to be inspected is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with X-rays
Implementation Method 2
intensities of non-absorbed rays are measured and evaluated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for non-destructively inspecting an object (104), wherein electromagnetic radiation (113, 123, 133) is passed through the object (104) and intensity values of beams that are not absorbed are measured and evaluated, wherein the method comprises the following steps: producing a three-dimensional data set (300), in which a first material quantity value corresponding to a first material property of the object (104) is associated with each of individual spatial elements (301) of the object (301) by means of a computer tomography method; determining an inspection space (310) in the three-dimensional data set (300) representing the object (104), which inspection space (310) has spatial elements (301) whose first material quantity value lies in a predetermined value range; deriving values each corresponding to a spatial geometric quantity of the inspection space (310) in a predetermined projection direction (PR1, PR2) on the basis of the three-dimensional data set (300); producing a two-dimensional data set (400), in which a second material quantity value corresponding to a second material property of the object (104) is associated with each of individual surface elements (401) of the object (104) on the basis of a surface projection of the object (104) in the predetermined projection direction (PR1, PR2) by means of a two-dimensional x-ray method; determining an inspection area (410) in the two-dimensional data set (400), in that a projection (310') of the inspection space (310) into the two-dimensional data set (400) in accordance with the predetermined projection direction (PR1, PR2) is calculated; and transferring the derived values of the spatial geometric quantity into corresponding surface elements (401) of the projection (310').