X-ray Inspection Synchronization for Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing item inspection systems face inefficiencies in identifying articles of interest within shipping containers due to the need for physical access and the interference of x-ray radiation from multiple systems, leading to compromised detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An item inspection system that synchronizes x-ray radiation emission with a universal clocking signal, such as GPS, to align active and inactive periods, allowing for simultaneous operation of active and passive detection elements without interference, using a control assembly to manage timing schedules based on a reference time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple x-ray inspection systems operate simultaneously in close proximity, then productivity increases, but radiation interference compromises detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing multiple x-ray inspection systems to operate in alternating active and inactive periods based on a universal clocking signal. Each system has its x-ray source activated during specific time windows and remains inactive during other periods, creating a time-division multiplexed operation pattern that eliminates radiation interference while maintaining high inspection throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly preliminarily determines the timing schedule for each x-ray source based on the universal clocking signal before operation begins. This preliminary timing coordination ensures that when one system activates its x-ray source, other systems are already in their inactive periods, preventing interference from the outset
2Measurement precision
If physical inspection of shipping containers is performed, then detection accuracy improves, but time consumption and manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical inspection with electromagnetic radiation-based detection. X-ray sources and detection elements are used to remotely image the contents of shipping containers without physical access, substituting the mechanical process of opening and manually inspecting containers with an automated electromagnetic detection system that provides both speed and accuracy
3Productivity
If full cargo loading of shipping containers is implemented, then productivity increases, but access to all regions for inspection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses x-ray radiation to penetrate through fully loaded cargo and create images of container contents from the outside. This eliminates the need to physically access or move cargo items, allowing complete inspection of densely packed containers without reducing cargo capacity or requiring physical manipulation of the load
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
Enhances detection accuracy by minimizing radiation interference between systems and enabling reliable identification of articles of interest through synchronized active and passive detection, improving operational efficiency and reducing false positives.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source configured to selectively direct x-ray radiation towards said item
Implementation Method 2
a detection system including an active detection element arranged to detect x-ray radiation from the x-ray source after irradiation of the item
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, it is described an item inspection system for detecting the presence of one or more articles of interest in an item, the inspection system including an x-ray source configured to selectively direct x-ray radiation towards said item, a detection system including an active detection element arranged to detect x-ray radiation from the x-ray source after irradiation of the item, and a control assembly configured to control operation of the x-ray source to selectively direct x-ray radiation towards the item according to a timing schedule, wherein the control assembly includes a synchronisation interface configured to obtain an indication of a reference time based on a universal clocking signal, and wherein the control assembly is configured to select the timing schedule based on the reference time.