X-Ray Scan Synchronization for Multi-Source Crosstalk Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray scanning systems experience unwanted interference, or crosstalk, between high-energy and low-energy X-ray sources and radiation portal monitors due to asynchronous pulse repetition frequencies, leading to corrupted data and reduced detection efficiency, especially when multiple high-energy X-ray sources operate in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a master frequency generator to synchronize the pulse repetition frequencies of high-energy X-ray sources to a common operational frequency, enabling low-energy X-ray systems and radiation portal monitors to remove crosstalk data by aligning emission times with the common frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-energy X-ray sources operate in close proximity with asynchronous pulse repetition frequencies, then system versatility and operational independence are improved, but crosstalk interference increases and detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization of high-energy X-ray source pulses to a common operational frequency. The master frequency generator coordinates pulse repetition frequencies of multiple high-energy sources, creating periodic, predictable pulse patterns. This allows low-energy X-ray systems to anticipate and filter out high-energy pulses, eliminating crosstalk while preserving the operational independence of individual sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the master frequency generator monitors and adjusts the pulse repetition frequencies of high-energy X-ray sources. By continuously coordinating the timing of pulses from multiple sources, the system creates a feedback loop that ensures synchronous operation, enabling low-energy systems to predict and remove crosstalk signals effectively.
2Productivity
If high-energy X-ray sources operate with high pulse repetition frequencies, then productivity and scanning speed are improved, but crosstalk interference intensity increases and corrupts more data
Solution Approach 1:
By synchronizing high-energy X-ray pulses to a common frequency, the system creates periodic patterns that allow low-energy systems to predict interference timing. Even at high pulse repetition frequencies, the periodic nature of synchronized pulses enables effective filtering and removal of crosstalk, maintaining high productivity without proportionally increasing harmful interference.
3Area of stationary object
If high-energy X-ray sources are located within 1000 meters of low-energy systems, then system compactness and space utilization are improved, but crosstalk interference affects a larger area and more systems
Solution Approach 1:
The master frequency generator acts as an intermediary that coordinates between high-energy and low-energy X-ray systems. By mediating the pulse timing through a common frequency reference, the system enables safe co-location within 1000 meters. The synchronization mechanism effectively reduces the interference footprint, allowing compact system deployment without proportionally increasing the affected area.
4Ease of operation
If conventional above-threshold pulse removal techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when multiple asynchronous high-energy sources create complex interference patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex, unpredictable interference patterns from asynchronous sources into periodic, predictable patterns through frequency synchronization. This maintains the simplicity of threshold-based removal techniques while dramatically improving reliability, as the periodic synchronization ensures that high-energy pulses occur at predictable intervals that can be reliably filtered by low-energy systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification describes a system for eliminating X-ray crosstalk between a plurality of X-ray scanning systems and passive radiation detectors. The system includes a frequency generator for generating a common operational frequency, a high-energy X-ray source or scanning system coupled with the frequency generator for receiving the common operational frequency and configured to modify the pulse repetition frequency of the high-energy X-ray source or scanning system in order to synchronize with the common operational frequency and a low-energy X-ray scanning system and/or passive radiation detection system coupled with the frequency generator for receiving the common operational frequency and having a processing module configured to remove data associated with the common operational frequency at an instance of time if the high-energy X-ray source or scanning system has emitted X-rays at the instance of time.