X-Ray Detection Sensitivity Measurement Using Virtual Test Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The determination of detection sensitivity for foreign bodies in X-ray machines is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual placement and conveyance of test cards with reference foreign bodies, necessitating multiple tests for different materials and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a detector to generate a grey value image, measuring and storing attenuation values of simulated test bodies, allowing automated determination of detection sensitivity by relating product images to stored attenuation values, eliminating the need for physical test body conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual placement and conveyance of test cards with reference foreign bodies is performed, then detection sensitivity can be determined, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of test bodies by generating synthetic attenuation patterns that simulate the X-ray attenuation characteristics of physical test bodies. These virtual test bodies are superimposed on product images through image processing, eliminating the need for physical test cards while preserving the measurement capability. The synthetic attenuation values are calculated based on material properties and geometric parameters, reproducing the effect of actual foreign bodies without requiring their physical presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically placing and conveying test cards with an automated image processing system. Instead of manually positioning test bodies on products and conveying them through the X-ray system, the invention uses software to generate synthetic attenuation patterns and superimpose them on digital product images. This substitution of mechanical operations with computational methods automates the process and eliminates manual labor while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tests are performed for different materials and sizes, then comprehensive detection sensitivity is achieved, but the process becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables comprehensive testing across different materials and sizes by dynamically changing the parameters of virtual test bodies through software. The system can generate synthetic attenuation patterns for various material densities, sizes, and shapes by adjusting the attenuation coefficients and geometric parameters in the image processing algorithm. This allows multiple material and size combinations to be tested sequentially or simultaneously without physical reconfiguration, dramatically increasing testing efficiency while maintaining full coverage.
3Reliability
If physical test bodies are used, then actual detection performance is measured, but manual handling and computation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual representations of test bodies that capture the essential attenuation characteristics without requiring physical objects. The synthetic attenuation patterns are generated using material density data and geometric parameters, producing digital copies that behave identically to physical test bodies in the image analysis process. This eliminates all manual handling steps while preserving the reliability of detection performance measurement through the use of these virtual test objects.
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 rapid, automated detection sensitivity determination by simulating test bodies through software, reducing manual handling and computation time, and ensuring accurate detection sensitivity measurement across various materials and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a grey value image is generated which digitally expresses the attenuation of the X-ray beam through the product
Implementation Method 2
The darker the grey value image, the greater is the attenuation by the product because of the thickness and the density of the product material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring the detection sensitivity of an x-ray device for recognizing foreign matter in a product, the x-ray device having a detector, the detection signal of which results in a detection image having a defined resolution, the detection image being evaluated in order to recognize foreign matter. In a test-body analysis phase, which is used to define the parameters for the product inspection, the damping of the detection signal in the detection image of the product by a test body of defined material and of defined size is measured and stored in the form of damping values. During the product inspection, the detection image of the product is offset at a plurality of positions using the stored damping values of the test body to determine the detection sensitivity.