X-ray Volume Measurement for Cargo and Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume measurement systems lack the ability to penetrate substances and accurately distinguish between cargoes and vehicle chassis, resulting in low calculation accuracy, especially for irregular objects and those within containers.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented volume measurement method using X-ray scanning to determine the thickness and cross-sectional area of objects, allowing for precise volume calculation by emitting X-rays from an accelerator target and calculating the volume based on the measurement results, including the use of multiple X-rays and sub-regions to account for irregular shapes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If regional laser sensor is used for volume measurement, then the system can obtain shape data of the measured object, but the system cannot penetrate substances or distinguish between cargoes and vehicle chassis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume measurement accuracyVSAvoidsubstance identification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement systems (laser sensor for shape data and X-ray sensor for substance penetration) into a single integrated measurement system. This merging allows the system to simultaneously obtain both geometric information and material composition information, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces X-ray radiation as an intermediary that can penetrate substances to provide internal structure information. This intermediary enables the system to distinguish between different materials (cargoes vs. vehicle chassis) without compromising the external shape measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If extreme values of length, width, and height are measured, then the system can perform simple volume calculations, but the calculation accuracy is low for irregular objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidvolume calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into multiple components: external shape measurement using laser sensor, internal structure measurement using X-ray, and separate processing of these data streams. This segmentation allows each measurement modality to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension of measurement by incorporating X-ray penetration depth and material density information alongside the traditional three-dimensional shape data. This multi-dimensional approach enables accurate volume calculation for irregular objects while maintaining measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single measurement system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot accurately measure objects within containers or with irregular shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidvolume measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that can handle multiple measurement scenarios (external shape, internal structure, objects in containers, irregular shapes) through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional system maintains relatively low complexity by sharing common infrastructure while providing diverse measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method enhances the accuracy of volume measurement by providing detailed size and substance information, enabling accurate calculations for both regular and irregular objects, even when they are within containers, and improves measurement efficiency by extending the range of application to various shapes and materials.

Implementation Method 1

determining thicknesses of a measured object in each of directions of multiple X-rays emitted from an accelerator target according to measurement results of the X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray penetration and absorption: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

measurements of amounts of radiation passing through respective areas of the object are made

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3722747B1Volume measurement method, device, system and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3722747B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3722747B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3722747B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a volume measurement method, a device, a system and a computer-readable storage medium, and relates to the field of radiation. The volume measurement method includes: determining thicknesses of a measured object in each of directions of multiple X-rays emitted from an accelerator target according to measurement results of the X-rays; determining a cross section area of the measured object according to the thicknesses corresponding to each of the X-rays in the cross section of the measured object; and determining a volume of the measured object according to the cross section area. By applying X-ray scanning to volume measurement, information about the type of substance and size information at multiple positions and angles of the measured object can be obtained from the X-ray measurement results, so that the volume of the measured object can be measured more accurately.