Abstract: A method for determining a height of a feature of an object is provided. The method includes generating, using a computing device, on an image of a scan volume that includes the object, a marker that crosses an edge of the feature, calculating, using the computing device, for each of a plurality of laminographic images, a profile along the generated marker, each laminographic image having an associated height, computing, using the computing device, an edge slope associated with the feature for each of the plurality of profiles, identifying, using the computing device, a focused laminographic image as the laminographic image of the plurality of laminographic images having the steepest edge slope, and determining the height of the object as the height associated with the focused laminographic image.

Abstract: A method for classifying objects in volumetric computed tomography (CT) data is described. The method is implemented by a computing device having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The method includes receiving, by the computing device, one or more volumetric CT data sets, identifying, by the computing device, a first object in the one or more volumetric CT data sets, identifying, by the computing device, a second object in the one or more volumetric CT data sets, determining, by the computing device, a first similarity amount between the first object and the second object, identifying, by the computing device, a first group comprising at least the first object and the second object, based at least in part on the first similarity amount, and designating, by the computing device, all of the objects in the first group as non-contraband.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a projection image directly from data acquired by a CT scanner, the method comprising: acquiring an amount of data corresponding to an entire object that is scanned by the CT scanner, wherein the amount of data is generated by an x-ray source that projects a fan beam of x-rays toward a detector array on an opposite side of a gantry of the CT scanner as the object is passed through an opening in the gantry; selecting an imaging plane, the imaging plane corresponding to a view of the object; dividing the imaging plane into a plurality of rows and columns, thus creating a grid of points corresponding to the imaging plane; determining, for each point in the grid, a data point from the acquired data corresponding to an x-ray source position wherein a ray from the x-ray source to the grid point is closest to a perpendicular orientation with respect to the imaging plane, and a detector position where the ray intersects the detector array; and presenting a projection image corres

Abstract: A high speed computed tomography x-ray scanner using a plurality of x-ray generators. Each x-ray generator is scanned along a source path that is a segment of the scanner's source path such that each point in the source path is scanned by at least one tube. X-ray generators and detectors can be arranged in different scan planes depending on the available hardware so that a complete and near planar scan of a moving object can be assembled and reconstructed into an image of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-intrusive analysis and display of internal features of wooden objects are provided. In embodiments of the system, a log is passed through a CT scanner in one continuous motion. One or more x-ray sources revolve around the log generating x-ray beams that traverse contiguous cross-sections of the log. An array of x-ray detectors detects x-rays that traverse the log for variations in the attenuation of rays. The detected attenuation is converted into spiral scan data that corresponds to projections in different contiguous cross-sections traversed by the x-rays. An image processor reconstructs spiral scan data into two dimensional cross-sectional images of the log by processing and formatting scan data using a planar reconstruction technique. The system renders three-dimensional views based on two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A three-dimensional density distribution of a log is reduced to a two-dimensional structure that provides a convenient image or visualization of defects like knots or voids in a log, to facilitate grading and/or optimization of a sawing strategy for the log. The two-dimensional data structure is based on cylindrical or modified cylindrical coordinates Z and &thgr;. To provide a more compact identification of defects, modified cylindrical coordinates use a Z-axis that follows the growth center in the log and determines data points by evaluating properties of the log along rays at an upward angle corresponding to limbs in a tree. A process for identifying the growth center at any distance Z along the length of the log examines or accumulates the gradient of density along lines through a cross-section of the log. Manual grading and sawing optimization can employ viewing of an image based on the two-dimensional data structure with superimposed marks indicating the boundaries of faces cut from the log.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-intrusive analysis and display of internal features of wooden objects are provided. In embodiments of the system, a log is passed through a CT scanner in one continuous motion. One or more x-ray sources revolve around the log generating x-ray beams that traverse contiguous cross-sections of the log. An array of x-ray detectors detects x-rays that traverse the log for variations in the attenuation of rays. The detected attenuation is converted into spiral scan data that corresponds to projections in different contiguous cross-sections traversed by the x-rays. An image processor reconstructs spiral scan data into two dimensional cross-sectional images of the log by processing and formatting scan data using a planar reconstruction technique. The system renders three-dimensional views based on two-dimensional images.