Abstract: A method and device for determining the depth and fluorophore concentration of a fluorophore concentration below the surface of an optically absorbing and scattering medium suitable for use in fluorescence-based surgical guidance such as in tumor resection is described. Long-wavelength stimulus light us used to obtain deep tissue penetration. Recovery of depth is performed by fitting measured modulation amplitudes for each spatial frequency to precomputed modulation amplitudes in a table of modulation amplitudes indexed by optical parameters and depth.

Abstract: An optical filter including filter regions arrayed two-dimensionally, in which the filter regions include a first region and a second region; a wavelength distribution of an optical transmittance of the first region has a first local maximum in a first wavelength band and a second local maximum in a second wavelength band that differs from the first wavelength band, and a wavelength distribution of an optical transmittance of the second region has a third local maximum in a third wavelength band that differs from each of the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band and a fourth local maximum in a fourth wavelength band that differs from the third wavelength band.

Abstract: In a grain sampling and imaging device, a grain bin (1) is located under a sampling body (5), a grain feed connector (4) is fixed to a top of the sampling body (5), an observation window (2) is installed on the sampling body (5), a camera (3) is installed above the observation window (2); grains fall to a grain feed connector (4), and then into the sampling body (5), and then are sieved by multiple passages of the sampling body (5), a part of the grains randomly enter the observation window (2) and photographed by the camera (3), and finally all of the grains enter the grain bin (1) through a discharge outlet (5.1) provided at a bottom of the sampling body (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and processing images captured while inspecting above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices which carry imaging equipment and traverse a target pipe which are configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such systems may substantially reduce and in some cases overcome the need to take multiple traversals of a pipeline under inspection. Embodiments may also be directed toward control systems for such devices as well as image processing systems which process the multiple image sets to produce a composite imaging result.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for drilling in a multilayer printed circuit board. The system includes a source of electromagnetic radiation configured to transmit a measurement pulse in open air to a workpiece, an anode, a resettable electric charge sensor (ECS), operably connected to the anode, and a control unit, configured to receive at least one value indicative of the quantity of at least part of charged molecules received at the anode and determine a second value indicative of the quantity of charged molecules received at the anode that were derivative of emitted electrons responsive to the measurement pulse.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an x-ray source, comprising: an anode; a field emitter configured to generate an electron beam; a first grid configured to control field emission from the field emitter; a second grid disposed between the first grid and the anode; and a middle electrode disposed between the first grid and the anode wherein the second grid is either disposed between the first grid and middle electrode or between the middle electrode and the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide portioned instances of a compressible material includes a channel assembly, a gas source, a cutting assembly, and a discharge assembly. The channel assembly holds a bulk instance of the material extending through upper and lower channels of a continuous channel. The gas source supplies gas to compress the bulk instance. The cutting assembly moves in relation to the channel assembly to isolate the upper and lower channels, severing upper and lower material portions of the bulk instance. The discharge assembly directs gas to impinge on a lower face of the cutting assembly to discharge the lower material portion as a portioned instance. The channel assembly may be moveable, where operation of the gas source, cutting assembly, and/or discharge assembly are based on moving the channel assembly between various positions. The gas supply may be controlled based on a determined property of the portioned instance.

Abstract: A radiography system for use on a pipe traversing robot, including a mechanism configured to automatically adjust the position(s) of a radiation source and/or an imager thereof based on a diameter of the pipe. Another radiography system including a computer vision system configured to process radiography imagery to define a measured interface between the pipe and insulation surrounding the pipe, and a control system configured to automatically adjust a position(s) of a radiation source and/or an imager thereof based on a location of or non-presence of the measured interface in the radiography imagery. A computer vision system for detecting potential anomalies in a pipe's surface. A fail safe mechanism configured to prevent a robot from falling off a pipe while allowing the robot to traverse obstacles extending from or tangential to the pipe. A robot having one or more fail safe mechanisms configured to be selectably extended and retracted.

Abstract: A system and method of inspecting a plurality of objects using a computed tomography (CT) system is provided. The method includes acquiring an image of a fixture used for holding the plurality of objects with the CT system. A first electronic model of the fixture is generated. The objects are placed in the fixture. An image of the fixture and the objects is acquired with the CT system. A second electronic model of the fixture and the objects is generated. A third electronic model of the objects is defined based at least in part on subtracting the first electronic model from the second electronic model. Dimensions of the objects from the third electronic model are compared with a computer aided design (CAD) model. A report is output based at least in part on the comparison of the objects from the third electronic model with the CAD model.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor module. The sensor module includes an electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to provide electromagnetic radiation sensor data. The sensor module further includes a coded mask configured to modulate electromagnetic radiation incident to the electromagnetic radiation sensor and from which the electromagnetic radiation sensor data is generated. The apparatus further includes a computation module configured to obtain the electromagnetic radiation sensor data from the electromagnetic radiation sensor. The computation module is further configured to detect a property from the electromagnetic radiation sensor data using an artificial neural network. The computation module is further configured to output information related to the detected property via an output.

Abstract: The present specification provides a detector for an X-ray imaging system. The detector includes at least one high resolution layer having high resolution wavelength-shifting optical fibers, each fiber occupying a distinct region of the detector, at least one low resolution layer with low resolution regions, and a single segmented multi-channel photo-multiplier tube for coupling signals obtained from the high resolution fibers and the low resolution regions.

Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine, a controller, and a power extraction system within at least one of the nodes. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies. The controller is configured to communicate with the network of nodes by transmitting the one or more radio frequencies through one or more waveguides. The power extraction system is configured to extract power from the one or more radio frequencies as a first power source, extract power from a second power source, and provide power to one or more components of the system based on power extracted from either or both of the first power source and the second power source.

Abstract: A system and method usable for receiving data from an optical device and converting the data to a condition value, apply analytical tools to the condition value as determined by the optical device in real time, or substantially real time, analyze data, and generate automated reports in real time, or substantially real time at the location and time that condition values are received.

Abstract: The present application discloses a device and method for detecting and ablating hydrates in a natural gas pipeline. The device includes a transmission mechanism, a detection mechanism and an ablation mechanism. The detection mechanism and the ablation mechanism are both connected to the transmission mechanism through an elastic connector, such that the device can smoothly pass through bends in the natural gas pipeline. The transmission mechanism includes a universal wheel component, which forms static friction with an outer wall of an inner natural gas pipeline, such that the device can move along the inner natural gas pipeline. The detection mechanism detects the temperature of the natural gas pipeline and determines whether hydrates are generated in the natural gas pipeline to block the pipeline, and then the blockage is heated by the ablation mechanism to ablate the hydrates.

Abstract: A follow-on object for use in a salvo mission in which one or more lead objects (LO) and a follow-on object track a target. A track state of a tracked object within a sensor field-of-view (FOV) of the follow-on object is initialized. Target-state estimator (TSE) processing based on sensor measurements from the sensor FOV is performed to maintain the track state of the tracked object. Kinematic characteristics of the tracked object are evaluated based on the sensor measurements to compute a probability that the tracked object is an LO based on the evaluated kinematic characteristics. If the probability is not greater than a threshold, the tracked object is designated as the target and TSE processing is resumed. Otherwise, the tracked object is designated as an LO and the track state is re-initialized and the track of the LO is excluded from some intercept task considerations.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a collimator for medical imaging. The collimator includes a perforated plate with a top surface and a bottom surface and holes distributed on the perforated plate. The holes are arranged in a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups forms a first coded aperture pattern and the holes in each of the plurality of groups form a second coded aperture pattern.

Abstract: An inspection position identification method that allows accurate inspection to be performed without in-advance identification of the position of an inspection plane in an inspected target. A three-dimensional image generation method that allows generation of a three-dimensional image for inspection without in-advance identification of the position of an inspection plane in an inspected target and then allows inspection to be performed. An inspection device including the methods. An inspection device includes a storage unit, which stores a radiation transmission image of an inspected object and a three-dimensional image generated from the radiation transmission image, and a control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining illumination angle and viewing angle in color observation are described. The system includes an optical capturing device to acquire an image of its surroundings and a processing unit. When operated, the processing unit executes the following steps: identify a position of a light source in the image acquired by the optical capturing device; identify a position of a viewer in the image acquired by the optical capturing device; determine a first angular position of the light source with respect to the optical capturing device and a second angular position of the viewer with respect to the optical capturing device and provide the first angular position and the second angular position to define an actual viewing geometry.

Abstract: An electrical leakage determination system determines if an electrical leakage occurs between each of power supply paths and a grounding section. The electrical leakage determination system includes a coupling capacitor with one end connected to an anode-side power supply path, a resistor connected to the other end of the coupling capacitor, and an oscillator connected to the resistor to output an AC voltage to the resistor. A determiner detects a voltage at a connection point located between the coupling capacitor and the resistor when the oscillator outputs an AC voltage to the resistor. The determiner determines if the electrical leakage occurs based on the detected voltage. The oscillator increases an absolute value of an AC voltage output during a preparation period provided prior to a detection timing when a voltage is detected at a connection point greater than an absolute value of an AC voltage output at the detection timing.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for portable neutron imaging. In one example, a portable neutron-imaging system is described. A compact neutron source assembly can comprise an ion-beam bombardment source generating an isotropic source of monoenergetic neutrons. The neutron-imaging system does not include a moderator or collimator. Instead, the emission source and image-capture apparatus are placed in close proximity to an object to be imaged. Quality images were obtained with short exposure times of less than 20 seconds.

Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material that includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor together defining a passage, wherein a working surface of each of the conveyors are canted with respect to each other. The pump includes an inlet for introducing the particulate material into the passage and an outlet for expelling the particulate material from the passage, wherein the outlet is positioned out of line with the inlet.

Abstract: A lighting for defect inspection of sheet-shaped objects includes: an elongated light application unit configured to apply illumination light to a sheet-shaped object, the light application unit extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to a first direction on a surface of the sheet-shaped object; a first light shielding unit that is located on a light path from the light application unit to the sheet-shaped object, the first light shielding unit having light shielding sections and opening sections alternately arranged; and a second light shielding unit that is located between the first light shielding unit and the sheet-shaped object, the second light shielding unit having light shielding sections and opening sections alternately arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a beta gauge for generating a first sensor response signal from a composite sheet including a sheet material having a coating thereon including a high-z material or the sheet material has particles including the high-z material embedded in the sheet material. A second sensor being an x-ray or an infrared (IR) sensor provides a second sensor response signal from the composite sheet. A computing device is coupled to receive the first and the second sensor response signal that includes a processor having an associated memory for implementing an algorithm that uses the first and the second sensor response signal to simultaneously compute two or more weight measures selected from (i) a weight per unit area of the high-z material, (ii) a weight per unit area of the sheet material, and (iii) a total weight per unit area of the composite sheet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser, sintering, and welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an inspection device that can sensitively detect a defect even if intensity of scattered light reflected from an inspection object greatly varies depending on portions of the inspection object. An inspection device according to the invention uses a history of detection signals to predict whether a next detection signal level exceeds a threshold. When the detection signal level is predicted to exceed the threshold, operation of the device is beforehand changed such that the detection signal level does not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a surface includes a housing and a probe. The housing includes a light source to direct light along a longitudinal axis and a shutter to selectively allow light to pass through to the probe. The probe includes a body portion and a head portion. The head portion of the probe includes a collector to detect photoelectrons emitted from the surface in response to light from the light source impinging on the surface. A proximal portion of the head portion moves relative to a distal portion of the head portion to allow for variations in angle relative to the surface.

Abstract: A disclosed photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of pixels each including a light receiving portion that outputs a pulse in response to incidence of a photon and a signal generation unit that outputs a signal based on output from the light receiving portion, and each of the plurality of pixels further includes a detection unit that detects whether or not a width of a pulse output from the light receiving portion exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A device for identifying a bag (100), the device comprising a bag support and at least one acquisition member for acquiring images of the bag along at least two shooting directions that are inclined relative to each other, the acquisition member being connected to an image processing computer unit (2) programmed to control the acquisition member and to extract characteristics representative of the baggage from the images.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and a scanning system for nonintrusive inspection, through radiography of inspected aircrafts from at least two different perspectives. The complete scanning system for nonintrusive inspection of aircrafts according to the invention is a mobile nonintrusive scanning ensemble, installed on a vehicle chassis with a superstructure, on which a deformable parallelogram profile and a mechanical boom are mounted with a penetrating radiation source at one end. A detector line assembly is installed on the ground. A hinged boom is fitted with an array of detectors and positioned opposite a relocatable radiation source. The scanning system for nonintrusive inspection include a mobile tugging device to tow the inspected aircraft at constant speed through the scanning frames. A mobile control center is placed outside the exclusion area a.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for tracking user activity with products in an environment. In an embodiment, a processor detects that a user has entered an environment, and responsively uniquely identifies the user. The processor determines that the user interacts with a product of a plurality of products within the environment, and responsively updates a profile of the user with indicia of the product. The processor determines whether the user is attempting to exit the environment, and, in response to determining that the user is attempting to exit the environment, prompts the user to confirm that the user intends to remove the product from the environment based on the updated profile. The processor receives input from the user confirming that the user intends to remove the product from the environment, and responsively further updates the profile based on the input.

Abstract: A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a generator-detector configured to be attached to a pipe. The generator-detector is configured to measure the concentration of mercury in the pipe in a non-destructive manner. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for drilling in a multilayer printed circuit board. The system includes a source of electromagnetic radiation configured to transmit a measurement pulse in open air to a workpiece, an anode, a resettable electric charge sensor (ECS), operably connected to the anode, and a control unit, configured to receive at least one value indicative of the quantity of at least part of charged molecules received at the anode and determine a second value indicative of the quantity of charged molecules received at the anode that were derivative of emitted electrons responsive to the measurement pulse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection method of a shoe worn by a foot of an individual comprising the following steps: acquiring (S1) a thermal image of the shoe when it is worn by a foot of the individual by means of a thermal camera, determining (S2), from the thermal image of the shoe, a lower limit of the foot of the individual, determining (S3) a position of the shoe relative to the thermal camera at the time of acquisition of the thermal image, and deducing (S4) of the position of the shoe relative to the camera and of the lower limit of the foot, a distance between the lower face of the sole and the lower face of the foot of the individual.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser, sintering, and welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A process of analyzing a sample by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) includes providing a sample having a sample surface within a vacuum chamber, performing a Raman spectroscopic analysis on a plurality of selected areas of the sample surface within the vacuum chamber to map an area of the sample surface comprising the selected areas, the Raman spectroscopic analysis including identifying one or more face in one or more of the selected areas of the sample surface, and performing an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of one or more selected areas of the sample surface containing at least one chemical and/or structural feature identified by the Raman spectroscopic analysis, wherein the duration of the XPS analysis of a given selected area of the sample surface is longer than the duration of the Raman spectroscopic analysis of that given selected area.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system is presented. The X-ray inspection system comprises an X-ray source, an X-ray scintillator, a light detector, a first objective lens, and a second objective lens. The first objective lens is positioned between the X-ray scintillator and the light detector. The second objective lens is positioned between the first objective lens and the light detector.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus can include a scintillator to emit scintillating light in response to absorbing radiation; a photosensor to generate an electronic pulse in response to receiving the scintillating light; an analyzer to determine a characteristic of the radiation; and a housing that contains the scintillator, the photosensor, and the analyzer, wherein the radiation detection apparatus to is configured to allow functionality be changed without removing the analyzer from the housing. The radiation detection apparatus can be more compact and more rugged as compared to radiation detection apparatuses that include a photomultiplier tube.

Abstract: The present application discloses a portable ultraviolet excited fluorescence intensity detector for carrying out quantitative fluorescence detection for a disposable hygiene product's raw materials and a method of using the same, comprising a housing, an ultraviolet emitting light path, a first receiving light path and a second receiving light path

Abstract: A color optical tomography system with fluorescence capabilities includes a light emitting array having a plurality of light emitting elements, a sample module, and a light sensing array including a plurality of light sensing elements, wherein the light sensing array is configured to sense light emitted from the light emitting array which has passed through the sample module. Light emitting elements emitting in the visible and UV ranges can comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic light emitting transistors (OLETs), and/or other optoelectronic devices. The light sensing array can comprise for example organic light sensing devices, photodiodes, phototransistors, a CMOS photodetector, and/or charge-coupled devices (CCI)s). The light emitting array and the light sensing array can he flat or curved.

Abstract: An inspection crawler, and systems and methods for inspecting underwater pipelines are provided. The system includes the inspection crawler having a housing with a first side, an opposing second side, a power source, and a controller. The crawler includes an inspection tool, at least two pairs of latching arms, each latching arm including a rolling element, and at least two pairs of driving wheels. The system also includes at least one communication unit configured to communicate with the inspection crawler and to communicate aerially with one or more remote devices and, and at one sea surface unit. The inspection crawler can further include a connecting structure connecting the front and back portions of the crawler, and configured to elongate and shorten the inspection crawler.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning an elongate structure. A scanner in a scanning system is moved axially along the elongate structure using a translating structure in the scanning system. The elongate member is scanned axially as the scanner moves axially along the elongate structure. The scanner is moved rotationally around the elongate structure at a location in which an inconsistency is detected at the location during an axial scan. The elongate structure is scanned rotationally at the location while the scanner moves rotationally around the elongate structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for determining a material property, in particular the aging state or the aging resistance, of a bitumen material, comprising the steps: applying a substantially monochromatic first excitation radiation of a first excitation wavelength to the bitumen material; measuring the intensity of a first fluorescence radiation, excited by the first excitation radiation, at a measurement wavelength; applying a substantially monochromatic second excitation radiation of a first excitation wavelength to the bitumen material; measuring the intensity of a second fluorescence radiation, excited by the second excitation radiation, at the measurement wavelength; determining a first key figure for the material property of the bitumen material from the ratio between the intensity of the second fluorescence radiation to the intensity of the first fluorescence radiation.

Abstract: A system of particle detectors can determine the location of a source without rotations or iterations. Embodiments of the system may comprise a middle detector flanked by two shield plates, with two side detector panels exterior to the shields. The middle detector may be positioned toward the front and orthogonal to the side detectors. By comparing a ratio of the detector data to a predetermined angular correlation function, the system can determine both the sign and magnitude of the source angle in real-time. Embodiments of the system can rapidly and automatically localize sources including nuclear and radiological weapons materials, whether in vehicles or cargo containers, and can provide improved sensitivity in walk-through personnel portal applications, enable enhanced detection of hidden weapons by a mobile area scanner, and enable a hand-held survey meter that indicates the radiation level as well as the location of the source of radiation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for scanning an elongate structure. A scanner in a scanning system is moved axially along the elongate structure using a translating structure in the scanning system. The elongate structure is scanned axially using an x-ray beam emitted by the scanner as the scanner moves axially along the elongate structure to perform an axial scan. The x-ray beam has a first orientation. A location on the elongate structure having an inconsistency is detected while scanning the elongate structure axially. The elongate structure is scanned at the location with the x-ray beam in a second orientation.

Abstract: A neutron detection system may include a neutron detection device located outside of a reactor vessel. The neutron detection device may be configured to detect neutrons generated within the reactor vessel. A containment region located intermediate the reactor vessel and a containment vessel may be configured to house a containment medium. A neutron path device may be at least partially located between the reactor vessel and the containment vessel, and the neutron path device may be configured to provide a neutron path to the neutron detection device through a neutron path medium contained within the neutron path device. A neutron attenuation coefficient associated with the neutron path medium may be smaller than a neutron attenuation coefficient associated with the containment medium.

Abstract: A muographic observation instrument is constructed with a ground unit in which six gaseous detectors are attached to six detector sockets arranged to be parallel to a flat surface with a certain distance between them, and a pair out of ten radiation shields is placed between each detector socket mounted the shield sockets. Since the gaseous detectors have smaller spatial resolution compared to a usual scintillator detector, the thickness of lead plates used for eliminating the noise caused by electromagnetic shower from the horizontal direction can be made ? smaller, and therefore the weight of the whole device is decreased substantially. Furthermore, since only the gaseous detectors and radiation shields have to be mounted to the sockets of the ground unit, the installation of the device is simple.

Abstract: An inspection device for quarantine that includes a dual-energy CT apparatus capable of distinguishing substances, a DR apparatus, a substance identification system capable of enhancing display of an object (plant, animal, meat, etc.) focused for quarantine and automatically so labeling, and an image processing system capable of highlighting a suspect of quarantine and providing a corresponding automatic alarm. Compared to the prior art, the present disclosure can highlight a focused object for quarantine, which may improve accuracy and efficiency of inspection for quarantine at a port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for measuring a formation elemental capture gamma ray spectrum, pertaining to the field of oil-gas exploration and well logging technologies. The method comprises: performing moderation on neutrons emitted from a neutron source according to a neutron capture cross section of a test sample; and adjusting a relative location of the test sample with respect to the neutron source, so that a standard capture gamma ray spectrum of the test sample is measured and obtained at a location where a thermal neutron flux reacting with atomic nucleuses of the test sample reaches a first predetermined value. The present invention performs moderation on a neutron source according to neutron capture cross sections of different test samples to measure and obtain elemental capture gamma ray spectra of the test samples, thereby obtaining various formation elemental capture gamma ray spectra with higher accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for estimating weight of an object to be inspected in an inspection system. An effective atomic number and a high-energy gray value of the dual-energy corresponding to each pixel of the object to be inspected are obtained by a dual-energy radiation scanning. A mass-thickness value for a corresponding pixel is obtained from a pre-created mass-thickness attenuation curve by utilizing the effective atomic numbers and the high-energy gray value of the dual-energy for respective pixels. Weight information for at least a part of the object to be inspected is calculated by multiplying the mass-thickness value by the area of the pixel. Such a method may accurately calculate the weight of the object to be inspected and save the cost for a conventional weighing hardware.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for non-destructively inspecting an object, wherein electromagnetic radiation is passed through the object and intensity values of unabsorbed beams are measured and evaluated.