Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently and accurately detecting and identifying concealed materials. The system includes an analysis subsystem configured to process one or more detection outputs, the detection outputs obtained by illuminating regions with a electromagnetic radiation source from the number of electromagnetic radiation sources, each electromagnetic radiation source emitting at a different wavelength, the one or more detection outputs, after processing, constituting a vector of processed data, and the analysis subsystem being also configured to compare the vector of processed data to a predetermined vector corresponding to a predetermined material, presence of the predetermined material being determined by the comparison.

Abstract: A second stage screening system configured to resolve a threat alarm detected in a cargo by a first stage screening system. The second stage screening system includes layers of first muon detectors placed above the cargo to detect a first coordinate and an angle of incidence of incoming muons and layers of second muon detectors placed below the cargo to detect an actual coordinate and an actual angle of exit of the incoming muons. The first and second detectors measure a momentum of the incoming muons. A processing unit receives threat sensitivity vectors determined from the first stage, operates a cargo positioning system that centers a high-Z threat within the cargo, relative to the first and second muon detectors, and analyzes the momentum and a distribution of deflection angles between the angles of incidence and exit to resolve the threat alarm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting security threats in a network environment. A local workstation is used to inspect an item and submit a request for assistance to determine whether the item raises a security threat. A server receives the request for assistance from the local workstation over a network and retrieves a dialing plan associated with the origin of the request. The server utilizes the dialing plan to route the request to expert groups assigned to the dialing group. In response to the request being accepted by a remote expert device in one of the expert groups, the server establishes a connection between the local workstation and the remote expert device that accepted the request.

Abstract: Further, the present specification is directed towards personnel screening systems comprising modular components, including detector and source units, where a dual axis scanning beam is employed. In one configuration, the subject under inspection remains stationary and is positioned between two scanning modules. The X-ray source assembly is designed to minimize the overall system footprint while still yielding the requisite field of view, low radiation exposure level, and required resolution. The modular components allow for a compact, light and yet sufficiently rugged overall structure that can be disassembled for ease of transportation and is also simple to reassemble at a required site for inspection.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. The system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging system has a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame with an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges and may be deployed into an X-ray imaging position, and collapsed into a transport position.

Abstract: The present invention is a cargo inspection system, employing a radiation source, capable of scanning vehicles and/or cargo in a wide range of sizes, including conventional imaging areas as well as taller and bulkier enclosures at sufficiently optimal efficacy and overall throughput. In one embodiment, the present invention is a multiple pass inspection method for inspecting vehicles and their cargo, comprising a first pass scan, wherein said first pass scan includes moving a radiation source at a suitable scanning distance, rotating a radiation source at a suitable scanning angle, and moving said radiation source along an object under inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process having microwave arrays comprised of microwave transmitters in radiographic alignment with microwave receivers. The microwave array emits controllably directed microwave radiation toward an object under inspection. The object under inspection absorbs radiation in a manner dependent upon its metal content. The microwave radiation absorption can be used to generate a measurement of metal content. The measurement, in turn, can be used to calculate at least a portion of the volume and shape of the object under inspection. The measurement can be compared to a plurality of predefined threats. The microwave screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray transmission based screening, X-ray scattered based screening, or Computed Tomography based screening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact scanner apparatus having a tunnel with a conveyor passing therethrough. A scanning beam, e.g. an X-ray beam, is mounted in the tunnel to view an object being moved on the conveyor. Upper and lower isolation device curtains are mounted at the tunnel entry. Either a single curtain or multiple curtains are mounted at the exit of the tunnel. The lower curtains are opposed pairs hinged to pivot as the object passes through. The upper curtains may be hinged pairs or a single swinging curtain hanging down from a support bar. Alternate embodiments provide bi-directional hinged curtains or multiple tiers of hinged curtains.

Abstract: An image diagnosis device comprising: a positioning image collection unit configured to collect a positioning image for an object; a weight distribution estimation unit configured to estimate a weight distribution of the object from the collected positioning image; a top board sagging amount estimation unit configured to estimate an amount of sagging of a top board on which the object is placed, from the estimated weight distribution; and an alignment adjustment unit configured to perform alignment for each captured image of the object, based on the estimated amount of sagging of the top board.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for material discrimination. The systems and methods include a single source that generates both neutrons and photons, and a single imaging array with a common detector that detects the neutrons and the photons generated from the single source. The systems and methods allow for a determination of the contents, and/or the effective atomic number (“Z”) of the contents, of an object without physical inspection of the interior of the object.

Abstract: A method of analyzing particles of a material which include a constituent is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of exposing particles of the material to x radiation having a range of x-radiation energies, detecting x-radiation intensities at two different energy levels transmitted through the particles, and determining the concentration of the constituent in particles from the detected intensities.

Abstract: A medicine inspection device includes: an inspection unit on which a medicine for inspection is disposed, the medicine being contained in a sachet; an imaging unit capable of photographing the sachet disposed on the inspection unit; and a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least either of a quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the imaging unit. The inspection unit includes a backlight with illumination areas located dottedly per predetermined pitch which is capable of illuminating the sachet from backside when photographing. The medicine information detector is further configured to implement: a basic image acquisition process for acquiring a basic image; an inspection area defining process for defining the area of inspection; an inspection image acquisition process for acquiring the inspection image; and an image inspection process for performing image inspection.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward cargo scanning systems having scanners, each arranged to scan a respective object and generate a set of scan data, processors arranged to process each set of scan data to determine whether it meets a predetermined threat condition, workstations, and data management system arranged to direct data that meets the threat condition to one of the workstations for analysis.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computed tomography device including an x-ray source embodied to emit a fan-type beam bundle and a detector arrangement interacting therewith and including a plurality of detector elements. An embodiment of the method provides that an integration time provided to read out a detector element is dependent on the position of the detector element within the detector arrangement, wherein with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate the isocenter lying between the x-ray source and the detector arrangement, a longer integration time is provided, than with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate an examination volume which is further away from the isocenter.

Abstract: Among other things, an object scanner, such as an x-ray system, is provided, where the object scanner is configured to translate an object undergoing an examination along a non-linear path. For example, in some embodiments, an examination region of the object scanner is spatially offset, relative to an entry port and/or an exit port of the object scanner, such that there is little to no line of sight through the object scanner, from the entry port to the exit port. The non-linearity of the path is configured to reduce the possibility of radiation scatted by an object and/or by portions of the object scanner from escaping the examination region and exiting the object scanner via the entry port and/or the exit port.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person. The inspection system is highly modular and capable of being assembled by a two person team using conventional tooling equipment. In one embodiment, the inspection system has three primary modules—two detection modules and one radiation source module—that can be readily attached and detached from each other or to a frame and connected to a signal processing system to provide for a quick set up and tear down process.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cargo inspection method includes transporting a first guideway vehicle over a guideway from a first inspection station to a second inspection station. A first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is used to acquire a first set of data associated with cargo stored in the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is analyzed to determine the identity of the cargo stored on the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism is compared with a first manifest that describes the cargo that is declared to be stored on the first guideway vehicle. It is determined that the first guideway vehicle contains contraband cargo if the identity of the cargo does not match the first manifest.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to a portable inspection apparatus for placement in an inspection area and for inspection of vehicles passing through the inspection area. The portable inspection apparatus comprises a support structure arranged to extend away from a surface of the inspection area, a base for disposal on the surface, and an inspection field generator comprising an emitter and a detector for generating an inspection field. A first one of the emitter and the detector may be supported by the support structure and a second one of the emitter and the detector may be supported by the base. A ramp is arranged to pivot relative the surface between a stowed position and a deployed position in which the ramp extends away from the base for allowing a vehicle to pass over the ramp and the base through the inspection field.

Abstract: In a facility for checking large-volume goods, in particular freight goods, with an X-ray source, which emits X-rays for irradiating the goods, and with a detector arrangement aligned with the X-ray source, the detectors of the detector arrangement are designed or arranged in such a way that detector rows are produced with two row limbs which abut one another at right angles on their longitudinal sides, of which one limb is aligned parallel to the movement direction of the goods being checked, and the other is aligned perpendicular to this in the direction of the X-ray source.

Abstract: A multi-stage screening system for screening a container includes a pre-screening stage including a transmission X-ray device. The pre-screening stage is configured to generate constraint data associated with the contents of the container. The system also includes a screening stage including an X-ray diffraction imaging (XDI) device. The screening stage is configured to generate image data associated with the contents of the container. The system further includes a communication system coupled to the pre-screening stage and the screening stage. The communication system is configured to receive and transmit the constraint data and reconstruct at least one image of the container at least partially as a function of the constraint data and the image data.

Abstract: A method of generating an image by using multi-energy radiation data and an apparatus therefor is provided. The method includes receiving multi-energy radiation data including a plurality of pieces of radiation data indicating an inner portion of a subject with respect to a plurality of radioactive rays in different energy bands, respectively, generating, based on the received multi-energy radiation data, radiation data of a radioactive ray in an energy band that is different from the different energy bands, and generating a radiation image of the subject based on the generated radiation data.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing camera modules for use in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, is provided. More specifically, in camera modules utilizing lens motion type auto focus actuation, permanent magnets associated with voice coil motors utilized in the auto focus system, generate magnetic flux that can interfere with the process of bonding image sensors to camera modules if the permanent magnets of different voice coil motors are positioned too closely. Incorporating a magnetic shield into the manufacturing process to restrain or control the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets permits voice coil motors camera modules to be positioned closer together during the manufacturing process. This increases manufacturing throughput and reduces cost.

Abstract: A method for imaging an object is provided. The method includes acquiring image data of the object, wherein the image data includes a plurality of original voxels, and identifying, using a processing device, a first subset of voxels from the acquired image data. The method also includes performing a principal component analysis (PCA) on the first subset of voxels and determining whether sheet-like material is present in the object based on the results of the performed PCA on the first subset of voxels.

Abstract: A system may be provided for inspecting a first internal characteristic of a sealed article such as a lithium-ion battery. The system may include an X-ray source, one or more X-ray detectors, one or more actuators that control the location on the article at which the X-rays are emitted, and a processing apparatus that receives X-ray detection data from the one or more X-ray detectors. The processing apparatus may use the X-ray detection data to form an X-ray backscattering image that shows the first internal characteristic. The first internal characteristic may be an electrolyte level within the lithium-ion battery or a material consistency within the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of a particular material in an object, in particular in an item of luggage, by means of electromagnetic radiation in which the intensities of non-absorbed radiation from at least three radiation planes are measured and evaluated in associated detector apparatus, wherein an image is produced, initially from the intensities of the non-absorbed radiation, and then if single regions of low complexity are found which are characterized by approximately constant intensities, an estimation of the attenuation coefficient s performed and a material detection is carried out in the region according to an algorithm which calculates a three-dimensional reconstruction from different views.

Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus for determining a surface profile of an object under inspection that is positioned at a distance from the apparatus. The X-ray imaging system has an X-ray source for producing a scanning beam of X-rays directed toward the object, a detector assembly for providing a signal representative of an intensity of X-rays backscattered from the object, and processing circuitry to determine a time difference between when the X-ray source is switched on and when the backscattered X-rays arrive at the detector assembly. The processing circuitry is adapted to output data representative of the surface profile of the object under inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether there are drugs concealed in the inspected liquid article based on the difference between the acquired physical attributes and reference physical attributes of the inspected liquid article. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and detector arrangements for scanning an object moving in a first direction that includes the steps of irradiating the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV, providing a first detector region having a thickness of at least 2 mm and a second detector region having a thickness of at least 5 mm where the second detector region is arranged to receive radiation that has passed through the first detector region, and detecting the radiation after it has interacted with or passed through the object in order to provide information relating to the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning objects comprising scanning a portion of an object by a first radiation beam having a first value of a beam characteristic, such as the dose, and detecting the first radiation beam after interaction with the object by a first detector. It is determined whether to change the first value to a second value based, at least in part, on the detected first radiation beam. That portion of the object is then scanned by a second radiation beam having the first value or the second value based on the determination. The second radiation is detected after interacting with the object by a second detector. The second detector may have a second resolution greater than a first resolution of the first detector. The first and second radiation beams may be formed by first and second slots angled with respect to each other.

Abstract: A two step method of scanning objects to gain information about material content comprises the steps of providing a radiation source and a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone therebetween. In a first scanning step, an object is moved relative to the source and detector system, intensity information about radiation incident at the detector system after interaction with the object as it passes through the scanning zone is collected, variation of intensity as the object moves through the scanning zone is used to identify anomalous structures and/or absence of homogeneity in the object. In a second, subsequent scanning step an object is located in fixed position in the scanning zone and collecting intensity information collected, analysed against a suitable functional relationship relating transmitted to incident intensity, and the results compared with a library of suitable data to provide an indication of material content.

Abstract: Radiation is directed at an object, and radiation scattered by the object is sensed. An angular distribution of scatter in the sensed scattered radiation relative to a path of the radiation directed at the object is determined, and the angular distribution is evaluated. One or more atomic numbers, or effective atomic numbers, of materials composing the object is determined based on evaluating the angular distribution.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a portable system for inspecting objects. The system includes a housing adapted to be carried by a vehicle, which houses a metal detector and an X-ray scanner and further includes a deployable boom positioned on a top surface of the housing. Operationally, the system is transported to a location, persons or objects are inspected by the metal detector or X-ray scanner and the boom is deployed to inspect external cargo. The integrated portable checkpoint system provides security screening and inspection equipment with increased operational capabilities in one fully integrated package.

Abstract: A method of sample analysis comprises irradiating a sample with electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays; collecting absorption data and scattering data; and combining the absorption and scattering data. The irradiation can be in the form of a tubular beam, a detector may be placed in a plane where Debye cones diffracted from the sample overlap at a central point for the collection of the scattering data.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a multi-view X-ray inspection system having, in one of several embodiments, a three-view configuration with three X-ray sources. Each X-ray source rotates and is configured to emit a rotating X-ray pencil beam and at least two detector arrays, where each detector array has multiple non-pixellated detectors such that at least a portion of the non-pixellated detectors are oriented toward both the two X-ray sources.

Abstract: Described here is a method for performing phase contrast imaging using an array of independently controllable x-ray sources. The array of x-ray sources can be controlled to produce a distinct spatial pattern of x-ray radiation and thus can be used to encode phase contrast signals without the need for a coded aperture. The lack of coded aperture increases the flexibility of the imaging method. For instance, because a fixed, coded aperture is not required, the angular resolution of the imaging technique can be increased as compared to coded-aperture imaging. Moreover, the lack of a radioopaque coded aperture increases the photon flux that reaches the subject, thereby increasing the attainable signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: This specification is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs a dual energy CT scanning first stage inspection system and advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo.

Abstract: A radiation image acquiring system is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system irradiates X-rays to a subject from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject. The X-ray image acquiring system includes a first detector for detecting X-rays that are transmitted through the subject to generate first image data, a second detector arranged in parallel to the first detector with a dead zone region sandwiched therebetween, for detecting X-rays that are transmitted through the subject to generate second image data, and a timing control section for controlling detection timing of the second detector based on a dead zone width of the dead zone region so that first image data to be generated by the first detector and second image data to be generated by the second detector mutually correspond.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning objects comprising scanning a portion of an object by a first radiation beam having a first value of a beam characteristic, such as the dose, and detecting the first radiation beam after interaction with the object by a first detector. It is determined whether to change the first value to a second value based, at least in part, on the detected first radiation beam. That portion of the object is then scanned by a second radiation beam having the first value or the second value based on the determination. The second radiation is detected after interacting with the object by a second detector. The second detector may have a second resolution greater than a first resolution of the first detector. The first and second radiation beams may be formed by first and second slots angled with respect to each other.

Abstract: A variable mode X-ray transmission system is provided that can be operated in low or high dose rate modes depending upon the area or portion of the vehicle to be screened. In one embodiment, variable dose rate is achieved by use of a novel collimator. The systems disclosed in this application enable the scanning of a vehicle cab portion (occupied by people, such as a driver) at low dose rate, which is safe for human beings, while allowing the scanning of the cargo portion (unoccupied by people) at a high dose rate. Rapid switching from low dose rate to high dose rate operating mode is provided, while striking a balance between high material penetration for cargo portion and low intensity exposure that is safe for occupants in the cab portion of the inspected vehicle.

Abstract: An imaging system exposes an object within a region to a beam of penetrating radiation. The beam of penetrating radiation is sensed on a side opposite the region from a source of the beam. An attenuation of the beam caused by passing the beam through the object is determined, the attenuation is compared to a threshold attenuation. If the attenuation exceeds the threshold attenuation, a parameter of the imaging system is adjusted based on the determined attenuation.

Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.

Abstract: The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present invention is an improved method and system with a novel boom structure that reduces the weight of the boom. The single, light-weight boom of the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low height and center of gravity lending to greater maneuverability.

Abstract: A radiation tunnel of an X-ray test device is shielded in by means of a radiation protection curtain in order that no impermissible radiation emerges. The radiation protection curtain is constructed from plates which are connected to one another in a manner of a downwardly suspended flat-top chain and are produced from a plastics composite that absorbs X-rays.

Abstract: A device includes a radiation tunnel in which an X-ray source and a detector unit are disposed, the detectors of which are aligned with the X-ray source so as to detect transmitted radiation for detecting suspicious objects. Disposed in the radiation tunnel is a frame which can be moved over an examination region and has two supports which extend at a spacing parallel to each other and are rigidly connected to each other, the radiation source being secured on one vertical support and the detector unit being secured on the other vertical support.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.

Abstract: This invention provides a scanning system for scanning an object in a scanning zone. The scanning system includes both a radiation source arranged to irradiate the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV and a scatter detector arranged to detect radiation scattered from the object wherein the radiation source is arranged to irradiate the object over a plurality of regions to be scanned within a single irradiation event. The scatter detector includes a plurality of detection elements, each detection element being arranged to detect scattered radiation from a predefined part of the scanning zone and a signal processor arranged to calculate scatter intensity across the plurality of detector elements.

Abstract: A system for the non-destructive inspection of a conveyor belt which includes a cover on the carrying side, a cover on the backing side, each cover being made of elastomeric material, and embedded tension members. While the conveyor belt is moving, a radiation source emits rays to the belt surface which are of such high energy that the rays pass through the belt within a region free of material disposed on the belt. A sensor detects the rays passing through the belt. A processor is operatively connected to the sensor and evaluates the result of the radiographic check. The radiation source and the sensor are accommodated in a housing, wherein, between the radiation source and the sensor, there are two housing openings through which the moving belt runs without contact.

Abstract: A technique for use in security screening and detection contexts employs an X-ray explosive imager that acquires images from backscattered RF modulated X-ray signals on which a time series analysis is performed to detect image change across the time series of images that represent pixels changing at the rate of the difference frequency of the RF frequency and the a priori NQR signature frequencies.