Abstract: A method of processing an X-ray image of articles contained in a transilluminated object and made visible for an observer on a monitor screen, includes the following steps: Placing individual markings about the image of certain, previously determined articles and automatically and stepwise combining the individual markings into a final added marking if at least two individual markings mutually fit. The combining step includes the steps of comparing for fit mutually facing sides of two adjoining individual markings and determining a ratio of an overlapping area of the two adjoining individual markings to the total area of at least one of the two adjoining individual markings.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a specific material in an object (1), especially in a piece of luggage, using electromagnetic beams, whereby the intensities of non-absorbed beams from at least three beam planes (5.1–5.2) in corresponding detector arrays (4.1–4.5) are measured and evaluated, using the following steps according to the invention: 1. generating an at least two-dimensional picture of the object (1) from the measured intensity values; 2. selecting one of the spatial regions displayed in the picture as a basis of the value of a material value, which is determined from intensity measurements, for examination; 3. determining at least one spatial-geometric value in the region to the examined from positional data of a two-dimensional picture and from intensity values using a stored value of a specific, absorption-influenced value of a suspected material. 4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely identifiable identification system incorporated into an X-ray testing apparatus or into this system, so that each operator can log onto the operating system only with his or her own individual identification. The identification is read and optionally rewritten by a counterpart device of the identification system. Upon leaving the operating system, the operator is automatically logged off by way of removing the identification device, or by way of exiting from a defined local area around the X-ray testing apparatus, and the operating system is then ready for access by another operator.

Abstract: In the representation of X-ray images, an atomic number characteristic for an X-rayed sub-object (2, 3, 4) is determined from X-ray beams having different energies and the absorption values determined in that process, to which specific colors and shades are assigned. The representation of the color intensity is influenced so that, when representing objects (3, 4) having the same X-ray absorption on a monitor (8), the colors appear equally bright to the viewer. To that end, while the pre-set color for the objects (3, 4) is maintained, the brightness of the different colors is adjusted to an equal or approximately equal brightness, taking into account the spectral sensitivity of the human eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely identifiable identification system incorporated into an X-ray testing apparatus or into this system, so that each operator (6) can log onto the operating system only with his or her own individual identification (4, 4.1). The identification (4, 4.1) is read and optionally rewritten by a counterpart device (3, 3.1) of the identification system. Upon leaving the operating system, the operator (6) is automatically logged off by way of removing the identification device (4, 4.1), or by way of exiting from a defined local area (N) around the X-ray testing apparatus, and the operating system is then ready for access by another operator (6).

Abstract: A method for image management of X-ray images stores the images in files along with reduced-size versions of the images and additional information relating to the images. A user may preview each image in a reduced-size display, based on the reduced-size image, which preview may also include the additional information. The image may then be selected from the display for complete display of the original image.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus having at an entrance and an exit of a radiation tunnel a radiation-shielding curtain so that no ionized radiation can exit from the inspection unit as a luggage piece or another object to be inspected is passed into or out of the inspection unit. A plurality of light curtains, which are arranged at a spacing, one behind the other, so that the coefficient of fiction (&mgr;) is smaller than when the heavier curtain is provided.

Abstract: In an inspection device for inspecting objects for explosives and other items prohibited for travel, particularly in carry-on baggage, a transport shaft (101) where there is little space, has incorporated thereabout radiation sources (10, 20, 30), which generate at least three beams (FX1, FX2, FX3) at which are directed at corresponding linear detectors (11, 21, 31). This transport shaft (101) is extended by incorporation of equipment or system components (3, 4, 40) that are not part of the inspection system (100), or by additional system components (4, 40) being integrated into a housing (103) of the inspection device (100), with a necessary radiation protection for the inspection device in compliance with radiation protection regulations being provided by a shielding (102) placed on or around a piece of equipment or its system components (3) already existing in the transport system (1), ideally in front of the transport shaft (101).

Abstract: A method of optimizing an X-ray image representing an article transilluminated by X-rays, includes the following steps: detecting the X-rays leaving the article after transillumination thereof by the X-rays; processing, in a computer, the detected X-rays as image dots to obtain an image; applying the image dots to an image memory; scanning the image dots according to gray scale values thereof; comparing the scanned gray scale values with a desired threshold gray scale value; upon finding an image dot which is other than the desired threshold gray scale value, counting subsequent image dots to obtain an image zone A; determining the gray scale values of the image dots of the image zone A; and expanding the gray scale values of the image dots of the image zone A to higher image dot values for effecting a local brightening of the X-ray image in the image zone A by the higher image dot values.

Abstract: In a device and processes for inspecting an object (1), particularly a piece of luggage, in which radiation is emitted by a stationary radiation source (2) while the object (1) is transported in a straight line through the radiation with intensity levels of unabsorbed radiation being detected by a detector arrangement (3) and processed into an image of the object (1), the object (1) is rotated by a rotating device (8) through an angle after a pass through the radiation in order to change its transport position, and is subsequently transported through the radiation again with another image being produced. This facilitates improved inspection by reducing so-called “dark alarms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting objects, particularly for explosives. The invention makes provision, particularly where space for the inspection system is tight, to use at least the available area as a scanning area, around which is arranged at least one movable radiation source at which is aimed a detector arrangement that can be moved mechanically independently of the radiation source. In this context, the radiation source and also the detector arrangement can be moved parallel to and simultaneously with one another by mechanical or electrical coupled actuators. The synchronous movement is controlled and monitored with the aid of a computer. Because of the tight space, provision is further made for the object to be scanned in the direction of and opposite to the direction of transport of the object, wherein the object is scanned once with low-energy radiation, and subsequently is scanned with high-energy radiation.

Abstract: A diffraction apparatus (10) for determining crystalline and polycrystalline materials of an item in objects, preferably in luggage, having a collimation/detector arrangement (11) and an X-ray source (12) and which is mounted to be adjustable in an X-ray testing machine (13). The collimation/detector arrangement (13) is adjustable in height relative to the X-ray source (12), and the two are also laterally and synchronously adjustable via respective adjustment elements (5,6). The collimator (13) has a conically-expanding round slot (15), which simulates a predetermined angle (&THgr;M) of a scatter-beam path.

Abstract: A method for determining the material of a detected item in objects, especially explosives in luggage, using X-ray diffraction. In this method, wherein scatter radiation deflected at the crystal-lattice structure of the material is measured and compared to characteristic energy spectra or diffraction spectra of various explosives, the absorption by the material influences the X-ray diffraction spectrum, so that information is missing, and inaccurate conclusions may be drawn regarding the material. To improve this method, the primary beam of an X-ray source is used for measuring the absorption. The beam passes through the material, and, from the absorption, an average atomic number of the material is determined, and this additional information is used for the identification of material known by comparing the recorded spectra with diffraction spectra.

Abstract: A collimator for an X-ray testing machine and a method for adjusting the collimator with the aid of a detection system disposed in the collimator that includes at least two spatially separate detection devices, disposed and spacing one behind the other.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus to transilluminate objects. In known apparatus (1) there are two radiation sources (10, 20) in a transport path of a transport device (3), below to the right and left, as well as a third radiation source (30) arranged horizontal to the transport path (3), with the two radiation sources (10, 20) lying close together, one behind the other. Three detector apparatus (11, 14, 31) are arranged opposite these radiation sources (10, 20, 30). Thus, a so called multi-view from three beam directions is created, with beam paths (FX1.1, FX2.2, FX3) extending perpendicular to a transport direction. Contrary thereto, in the solution described herein, various radiation beam paths (FX1.1, FX1.2, FX2.1, FX2.2, FX3) cross so that not every beam radiation path extends perpendicular to the transport direction. This has the advantage that the apparatus can be structured in a space saving manner.

Abstract: The detector materials (8, 9) of a low energy detector (5) and a high energy detector (6) are coordinated with one another to permit better separation of lower and higher energy fractions of polychromatic X-ray (X′) radiation, and consequently, create a better determination of a material of an object through which the X-rays are passed. Thus, a negligible persistence in comparison with the integration time between two detector readings is achieved.

Abstract: An image processing method for recognizing a material contained in an article includes the following steps: transilluminating the article with X-rays; generating, by an X-ray detector, signals representing the X-rays passing through the article; applying the signals to a computer system as continuous image data; subdividing the image data into defined zone-wise image strips; briefly storing the image strips in an image data memory; and determining the material from the image strips before a completion of the transilluminating step.

Abstract: A method for detecting X-rays which are separated into individual energy ranges after penetrating an object, as well as to an arrangement for implementing this method. It is known to detect X-rays (FX) by using detection devices (3), consisting of several identically configured detector pairs. The detector pairs in that case consist of a low-energy detector (4) and a high-energy detector (7). As a result, the weakened X-ray beam (FX′) is separated into individual energy ranges following the X-raying of an object (2). This separation is necessary to determine the types of material in the X-rayed object (2). The disadvantage of known detection devices (3) is that an overlapping of the individual energy ranges occurs in the low-energy detector (4), thereby making it impossible to detect the material type with certainty. This problem is avoided by providing for computing out the high-energy shares absorbed in the low-energy detector (4) with the aid of an additional signal.

Abstract: An X-ray generating system includes a first high-voltage source generating a first high voltage; a second high=voltage source generating a second high voltage different from the first high voltage; and an X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes a first assembly having a first cathode and a first anode for emitting a first X-ray beam from a first focal point on the first anode upon application of the first high voltage to the first assembly. The X-ray generator further includes a second assembly having a second cathode and a second anode for emitting a second X-ray beam from a second focal point on the second anode upon application of the second high voltage to the second assembly. The two X-ray beams exit the X-ray generator parallel to one another.

Abstract: A work station for an X-ray examining apparatus includes a seat-and-standing unit; a monitor disposed in a range of vision of an operator positioned in the seat-and-standing unit; a keyboard; a first device for securing the keyboard to the monitor for pivotal motion of the keyboard relative to the monitor; a second device for adjusting a height position of the seat-and-standing unit; a third device for adjusting a height position of the monitor; and a fourth device for providing for a turning motion of the monitor about a vertical axis, whereby the first, second, third and fourth devices provide the work station with ergonomic properties.