Abstract: There is provided a method for assigning an attribute to x-ray attenuation including scanning in an x-ray scanning device first and second reference materials each having known atomic composition, dimensions and orientation in the scanning device. The device emits x-rays which pass through the first reference material with first reference material path lengths and the second reference material with second reference material path lengths. The x-rays are detected by detectors to provide a plurality of dual-energy attenuation images having dual-energy x-ray attenuation information. The dual-energy x-ray attenuation information in the dual-energy attenuation images is associated with the first and second reference material path lengths.

Abstract: A method for assigning attributes to an unknown object includes the steps of scanning the unknown object at least partially overlapping with a background object within an x-ray scanning device to provide dual-energy attenuation images having dual-energy attenuation information representing an overlap region wherein the background object and the unknown object overlap, decomposing the attenuation images into reference material equivalent path length images, removing the background object to provide reference material equivalent path lengths representing the unknown object, converting the reference material equivalent path lengths representing the unknown object into unknown object path lengths multiplied by a predetermined scaling factor, reducing the scaling factor to provide a contour of the unknown object and unknown object path lengths, and, determining a density and effective atomic number of the unknown object.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assigning an attribute to x-ray attenuation including the steps of acquiring first and second reference material equivalent path length information associated with a first range of dual-energy x-ray attenuation information, acquiring second and third reference material equivalent path length information associated with a second range of dual-energy x-ray attenuation information, and, joining the first the first dual-energy x-ray attenuation information range with the second dual-energy x-ray attenuation information range using coefficients representing dual-energy x-ray attenuation information of the second reference material to define a third dual-energy x-ray attenuation information range upon which may be imposed dual-energy x-ray attenuation values within the third dual-energy x-ray attenuation information range to determine corresponding first reference material equivalent path lengths and third reference material equivalent path lengths.

Abstract: A method for assigning one of a safe and threat condition to an object includes determining density and effective atomic number values for a plurality of predetermined safe and threat objects, plotting the values in a probability map to correlate corresponding density and effective atomic number values with each of the safe and threat objects, scanning an object to provide dual-energy attenuation images representing the object, decomposing the attenuation images into dual-reference material equivalent path length images to provide reference material equivalent path lengths representing the object, converting the reference path lengths into object path lengths, determining the effective atomic number for each pixel representing the object, and, imposing the effective atomic number and the mass density of the unknown object onto the probability map to determine a probability that the object is correlated with one of the predetermined safe and threat objects.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assigning an attribute to an unknown object overlapping with a predetermined background object. The unknown object is scanned overlapping with the background object within an x-ray scanning device to obtain a plurality of dual-energy attenuation images having attenuation information representing the background object and an overlap region wherein the background object and the unknown object overlap. The dual-energy attenuation images are decomposed into reference material equivalent path length images. The reference material equivalent path lengths representing the background object in the overlap region are determined and eliminated from the overlap region to provide reference material equivalent path length images having first and second reference material equivalent path lengths through only the unknown object.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing an image includes manipulating a base image to highlight pixels showing a particular material based on the energy absorption information of each pixel. In another technique, pixels in a base image are each converted to an output value to produce a converted image. Another technique allows imaging an obstructed object within a base image which is made of pixels, each representing a captured signal from a source emitting a source signal I0. An obstruction region contains pixels representing a combined signal I3 having traversed the obstructed object and an obstructive layer. Knowing a layer signal I2 representing a signal having traversed the obstructive layer outside of the obstruction region, the layer signal I2 may be removed from the combined signal I3, in order to reveal the original signal I1 representing an image of the obstructed object.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing an image includes manipulating a base image to highlight pixels showing a particular material based on the energy absorption information of each pixel. In another technique, pixels in a base image are each converted to an output value to produce a converted image. Another technique allows imaging an obstructed object within a base image which is made of pixels, each representing a captured signal from a source emitting a source signal I0. An obstruction region contains pixels representing a combined signal I3 having traversed the obstructed object and an obstructive layer. Knowing a layer signal I2 representing a signal having traversed the obstructive layer outside of the obstruction region, the layer signal I2 may be removed from the combined signal I3, in order to reveal the original signal I1 representing an image of the obstructed object.

Abstract: A scanning system, corresponding bracket and method are for scanning an object. The system has a frame defining a scanning chamber in which the object to be scanned is placed. The system also has a displacement assembly which displaces the object into and out of the scanning chamber. The system can also have a source which emits electromagnetic radiation or X-rays against the object within the scanning chamber such that the EM radiation passes through the object. The system can also have detectors arranged around the scanning chamber which detect the EM radiation which passes through the object. Each of the detectors forms a detector angle with a plane which can vary from one detector to the next. Similarly, the source can form an angle with the horizontal plane. The system, bracket, and method allow for the production of representative three-dimensional views of the object.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing an image includes manipulating a base image to highlight pixels showing a particular material based on the energy absorption information of each pixel. In another technique, pixels in a base image are each converted to an output value to produce a converted image. Another technique allows imaging an obstructed object within a base image which is made of pixels, each representing a captured signal from a source emitting a source signal I0. An obstruction region contains pixels representing a combined signal I3 having traversed the obstructed object and an obstructive layer. Knowing a layer signal I2 representing a signal having traversed the obstructive layer outside of the obstruction region, the layer signal I2 may be removed from the combined signal I3, in order to reveal the original signal I1 representing an image of the obstructed object.

Abstract: A scanning system is for trace detection. The scanning system includes a main body enclosing a scanning chamber, the main body including a chamber inlet; a transport system configured to move an article through the scanning chamber along a scanning path; and a door mechanism provided along the scanning path. The door mechanism includes: a door frame mounted about the scanning path; at least one door panel movable relative to the door frame and being made of a radiation-shielding material; and a trace detector integrated into the at least one door panel. A method for trace involves using trace detectors integrated into the door mechanism for trace detection while the object is moving along a scanning path passing through a scanning chamber of a scanning system.