Abstract: A simplified X-ray imaging apparatus is capable of computationally determining effective atomic numbers with small error factors even for light elements. The X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray generation unit 101 (400) for generating X-rays and a detector 105 (405) for detecting X-rays transmitted through an object of examination 104 (403). A computing unit 106 (406) computationally determines a quantity of an X-ray phase attributable to the object of examination and an X-ray transmittance of the object of examination from data detected by the detector. The computing unit also computationally determines an effective atomic number of the object of examination from ?et determined from the quantity of the X-ray phase and ?t it determined from the X-ray transmittance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for detecting high atomic number elements in an article by using radiation having two different energies. The detecting of high atomic number elements can be accomplished by using an algorithm, curve fitting or using a data table. Disclosed herein too is a radiation system that uses the aforementioned method for detecting high atomic number elements.

Abstract: A device for the online determination of the contents of a substance having a gamma-radiating isotope, which includes at least one detector, which measures the natural gamma radiation of said isotope. In order to be able to easily calibrate the device, a measurement is carried out at the same location for determining the surface dimensions of the substance within the detection region of the detector or of a representative partial region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for a packaging machine in which at least one conveyor of a packaging machine which displaces at least one material to be packed and to be detected, to various stations of the packaging machine. According to the invention, at least one x-ray source and one detector are provided for irradiating the material which is to be detected and which is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining radiation interaction data related to an image of an object. The method involves using a detector system for detecting and collecting spectroscopically resolvable information about incident radiation, and collecting one or more datasets of information at the detector after interaction with an object. Each dataset is resolved across at least three frequency bands within the spectrum of the source. The ratio between measured intensities is evaluated for at least two pairs of such frequency bands in a given intensity dataset to obtain a numerical indicator in functional relationship with a material property. The numerical indicator is then compared with a library of data characteristics of target materials.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present application relates to a method and/or an apparatus for determining the concentration of a substance in a body material that is composed of two different material components in an unknown ratio. In an embodiment of the method, two computed tomography pictures from which two image data records are reconstructed are recorded in conjunction with two different spectral distributions of the x-radiation. The x-ray attenuation values for each voxel of the two image data records are decomposed into three material components. The decomposition is performed on the assumption that the x-ray attenuation value xM of the body material without the substance is composed of the x-ray attenuation values xM1, xM2 of the first and second material component in accordance with the following equation: xM=f*xM1+(1-f)*XM2, f being a volume fraction of the first material component in the body material.

Abstract: A method for determining a composition of an object using a spectral x-ray system is provided. X-ray photons of at least two different energies are transmitted through the object. The energy of each detected x-ray photon using a detector in the x-ray system is estimated. A first weighted sum of the number of detected photons of each energy is found using a first weighting function, wherein the first weighting function is dependent on the attenuation coefficient function of a first material. In another embodiment, the photons are binned into two energy bins wherein there is a gap between the energy bins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-energy object inspection using a brilliant x-ray source. A first mono-energetic x-ray image of an object at a first selected energy is generated. A second mono-energetic x-ray image of the object at a second selected energy is generated. The first selected energy is different than the second selected energy. Additional mono-energetic x-ray images may be generated at energies different than previous energies up to n selected energies. The mono-energetic x-ray images are mathematically combined and processed to form a result. The result of processing the mono-energetic x-ray images is presented. The result comprises processed mono-energetic x-ray image data describing materials in the object with greater sensitivity, identifying the layers, and identifying the material composition than in the first image or the second image.

Abstract: Angle dispersive X-ray diffraction is used to test pharmaceutical products including a dosage form inside packaging, for example a tablet inside a blister pack, without removing the dosage form from the packaging. The dosage form is aligned with a measurement system having an X-ray source for generating X-rays, X-ray optics, and an X-ray detector for detection of X-rays. Then, at least one X-ray signature is measured on a predetermined location on the dosage form. The measured X-ray signature is compared with reference X-ray signatures in a data library.

Abstract: An X-ray that has passed through a target object 13 is detected by a two-dimensional X-ray detector 14 capable of energy discrimination, to determine an actual X-ray strength at a specific energy level. The target object 13 is rotationally scanned in predetermined angular steps around an axis perpendicular to the X-ray. The target object 13 is imaginarily divided into a large number of micro-sized unitary cubic cells, and each detection element 14a is considered to be receiving an X-ray that has passed through a plurality of unitary cubic cells. A data processor 6 creates a system of equations including a measured intensity ratio between the transmitted and direct X-rays and a theoretical X-ray intensity ratio calculated from the mass absorption coefficients, unknown weight ratios and density of the elements contained in each unitary cubic cell. The number of equations is equal to or larger than the total number of the elements having unknown weight ratios and the density.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for detecting high atomic number elements in an article by using radiation having two different energies. The detecting of high atomic number elements can be accomplished by using an algorithm, curve fitting or using a data table. Disclosed herein too is a radiation system that uses the aforementioned method for detecting high atomic number elements.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity. An image of a body extremity is acquired using a mammography x-ray system whereby a bone mineral density can be performed on the image. The system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity includes: a support for supporting the body extremity; a detector for capturing an image of the body extremity; and an x-ray source adapted to project an x-ray beam through the body extremity toward the detector, the x-ray source having a voltage of no more than about 45 kVp and having a target/filter combination of rhodium/rhodium, molybdenum/molybdenum, molybdenum/rhodium, or tungsten/rhodium. An attenuation filter separate from the target/filter combination may be provided between the source and the body extremity, between the body extremity and the detector, or both.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a radiation analysis system for material segmentation utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans. The radiation analysis system includes an input module configured to input dual energy data. The dual energy scanned data includes first data corresponding to a first parameter and second data corresponding to a second parameter for a given scanned volume. The radiation analysis system also includes a processor configured to generate a scatter plot based on the dual energy data. The first data corresponds to a first axis and the second data corresponds to a second axis. The processor is configured to identify at least one material type based on the scatter plot.

Abstract: A system and a method of using dual-energy absoptiometry to estimate visceral fat metrics and display results, preferably as related to normative data. The process involves deriving x-ray measurements for respective pixel positions related to a two-dimensional projection image of a body slice containing visceral fat as well as subcutaneous fat; at least some of the measurements being dual-energy x-ray measurements, processing the measurements to derive estimates of metrics related to the visceral fat in the slice; and using the resulting estimates.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detector array comprising a first linear array for detecting a first ray and a second ray which penetrate through a first plurality of parts of the inspected object to acquire first values and second values for the first plurality of parts, wherein the second ray is alternately emitted with the first ray; and a second linear array arranged parallel to the first linear array for detecting the first ray and the second ray which penetrate through a second plurality of parts of the inspected object to acquire third values and fourth values for the second plurality of parts, wherein the first plurality of parts is partly identical to the second plurality of parts. With the detector array, the efficiency and material discrimination accuracy can be improved in the scanning inspection of the inspected object by use of alternate dual-energy rays.

Abstract: A nondestructive identification device includes: a radiation source 1 irradiating an x-ray 2 to a standard sample 5 made of a known material and a sample 3; a sensor 4 detecting a radiation ray having transmitted the standard sample 5 and the sample 3; a signal processing device 7 converting a signal of the sensor 4 into an image; an image processing device 8 which performs adjustment on an entire second image to make a luminance value of a part of the standard sample 5 in the obtained image or a relation between the luminance value and a thickness of the standard sample 5 in a first image where the energy of the radiation source 1 is first energy be the same as that in the second image where the energy of the radiation source 1 is second energy, and which performs a computation processing to take a difference or a ratio between the adjusted second image and the first image; and a display device 9 displaying an image.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining the enrichment of 235U in Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) utilizing synthesized X-rays which are directed at a container test zone containing a sample of UF6. A detector placed behind the container test zone then detects and counts the X-rays which pass through the container and the UF6. In order to determine the portion of the attenuation due to the UF6 gas alone, this count rate may then be compared to a calibration count rate of X-rays passing through a calibration test zone which contains a vacuum, the test zone having experienced substantially similar environmental conditions as the actual test zone. Alternatively, X-rays of two differing energy levels may be alternately directed at the container, where either the container or the UF6 has a high sensitivity to the difference in the energy levels, and the other having a low sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are an energy spectrum modulation apparatus, a material discrimination method and a device thereof, as well as an image processing method are disclosed, which can discriminate the material in large- and medium-sized objects such as cargo containers, air cargo containers, etc. by using X-rays having different energy levels. The energy spectrum modulation apparatus comprises a first energy spectrum modulation part for modulating a first ray having a first energy spectrum, and a second energy spectrum modulation part coupled to the first energy spectrum modulation part and for modulating a second ray having a second energy spectrum different from the first energy spectrum. The present invention can be used in the non-opening inspection for large-sized container cargo at places such as Customs, ports and airports.

Abstract: One finding of the present invention is that, by use of radiation with a polyfrequent effective spectrum for the examination of the object, beam hardening or shift of the spectrum's center of gravity does indeed lead to the fact that the effectively operative absorption coefficient or attenuation coefficient and/or the effective operative reflection coefficient of the object material, and thus particularly also the ratio of two coefficients to different radiation spectrums, no longer is solely specific for the material, but also depends on the thickness, but that this may be accepted, and nevertheless exact classification of the object material can still be done by using, in addition to the ratio of the absorption and/or reflection coefficients, one of the intensity values resulting during irradiations, in order to perform an association with one of a plurality of predetermined materials on the basis of reference data.

Abstract: Ash composition measurements of calcium carbonate and gypsum in paper is accomplished with a dual X-ray sensor system with one X-ray source that is powered at about 5.9 KV and a second X-ray source that is powered at about 4.2 KV. Corresponding detectors measure radiation from the respective X-ray sources that is emitted from the paper. Data derived from the measurements yields the gypsum and crystal water content in the paper. The dual X-ray sensor system can be employed in conjunction with infrared total moisture measurements of paper products being manufactured on a papermaking making machine, which contain gypsum and calcium carbonate, in order to correct for the gypsum crystal water effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase fraction of a fluid collected downhole is shown comprising an x-ray generator, a filter, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. The filter produces a radiation spectrum with a high energy portion and a low energy portion. Filtered radiation is passed through a sample fluid and the resulting attenuated radiation signal is used in calculating the phase fractions of oil, water, and gas in the sample fluid. In one embodiment, a second reference radiation detector measures the radiation directly from the x-ray generator and this measurement is used in normalizing the fraction result. The ratio of the high energy signal to low energy signal of the reference detector is used in controlling the input voltage of the x-ray generator thus ensuring a stable spectrum.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for inspection of liquid articles to determine the presence of drugs concealed in the liquid articles without opening the outer packages. The method includes emitting radiation beams having a single energy to transmit through the liquid article; receiving the radiation beams transmitted through the liquid article to get multi-angle projection data; inversely operating the multi-angle projection data based on the uniformity of the liquid article to obtain an attribute value of the inspected liquid article; retrieving a reference attribute value in a pre-created database by using the identification information of the liquid article as an index, and calculating a difference between the calculated attribute value and the reference attribute value; and determining whether the difference is larger than a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for real-time mark for a high-energy X-ray dual-energy imaging container inspection system in the radiation imaging field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies. The method further comprises calculating at least one second function based, at least in part, on at least some of the first functions, and determining whether the object at least potentially contains material in a class of materials based, at least in part, on the second function. The class of materials may be materials having an atomic number greater than the predetermined atomic number, for example. The second function may be compared to a criterion, which may be a threshold, for example. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A target composition determination apparatus includes, an x-ray emission element for concurrently transmitting x-ray photons with a plurality of different energy levels at a target, and an x-ray detection element for receiving x-rays interacting with the target and for determining the energy levels of the received x-rays, the x-ray detection element generating at least one output signal indicative of the number of x-rays interacting with the target and the energy levels determined for each of the x-rays, and a processing element receiving the output signal and indicating the presence of at least one component material within the target using the received detection element signal and a multivariate calibration prepared for the target, the apparatus including that the output signal of the x-ray detection element is batched over a pre-selected time period to define the physical resolution of the target composition apparatus when a target is moved relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: The aim of the method is to characterize an element (21) comprising a plurality of superposed layers separated from one another by interfaces. It comprises at least the following steps: The element (21) is illuminated with radiation (15) emitted by a source (13); radiation (23) transmitted through the element (21) is collected on a detector (17), this transmitted radiation forming an experimental image of the element (21) on the detector (17), the detector (17) being placed at such a distance from the element (21) that interference fringes appear on the experimental image at the interfaces between the layers; and an approximate value of at least one physical characteristic of at least one given layer is determined by calculation from the experimental image, the determination step being implemented by minimizing the difference between the experimental image and a simulated image of at least part of the experimental image of the element (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with radiations, which relate to the field of radiation inspection technology. The method comprises steps of acquiring original environment information, emitting radiation beams to transmit the liquid articles, receiving the radiation beams transmitted through the liquid articles to form multi-angle projection data, computing a radiation absorption coefficient of the liquid articles to be detected by inverse operation of the multi-angle projection data, based on the initial environmental information and the uniformity of the liquid articles, and comparing the radiation absorption coefficients with the preset data to get the relevant information of the liquid articles. Comparing with the prior art, the present invention is not subjected to affection of cuter package of the liquid article, and is advantageous of high anti-jamming high accuracy, high safety and reliability, low cost and small size.

Abstract: A system for reading data is described. The system includes a detector that includes a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device is configured to remove a need to scrub the detector.

Abstract: A remote sensing device for detecting materials of varying atomic numbers and systems and methods relating thereto. A system for identifying a material includes a photon beam flux monitor for resolving a high-energy beam. A method for identifying a material includes casting an incident photon beam on the material and detecting an emerging photon beam with an array of fission-fragment detectors, a first set of scintillator paddles, and a second set of scintillator paddles.

Abstract: A method of identifying a material using an x-ray emission characteristic is provided. X-ray data representing a monitored x-ray emission characteristic is obtained from a specimen in response to an incident energy beam. A dataset is also obtained, this comprising composition data of a plurality of materials. The material of the specimen is contained within the dataset. Predicted x-ray data are calculated for each of the materials in the dataset using the composition data. The obtained and the predicted x-ray data are compared and the likely identity of the material of the specimen is determined, based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Angle dispersive X-ray diffraction is used to test pharmaceutical products including a dosage form inside packaging, for example a tablet inside a blister pack, without removing the dosage form from the packaging. The dosage form is aligned with a measurement system having an X-ray source for generating X-rays, X-ray optics, and an X-ray detector for detection of X-rays. Then, at least one X-ray signature is measured on a predetermined location on the dosage form. The measured X-ray signature is compared with reference X-ray signatures in a data library.

Abstract: The contaminant detector of the invention is a contaminant detector for detection of solid contaminants present in coke, and comprises X-ray irradiation means that irradiates X-rays onto coke to be evaluated for the potential presence of solid contaminants; X-ray intensity measuring means that measures the intensity of transmitted X-rays in a prescribed region of X-rays that are transmitted through coke to be evaluated; and determining means that compares the numerical value for the transmitted X-ray intensity against a prescribed threshold value and, based on the results of the comparison, determines whether or not the coke to be evaluated includes solid contaminants in the prescribed region.

Abstract: A tray for holding a material while the material is being subjected to penetrating radiation. The tray has a surface on which the material rests while subjected to penetrating radiation. The surface has at least two areas, namely a first area and a second area, the first and second areas characterized by first and second signatures, respectively when exposed to penetrating radiation, wherein the first signature is different from the second signature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting clandestine fissile or radioactive material on the basis of emitted radiation and particles (such as neutrons and alpha particles) arising from within the material. Emission by the fissile or radioactive material is detected in conjunction with a conventional x-ray imaging system that includes an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation, at least one detector configured to detect at least the penetrating radiation and to generate a detector signal, and a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to generate an output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered by an origin other than illuminating penetrating radiation. Active and passive modes of detection are described by some embodiments. Other embodiments are directed toward neutron detection, gamma ray detection with energy resolution, and designs of detectors to enhance the detection of clandestine nuclear material.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining fractional amounts of each phase of a multiple phase fluid includes an x-ray generator includes a sample chamber is configured to admit therein a sample of fluid for analysis. The chamber is disposed in a radiation path output from the generator. A filter is disposed in the radiation path between the output of the generator and the radiation input of the sample chamber. A first radiation detector is positioned in a radiation path from the sample chamber after radiation has passed through the sample chamber. A thickness and a material of the filter are selected to optimize resolution of radiation detected by the first detector to changes in volume fraction of oil and water in the fluid sample when a gas fraction thereof is between about 90 to 100 percent.

Abstract: An X-ray detection device for detecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in on the basis of the transmission amount of X-rays that have penetrated an examination subject article by applying X-rays, at a predetermined detection position to an examination subject article being conveyed in a pipe (7), wherein a test-piece table (17) capable of passing by the detection position at substantially the same speed as that of the examination subject article is installed in the vicinity of the pipe (7), with a test-piece (21) placed thereon. X-ray detection sensitivity can be detected without mixing the test-piece in the actual examination subject article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the density and phase fractions of well services fluids is shown including an x-ray generator, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. Radiation is passed through the sample cell and fluid and the attenuated radiation signal is used to evaluate the fluid. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector measures a filtered radiation signal and controls the acceleration voltage and/or beam current of the x-ray generator using this information. The apparatus may be permanently affixed for long term monitoring or temporarily clamped on to a pipe in production.

Abstract: A method of determining a parameter of interest of reservoir rock formation is described using the steps of measuring an x-ray attenuation or absorption distribution of a sample of said rock formation, identifying the mineral phase part of said distribution, and subdividing the mineral phase part of said distribution to derive classification or rock type information of said sample.

Abstract: Meat processing device having at least one comminution unit for comminution and/or mixing of fresh and/or frozen meat and having at least one transport means (2) on which the meat can be transported and which is arranged, in the direction of processing, downstream of the comminution unit (1), which has a fat analysis device (3) for determining the fat content, the density in the meat and/or the BEFFE (connective tissue protein free meat protein), and also process for fat analysis.

Abstract: A system for producing beams of high energy photons and neutrons and a method to use such beams to actively interrogate and detect concealed nuclear materials, radiological materials, and chemical explosives.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source, and a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector. A computer is operably connected to the DAS and is programmed to generate corresponding sets of projection values for three or more energy spectra through employment of attenuation coefficients of three or more basis materials to simulate responses of the diagnostic imaging system to a plurality of lengths of the three or more basis materials wherein the three or more basis materials comprise two or more non K-edge basis materials and one or more K-edge basis materials.

Abstract: A method is for visually displaying quantitative information in medical imaging data records, in which an image data record and/or one or more additional data records, in which each image element of the image data record has one or more associated values as quantitative information, are obtained from one or more measurement data records after one or more processing steps. The image data record and/or the one or more additional data records is/are used to calculate a significance function which, for each image element in a prescribable image region, represents a degree of similarity between the one or more values associated with the image element and a prescribable value or a prescribable value combination. Further, the significance function is graphically displayed on an image reproduction unit. The present method can be used for visually displaying quantitative information contained in medical imaging data records easily and clearly.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for determining an optimized set of estimation coefficients for use in the gray scale conversion of measured intensity ratios derived from radiographic images of an object. Radiographic images for known materials may be obtained using different source energy levels. Measured training ratios for each known material may be determined intensity values derived from pairs of radiographic images. Standard attenuation data for each known material may also provided. A genetic algorithm may be used to obtain an optimized set of estimation coefficients for the known materials using initial candidate sets of estimation coefficients, the measured training ratios, and the standard attenuation data. The optimized set of estimation coefficients may be used in the gray scale conversion of measured ratios derived from radiographic images of unknown materials for the determination of the atomic number of the unknown materials.

Abstract: In a recycling process, the homogeneity of glass cullet decreases and the quality of the recycled glass is diminished. To solve this problem, the present involves using a fluorescent X-ray analyzer to analyze the glass composition of display substrates prior to crushing, and thereby identifying glass of the same composition, converting the same into cullet, and recovering the glass.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe (24), comprises an X-ray scanner (8) arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means (26) arranged to analyse the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CT system for determining the quantitative material concentrations of the components, such as bone, blood, contrast agent, in a region of interest of an object, such as a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) scanner (10), a reconstructor (46), a polychromatic corrector (50), a material classifier (54) and an image processor (60). The scanner provides spectral CT information. The reconstructor (46) reconstructs the data from the CT scanner (10) into a volume space. The material classifier (54) determines a material composition of locations in the volume space as a function of their location in an attenuation space. Information indicative of the material composition is presented on a display (62).