A radiation detector includes a housing configured to contain a volume of water, the housing including an interior surface adjacent a first portion of the water having a first net charge. The radiation detector also includes a first electrode coupled to the housing within the first portion of the water, and a second electrode coupled to the housing within a second portion of the water adjacent the first portion of the water. The radiation detector further includes a current detector connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, the current detector configured to detect a current associated with an ionized radiation product that enters the housing.
An imaging system includes a conveyor duct including a first wall and an opposing second wall, a gantry coupled to one end of the conveyor duct, an imaging assembly associated with the gantry, and a conveyor assembly coupled to the conveyor duct. The conveyor assembly includes a first rail coupled to the first wall of the conveyor duct and a second rail coupled to the second wall of the conveyor duct, the first rail and the second rail defining a channel therebetween. The imaging system also includes a tray including a base, wherein the conveyor assembly is configured to transport the tray into the gantry, and wherein the base of the tray extends between and below the first rail and the second rail when the conveyor assembly is transporting the tray.
A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.
A compression device for compressing image data generated by a computed tomography (CT) imaging system is described herein. The compression device is configured to compress the image data by implementing a method including receiving image data from the CT imaging system and requantizing the image data in a square root domain. The method further includes identifying a group of projections (GOP) in the image data, including a first projection and a plurality of subsequent projections, and performing spatial-delta encoding on the first projection and temporal-delta encoding on each of the plurality of subsequent projections. The method also includes identifying a signed value in the GOP, and converting the signed value to an unsigned value. The method further includes entropy coding the image data in the GOP, and packetizing the GOP for transmission or storage.
H04N 19/503 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using predictive coding involving temporal prediction
H04N 19/593 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using predictive coding involving spatial prediction techniques
H04N 19/126 - Details of normalisation or weighting functions, e.g. normalisation matrices or variable uniform quantisers
H04N 19/172 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a picture, frame or field
H04N 19/91 - Entropy coding, e.g. variable length coding [VLC] or arithmetic coding
H04N 19/132 - Sampling, masking or truncation of coding units, e.g. adaptive resampling, frame skipping, frame interpolation or high-frequency transform coefficient masking
5.
Systems and methods for detecting luggage in an imaging system
A luggage detection device is configured to detect luggage by generating computed tomography (CT) imaging slices. For each of the CT imaging slices, the luggage detection device is configured to identify at least one region within the CT imaging slice for removal based on at least one predefined rule, to remove pixel data associated with the at least one identified region within the CT imaging slice, to generate a pixel count representing a number of pixels in the modified CT imaging slice that include a value above a threshold pixel value, and to generate an object indicator based on a determination that the generated pixel count is above a threshold pixel count. The luggage detection device is further configured to display at least one of the plurality of CT image slices based on the presence of the corresponding baggage indicator.
A method for correcting frequency offset in a dual comb spectroscopy system is provided. The method includes causing a first laser (L1) generator to transmit L1 pulses at a repetition rate of a first frequency and causing a second laser (L2) generator to transmit L2 pulses at a repetition rate of a second frequency. The method also includes interrogating a reference material using a combination of the L1 pulses and the L2 pulses and capturing reference cell pulses. The method further includes interrogating a material of interest using the L1 pulses and capturing material of interest pulses. The method includes determining a frequency jitter based on the captured reference cell pulses and the combination of the captured material of interest pulses and the L2 pulses.
A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.
A radiation detector is provided. The radiation detector includes an outer casing, at least one first detector disposed within said outer casing, the at least one first detector configured to primarily detect gamma ray radiation, at least one second detector disposed within the outer casing, the at least one second detector configured to primarily detect neutron radiation, and a computing device disposed within the outer casing and communicatively coupled to the at least one first detector and the at least one second detector. The computing device is configured to receive first data from the at least one first detector, receive second data from the at least one second detector, determine a number of neutrons and gamma rays detected based on the first and second data, and determine a detected energy spectrum based on the first and second data.
A gantry assembly for use with an imaging system is provided. The gantry assembly includes an x-ray source and a modular detector assembly that includes a plurality of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source. The first distance is different from the second distance. The gantry assembly is configured to image objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.
An X-ray CT scanner for imaging an object is provided. The scanner includes an X-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams, a detector array including a plurality of detector elements, and a precollimator positioned between the X-ray emitter and the object, the precollimator configured to prevent the emitted X-ray beams from being directly incident on a first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and allow the emitted X-ray beams to be directly incident on a second subset of said plurality of detector elements. A processing device communicatively coupled to the detector array is configured to determine a signature of the object based on a first set of data acquired using the first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and tomographically reconstruct an image of the object based on a second set of data acquired using the second subset of said plurality of detector elements.
G01N 23/20 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using diffraction of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating crystal structureInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using scattering of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating non-crystalline materialsInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using reflection of the radiation by the materials
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
A method for generating a two-dimensional image of an object using a CT scanner is provided. The method includes selecting an imaging surface for the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, selecting a viewing direction that is non-parallel to the imaging surface, rotating an x-ray source of the CT scanner around the object through a plurality of views, wherein the x-ray source projects x-rays towards a detector array opposite the x-ray source. For each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the method includes acquiring using the detector array, from the plurality of views, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to the viewing direction, and combining the data values acquired for the pixel to calculate a final value for the pixel. The method further includes generating the two-dimensional image of the object based on the calculated final values for each pixel.
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
An x-ray diffraction imaging (XDI) system having a system axis includes at least one x-ray source configured to generate x-rays directed toward an object that includes at least one substance. The at least one x-ray source is further configured to irradiate at least one voxel defined within the object with x-rays arriving from a plurality of directions, each direction defined by an angle of incidence with respect to the system axis. The system also includes at least one detector configured to detect scattered x-rays after the x-rays have passed through the object. The system further includes at least one processor coupled to the at least one detector. The processor is programmed to generate a plurality of XDI profiles of the object voxel. Each XDI profile is a function of an associated angle of incidence.
G01N 23/20 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using diffraction of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating crystal structureInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using scattering of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating non-crystalline materialsInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by using reflection of the radiation by the materials
13.
Systems and methods for detecting contraband using quadrupole resonance and X-ray detection
A contraband detection system is provided. The contraband detection system includes an X-ray system including a front X-ray transmitter/detector and a rear X-ray transmitter/detector. The contraband detection system further includes a quadrupole resonance (QR) system comprising a first QR coil, and a second QR coil, wherein the first and second QR coils are located between the front and rear X-ray transmitter/detectors, and wherein the first and second QR coils are constructed from a material having a low mass attenuation coefficient and a high conductivity such that the first and second QR coils do not substantially interfere with transmitting X-rays and detecting emitted photons using the X-ray system. The contraband detection system further comprise a computing device coupled to the X-ray system and the QR system, the computing device configured to detect contraband based on signals received from the X-ray system and the QR system.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
A nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) sensor assembly includes an active sensor coil configured to transmit radiofrequency (RF) signals to an object of interest and receive return RF signals from the object of interest to generate sensor signals substantially representative of the return signals. The at least one reference coil is configured to receive environmental RF signals to generate reference signals at least partially representative of the environmental RF signals. The at least one reference coil is co-located with the active sensor coil. The active sensor coil and the at least one reference coil are in communication with a correction unit configured to remove interference components from the sensor signals using the reference signals.
G01R 33/36 - Electrical details, e.g. matching or coupling of the coil to the receiver
G01N 24/08 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects by using nuclear magnetic resonance
G01R 33/44 - Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
G01R 33/3415 - Constructional details, e.g. resonators comprising surface coils comprising arrays of sub-coils
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 each having an original CT number, identifying, using a processing device, a subset of the original voxels based on at least one of an original CT number and a location of each original voxel, applying, using the processing device, an anisotropic smoothing filter to the identified original voxels in the subset to generate a set of smoothed voxels each having a smoothed CT number, generating, using the processing device, smoothed image data by combining the original voxels and the smoothed voxels, and analyzing the smoothed image data to determine whether the object contains contraband.
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.
G06K 9/52 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image by deriving mathematical or geometrical properties from the whole image
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/16 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the material being a moving sheet or film
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
17.
Method for correction of artifacts from edge detectors in compact geometry CT
A computer-implemented method for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is provided. A system for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is also provided. Additionally, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions thereon for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is provided.
A method for imaging an object is provided. The method includes acquiring tomographic image data of the object at a plurality of frequencies, generating a composite image of the object at each of the plurality of frequencies using the acquired tomographic image data, determining a scaling factor for a first material at each of the plurality of frequencies, determining a scaling factor for a second material at each of the plurality of frequencies, and decomposing the composite images into a first discrete image and a second discrete image using the determined scaling factors, wherein the first discrete image contains any region of the object composed of the first material and the second discrete image contains any region of the object composed of the second material.
Methods, computer-readable mediums, and systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method detects at least one faulty X-ray detector signal and adjusts a conveyor speed and/or a gantry speed in accordance with the detection to increase information for image reconstruction. In another embodiment, a method detects a high volume time. Upon detection of the high volume time conveyor speed and gantry speed is increased during the high volume time. After expiration of the high volume time, the conveyor speed and gantry speed is reduced. In yet other embodiments, the computer-readable mediums and systems are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above methods.
A curtain assembly includes at least one curtain including at least one slat. The at least one curtain is configured to be rotatably coupled to a housing of a scanning system having a radiation source and a detector. The at least one curtain is further configured to facilitate drawing an object into the scanning system housing while substantially preventing radiation emitted from the radiation source from exiting the housing through the at least one curtain.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
21.
Methods and system for selective resolution improvement in computed tomography
A method and system for selective resolution improvement in computed tomography (CT) scanning. The method includes receiving scan data representative of a scanned object from a CT scanner and reconstructing the scan data using a first algorithm to create a first set of reconstructed data. A region of interest is identified within the first set of reconstructed data. A portion of the scan data corresponding to the region of interest is reconstructed using a second algorithm to create a second set of reconstructed data. The first set of reconstructed data and the second set of reconstructed data are combined to create combined reconstructed data.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
22.
Systems and method for scanning a continuous stream of objects
A method for scanning a stream of objects includes continuously acquiring raw data of the stream of objects using an X-ray system, that includes a detector. The raw data of the stream of objects is rebinned into at least one two-dimensional sinogram. A leading edge and a trailing edge of a first object of the stream of objects is determined from the at least one two-dimensional sinogram and a three-dimensional image of the first object is reconstructed using the at least one two-dimensional sinogram.
A method and system for reconstructing and segmenting an image of the contents of a container. The method includes receiving actual scan data from a scan of the container, reconstructing the actual scan data to obtain a reconstructed image, and segmenting the reconstructed image to obtain a segmented image. The method also includes deriving simulated scan data corresponding to the segmented image, calculating an error term based on a difference between the simulated scan data and the actual scan data, and determining whether a criterion is satisfied. The method further includes using the error term to produce a modified reconstructed image and repeating the preceding steps with the modified reconstructed image substituted for the reconstructed image if the criterion is not satisfied, and outputting information from the segmented image if the criterion is satisfied.
A method for scanning a stream of objects includes continuously acquiring raw data of the stream of objects using an X-ray system including a detector, determining a leading edge and a trailing edge of a first object of the stream of objects from the raw data acquired by the detector using a control system, processing acquired raw data of the first object based on the determined leading edge and the determined trailing edge using the control system, and reconstructing an image of the first object using at least the processed raw data. A system configured to perform the method is also disclosed.
A method of operating a screening system includes applying an electromagnetic field to a subject in a region at least partially enclosed by electromagnetic shielding, and measuring an output from a sensor. The output is representative of an interaction of the electromagnetic field and the subject. A trace vapor is collected from the subject within the region, and the trace vapor is identified. Based on the measured sensor output and the identified trace vapor, whether a target material is associated with the subject is determined.
A method for generating an image of an object using a scanning system includes performing a first portion of a scan in a first scanning mode to acquire a first dataset, receiving a halt command for a conveyor within the scanning system, decelerating the conveyor to a halt based on the halt command using a conveyor controller, and, when the object is present within an examination region after the conveyor has halted, performing a second portion of the scan in a second scanning mode to acquire a second dataset. The second scanning mode is different than the first scanning mode. The method also includes reconstructing the first dataset using a first reconstruction algorithm and reconstructing the second dataset using a second reconstruction algorithm. The second reconstruction algorithm is different than the first reconstruction algorithm. The image is generated using the first reconstructed dataset and the second reconstructed dataset.
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
An embodiment of the invention includes a radiation detecting pixel array. The radiation detecting pixel array includes a substrate, a plurality of radiation detecting pixels arranged in a grid pattern on the substrate, a signal routing array embedded within the substrate in operative communication with the plurality of radiation detecting pixels, and at least two symmetrical communication channels arranged on each of two sides of the grid pattern. The signal routing array is formed of communication channels configured to provide operative communication between any of the plurality of radiation detecting pixels and each of the at least two symmetrical communication channels.
A method and system for identifying an object in an acquired image. The method includes detecting an object within the acquired image, and determining whether the detected object is a containment vessel. If the object is not a containment vessel, the method includes applying a first set of rules for classifying the object. If the object is a containment vessel, the method includes applying a second set of rules for classifying the object.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
Disclosed herein is a detection system for identifying an unidentified substance in a sample, comprising light emitting sources, where at least one of the light emitting sources emits light in the infrared region; a circuit board; a trigger, that activates a pulse of electrons from the circuit board to the light emitting sources; a detector; and a central processing unit, where fluorescence generated from the unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting sources is collected in the detector and analyzed in the central processing unit.
An imaging system includes a platform having mounted thereon a coded-aperture imaging device and positioned to receive radiation over a baseline. The imaging system includes a computer configured to acquire a plurality of far-field datasets over the baseline, the plurality of far-field datasets comprising data received via the coded-aperture imaging device. The computer is also configured to form a preliminary image based on the acquired plurality of far-field datasets, and apply an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to the preliminary image; wherein the EM algorithm includes an ordered subset algorithm.
Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are provided for image based CT Number and volume corrections for thin objects in computed tomography systems. For example, in one embodiment a method is provide which computes an average computed tomography (“CT”) value and volume of voxels that are part of an object. Thereafter, a surface area and a surface CT Number, a boundary area and a boundary CT Number, and a corrected CT Number and a corrected volume for the object are computed. Embodiments of the invention also include other methods, computer-readable mediums, apparatuses, and systems that contain features similar to the features in the above described method.
A method for fabricating a collimator assembly is provided. The collimator assembly includes a first collimator grid having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first collimator grid defines a plurality of cells. Each cell of the plurality of cells is aligned in a first direction and extends between the first surface and the second surface. The method includes coupling a reinforcing layer to the first collimator grid such that the reinforcing layer extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
A portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a dry collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and/or a reagent can be formed in a cartridge that is configured to couple with a portable substance identification device. The cartridge has a chamber in which the reagent, liquid medium, and a detection target picked up by the dry collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.
Portable substance identification system and method are configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. An embodiment of the portable substance identification system includes a portable substance identification device containing a Raman spectrometer, and a collection stem that includes a collector. One or more reservoirs for a liquid medium and/or at least one reagent can be formed in the collection stem. The cartridge can include a chamber in which the reagents, liquid medium, and at least one detection target picked up by the collector are mixed. A magnet, positioned at a slant angle, can be used to form at least one pellet of aggregated magnetic particles within a pellet forming area of the chamber. The pellet is formed to maximize its surface area.
A method for identifying an object within a container is provided. The method includes acquiring image data representing an image, applying a morphological operator to the acquired image data to generate morphed image data, calculating a histogram based on the morphed image data, and classifying the image using the calculated histogram. A classification of the image may be displayed and/or stored in a computer-readable memory.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G06K 9/56 - Combinations of preprocessing functions using a local operator, i.e. means to operate on an elementary image point in terms of the immediate surroundings of this point
36.
System and method for detecting items of interest through mass estimation
A system and method for identifying an object based on its estimated mass. In one aspect, a method for estimating a mass of an object is provided. The method includes acquiring image data including a plurality of image elements, calculating a histogram based on the image data, calculating a computed tomography (CT) number of the object using an anisotropic erosion operator, and determining a perimeter of the object. The method also includes calculating an estimated mass of the object using the CT number and a first subset of image elements of the plurality of image elements, the first subset of image elements defined by the perimeter of the object, and outputting at least one of the estimated mass of the object and an image including the object.
A method for automatically inspecting a container for a target material using a computed tomography (CT) scanning system includes performing an initial radiographic scan of the container. Based at least partially on projection data generated during the initial radiographic scan, at least one location within the container is identified that requires CT inspection. A dual energy CT scan of the at least one identified location within the container is performed based on a single energy algorithm or a dual energy algorithm. The dual energy CT scan includes a low energy scan of the at least one identified location and a high energy scan of the at least one identified location. Based on dual energy scan information generated during the dual energy CT scan, a determination is made to confirm or clear an alarm corresponding to the at least one identified location within the container.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
38.
Actuator for micro-electromechanical system fabry-perot filter
According to one embodiment, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes a bi-stable actuator and at least one movable Fabry-Perot filter cavity mirror coupled to the bi-stable actuator. The bi-stable actuator may be associated with a first latched position and a second latched position and may comprise, for example, a thermal device, an electrostatic device (e.g., a parallel plate or comb drive), or a magnetic device. According to some embodiments, a relationship between a voltage applied to an actuator of a Fabry-Perot filter and an amount of displacement associated with a movable mirror is substantially linear.
An energy-sensitive computed tomography system is provided. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam resulting from electrons impinging upon a target material. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes an object positioned within the X-ray beam. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system further includes a detector configured to receive a transmitted beam of the X-rays through the object. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes a filter having an alternating pattern disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter configured to facilitate measuring projection data that can be used to generate low-energy and high-energy spectral information.
A technique is provided for examining a subject. The technique includes illuminating at least a part of the subject with THz radiation and detecting THz radiation reflected and/or transmitted from the illuminated part and incident upon a detector array by measuring change in capacitance corresponding to the incident THz radiation.
An inspection system positions a balancing shim to asymmetrically balance a magnetic field generated by an inductive sensor, which forms part of the inspection system. Additionally, relays and capacitors used to tune the inductive sensor to a desired resonance frequency are geometrically arranged to minimize electrical interference generated by operation of the relays and capacitors. A shielding device, which may be formed on a printed circuit board, protects a magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor from external electromagnetic interference. A slot positioned in the inductive sensor may be used to tune a resonant mode of the inductive sensor to accurately and particularly detect metallic shanks and/or other metallic objects in shoes, socks, and/or clothing.
A passenger inspection system includes a metal detection sensor integrated with a quadrupole resonance sensor and configured to detect weapons and/or explosives that may be present proximate the feet and/or lower legs of a person. Additionally, a weapons detection sensor may include one or more pairs of transmit coils and receive coils that are vertically mounted to the interior sidewalls of the passenger inspection system and configured to detect symmetrical and nonsymmetrical threats present on a portion of a person's legs. Methods for operating embodiments of the passenger inspection system are also disclosed.
A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.
A cargo container inspection radiation detector apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support, and a plurality of area radiation detectors disposed upon the support arranged corresponding to a height of the cargo container, each area radiation detector comprising an active area defined by a matrix of pixels.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or
45.
Method and system for reconstructing image volumes from helical scan acquisitions
A method, computed tomography (CT) system and computer-readable medium for reconstructing an image volume of an object scanned in helical mode. An embodiment of the method includes determining discrete focal lengths within an imaging plane of the reconstructed field of view comprising the image volume; generating a circular scan sinogram(s) for the discrete focal lengths by interpolating the helical views; selecting within a backprojection operation a circular scan sonogram(s), for one or more image points within the imaging plane, over one or more circular views. The method then includes using the selected circular scan sinogram(s), in the backprojection of the image points point(s) over the circular views view(s) and performing a backprojection for all the image points over all the circular views to generate a reconstructed image of the object.
In one aspect, a method of using a recording device in a luggage inspection system is provided. The method includes establishing an inspection workstation including an inspection area and a scanner, and providing a user interface. The method also includes positioning the recording device to record at least one luggage inspection, scanning an identification number, and storing the identification number by date and time. Moreover, the method includes inspecting contents of at least one item of luggage, recording the luggage inspection and associating the identification number with a corresponding luggage inspection.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/02 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
47.
Ray consistency based reconstruction of helical cone beam data
A CT imaging system includes a computer that is programmed to rebin cone beam projection data into a series of two-dimensional sinograms based on an optimized ray consistency approach. The computer receives cone beam data from a detector array and is programmed to specify a plurality of view angles for the cone beam data. The computer selects a plurality of measured rays for each of the plurality of specified view angles, the plurality of measured rays having a view angle approximate to the specified view angle as determined by an optimized ray consistency. The computer also forms a two-dimensional sinogram for each of the plurality of specified view angles based on the selected plurality of measured rays. The computer then defines an image surface for each of the plurality of specified view angles based on the selected plurality of measured rays.
Dual modality detection devices and methods are provided for detecting nuclear material, the devices include a neutron detector including multiple neutron detection modules; and a gamma detector including multiple gamma detection modules, where the multiple neutron detection modules and the multiple gamma detection modules are integrated together in a single unit to detect simultaneously both gamma rays and neutrons.
G01T 3/06 - Measuring neutron radiation with scintillation detectors
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
49.
Combined computed tomography and nuclear resonance fluorescence cargo inspection system and method
Methods and systems for scanning a container for contraband are provided. In one aspect, a method includes scanning the container using computed tomography (CT) to identify a location of an item of interest, determining a nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) scan configuration based on the location of the item of interest, positioning the container in the NRF scan configuration, irradiating the item of interest, detecting gamma rays emitted from the item of interest to generate signals representative of the detected gamma rays, and analyzing the generated signals to determine a presence of contraband.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
50.
Computed tomography cargo inspection system and method
An X-ray computed tomography scanning system for inspecting an object includes a platform configured to support the object. The platform is rotatable about an axis and movable in a direction parallel to the axis. At least one X-ray source is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform and configured to transmit radiation through the object. At least one X-ray detector is fixedly positioned with respect to the platform. The at least one X-ray detector is configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and generate a signal representative of the detected radiation.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
A method, system, and machine readable media are provided for correcting scatter in an image. The method comprises sequentially emitting radiation from a subset of radiation sources toward a detector array and measuring radiation on areas of the detector array not exposed to the emitted primary radiation at the time of measurement. Scatter is estimated from the measured radiation. Furthermore, the scatter estimates are subtracted from the measured data and images with improved image quality are reconstructed.
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing radiation shielding for non-invasive inspection systems. An embodiment of the apparatus may include a radiation shield having a plurality of slats, where each of the plurality of slats comprises a radiation attenuating material. The radiation shield may further include a support structure configured to hold the slats in a non-planar shape. An embodiment of the method may include gathering a plurality of slats, each slat comprising a radiation attenuating material. The method may further include disposing the slats to form a shielding curtain having a non-planar shape. The method may also include positioning the shielding curtain to cover an opening of a scanner.
Methods for amplifying the Raman signal of primary SERS nanoparticles are provided. One method generally includes binding secondary SERS particles to the primary SERS nanoparticles after binding of the primary SERS nanoparticles. In another method, secondary SERS nanoparticles are brought in close proximity to the primary SERS nanoparticles, wherein the secondary nanoparticles are free of a reporter molecule or have a reporter molecule different from that of the primary SERS nanoparticles.
An integrated detection system that includes a first threat detection apparatus and a second threat detection apparatus is provided. The first threat detection apparatus may identify one or more areas within an item of baggage that may contain threats. Example threats include, but are not limited to, explosives, weapons, illegal drugs, and hazardous matter, among others. The remaining areas are in theory deemed clear of threats. The second threat detection apparatus may be configured to inspect only the suspect areas of the item of baggage that was previously identified by the first threat detection apparatus. This improves throughput and lowers the false positive rate. A method for intelligently fusing the independent information obtained by the first and second threat detection apparatuses is also provided.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
A passenger screening system including a first gradiometer, and a second gradiometer disposed adjacent the first gradiometer. The first and second gradiometers are each configured to operate at a first frequency and a second frequency to facilitate detecting the presence of an explosive material. A method of operating the passenger screening system is also described herein.
A screening system including a first modality comprising at least one inductive sensor, and a second modality including at least one metal detection coil configured to generate a magnetic field, said induction sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field generated by the metal detection coil.
A method of determining a presence of items of interest within a cargo container is disclosed. The method includes obtaining information from an initial radiation scan of at least one of the cargo container and contents therein, identifying a target portion of the cargo container in response to the information obtained, transmitting a target radiation beam along the target portion of the cargo container, and detecting radiation received in response to the transmitting. The method further includes analyzing the detected radiation for a presence of items of interest, and in response to the analyzing, generating a first signal indicative of the presence of the items of interest, or generating a second signal indicative of an absence of the items of interest.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
An integrated spectrometer instrument, including an optical source formed on a chip, the optical source configured to generate an incident optical beam upon a sample to be measured. Collection optics formed on the chip are configured to receive a scattered optical beam from the sample, and filtering optics formed on the chip are configured to remove elastically scattered light from the scattered optical beam at a wavelength corresponding to the optical source. A tunable filter formed on the chip is configured to pass selected wavelengths of the scattered optical beam, and a photo detector device formed on the chip is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to the intensity of photons passed through the tunable filter.
An apparatus and method for scanning an object with a helical CT scanner, the method comprising: acquiring an amount of data corresponding to the object that is scanned by the CT scanner, wherein the amount of data is generated by an x-ray source that projects a fan beam of x-rays toward a detector array on an opposite side of a gantry of the CT scanner, the fan beam being generated at multiple x-ray source positions as the x-ray source is rotated about the object as the object passes through an opening in the gantry disposed about a conveyor for moving the object through the opening; monitoring a position of the conveyor as the object passes through the opening in the gantry; determining if the conveyor has been stationary for more than one rotation of the gantry and discarding redundant data after one rotation, optionally turning off the x-ray tube if the conveyor has been stationary for more than one gantry rotation, and if so preventing the conveyor from moving again until the tube is turned on and is stable, inputting the position of the conveyor at each x-ray source position into a reconstruction algorithm; and presenting an image of the object.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or
An apparatus includes an article and a detector. The article includes a substrate, a faceted structure disposed on the substrate, and a sensor layer disposed on the faceted structure. The faceted structure is disposed on the substrate first surface and itself has a surface. The faceted structure surface has peripheral edge defining a diameter of the faceted structure surface. The sensor layer is disposed on the faceted structure surface. The sensor layer can react or can interact with a target species when the target species is sufficiently proximate to the sensor layer. The sensor layer responds to the reaction or to the interaction in a detectable manner. The detector detects a response to the reaction, or to the interaction, of the target species with the sensor layer.
G01N 31/22 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroupsApparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
61.
System and method for detecting an object by dynamically adjusting computational load
A system and method for ascertaining the identity of an object within an enclosed article. The system includes an acquisition subsystem, a reconstruction subsystem, a computer-aided detection (CAD) subsystem, and an alarm resolution subsystem. The acquisition subsystem communicates view data to the reconstruction subsystem, which reconstructs it into image data and communicates it to the CAD subsystem. The CAD subsystem analyzes the image data to ascertain whether it contains any area of interest. A feedback loop between the reconstruction and CAD subsystems allows for continued, more extensive analysis of the object. Other information, such as risk variables or trace chemical detection information may be communicated to the CAD subsystem to dynamically adjust the computational load of the analysis.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
computer hardware, computer utility software and computerized X-ray machine employing computed tomography for use in industrial applications in the detection of concealed objects, images, or defects
