Imaging system with long-standoff capability
First Claim
1. A method of imaging an item, comprising:
- a) scanning x-ray beam over the item;
b) measuring the intensity and scattering time of radiation scattered from the item; and
c) forming an image of the item based at least in part on the measured intensity and scattering time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An imaging system that can form an image of an item under inspection using scattered radiation. A pencil beam of radiation is steered over the item under inspection and scattered radiation is detected. Regions of the item under inspection form which radiation is scattered are resolved in three dimensions using two-dimensional coordinates to which the pencil beam is steered. The third dimension is resolved using time of flight from the source. Because the inspection system can be located on one side of an item under inspection, an item may be imaged from a long distance and the imaging system may be mounted on a moving vehicle, making the imaging system well suited for use in many security inspection systems to detect explosives and other contraband items.
81 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method of imaging an item, comprising:
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a) scanning x-ray beam over the item;
b) measuring the intensity and scattering time of radiation scattered from the item; and
c) forming an image of the item based at least in part on the measured intensity and scattering time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An inspection system, comprising:
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a) a steerable source adapted to emit a collimated beam of radiation toward an illumination area, the collimated beam having a narrow beam width at a distance in excess of 50 meters;
b) a detector panel positioned to receive radiation from the direction of the illumination area; and
c) a data analysis system, adapted to form an image of an item proximate the illumination area, the image comprising a plurality of regions, each region having a value based on the magnitude of an output of the detector panel at a time relative to the time at which the collimated beam of radiation is emitted toward the illumination area. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification