SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR X-RAY BACKSCATTER REVERSE ENGINEERING OF STRUCTURES
First Claim
1. A method of interrogating a surface of a structure using an x-ray backscatter system to generate an image of an object obscured behind the surface, the x-ray backscatter system including a mobile base portion, at least a first arm secured to the base at an articulation point, at least one x-ray source, and at least one x-ray detector configured to collect x-rays backscattered from the object, the method comprising:
- a) advancing the system through the structure;
b) articulating the arm and the x-ray detector about the articulation point, the x-ray detector being positioned on the arm at a location spaced from the articulation point;
c) linearly extending and contracting the arm with respect to the mobile base portion;
d) generating x-rays from the x-ray source and directing the x-rays toward the surface; and
e) detecting a portion of the x-rays at the x-ray detector after the portion of the x-rays have been backscattered from the object obscured behind the surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and methods for x-ray backscatter reverse engineering of structures. One embodiment includes a plurality of articulated arms attached to a movable base. Another embodiment includes a single counterweighted arm attached to a movable base. The arms include x-ray detectors. At least one x-ray source, which may be mounted on the arm(s), emits x-rays, which are backscattered off the surfaces and objects of interest and captured by the detectors to generate images of hidden objects. The present system provides improved speed and resolution over prior art systems. The system has a field-of-view and effective scanning range versatile enough to work in various orientations and in environments of various sizes. In certain embodiments the system is compact and lightweight so that it can be easily transported and used within confined spaces or in environments where weight is a consideration, such as inside or underneath aircraft. The system is also pointable and adaptable.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of interrogating a surface of a structure using an x-ray backscatter system to generate an image of an object obscured behind the surface, the x-ray backscatter system including a mobile base portion, at least a first arm secured to the base at an articulation point, at least one x-ray source, and at least one x-ray detector configured to collect x-rays backscattered from the object, the method comprising:
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a) advancing the system through the structure; b) articulating the arm and the x-ray detector about the articulation point, the x-ray detector being positioned on the arm at a location spaced from the articulation point; c) linearly extending and contracting the arm with respect to the mobile base portion; d) generating x-rays from the x-ray source and directing the x-rays toward the surface; and e) detecting a portion of the x-rays at the x-ray detector after the portion of the x-rays have been backscattered from the object obscured behind the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of interrogating a surface of a structure using an x-ray backscatter system to generate an image of an object obscured behind the surface, the x-ray backscatter system including a mobile base portion, at least a first arm secured to the base at an articulation point, at least one x-ray source, and at least one x-ray detector configured to collect x-rays backscattered from the object, the method comprising:
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a) advancing the system through the structure; b) articulating the arm and the x-ray detector about the articulation point, the x-ray detector being positioned on the arm at a location spaced from the articulation point; c) articulating a first segment of the arm with respect to a second segment of the arm, the first and second segments being connected by a joint; d) generating x-rays from the x-ray source and directing the x-rays toward the surface; and e) detecting a portion of the x-rays at the x-ray detector after the portion of the x-rays have been backscattered from the object obscured behind the surface. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of interrogating a surface of a structure using an x-ray backscatter system to generate an image of an object obscured behind the surface, the x-ray backscatter system including a mobile base portion, at least a first arm secured to the base at an articulation point, at least one x-ray source, and at least one x-ray detector configured to collect x-rays backscattered from the object, the method comprising:
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a) advancing the system through the structure; b) articulating the arm and the x-ray detector about the articulation point, the x-ray detector being positioned on the arm at a location spaced from the articulation point; c) generating x-rays from the x-ray source and directing the x-rays toward the surface; and c) detecting a portion of the x-rays at the x-ray detector after the portion of the x-rays have been backscattered from the object obscured behind the surface; wherein the arm includes a counterweight at a location spaced from the detector and on an opposite side of the articulation point from the detector. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of interrogating a surface of a structure using an x-ray backscatter system to generate an image of an object obscured behind the surface, the x-ray backscatter system including a mobile base portion, at least a first arm secured to the base at an articulation point, at least one x-ray source, and at least one x-ray detector configured to collect x-rays backscattered from the object, the method comprising:
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a) advancing the system through the structure; b) articulating the arm, the x-ray detector and the x-ray source about the articulation point, the x-ray detector and the x-ray source being positioned on the arm at locations spaced from the articulation point; c) generating x-rays from the x-ray source and directing the x-rays toward the surface; and d) detecting a portion of the x-rays at the x-ray detector after the portion of the x-rays have been backscattered from the object obscured behind the surface. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification