Quadrature transverse CT detection system
First Claim
1. A scanning assembly for sequentially scanning a plurality of separate objects up to a predetermined throughput rate, said assembly comprising:
- (a) an X-ray source;
(b) a detector system for receiving X-rays from said X-ray source during a scan, said detector system including a two dimensional array of detectors;
(c) means for rotating the source and detection system about a rotation axis at a preselected rate of rotation; and
(d) conveying means for transporting the plurality of objects to be scanned in sequence between said X-ray source and detector system up to said predetermined throughput rate;
(e) wherein said predetermined throughput rate is a function of the preselected rate of rotation, and the dimension of the two dimensional array of detectors in the direction of said rotation axis so that each object is substantially entirely scanned by said assembly.
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Abstract
The disclosed detector system includes a two dimensional array of detectors for use in generating a volumetric scan of objects moving through a scanner. The array can comprise rows and columns of square detectors, or alternatively at least two types of detectors, one for providing high image resolution in a direction parallel to or within a plane containing the X- and Y-axes of a CT scanner, and the other for providing high image resolution e direction of the Z-axis of the scanner. Preferably, a first set of detectors is oriented in one direction and a second set of detectors is oriented in a different direction. The disclosed detector system may be used in connection with CT scanners and, in particular, with CT baggage scanners and is particularly useful for detecting the presence of thin objects such as sheet explosives within scanned baggage. An improved method of scanning baggage is provided by using the one set of detectors to generate CT image information and the other set of detectors to generate at least one sinogram.
100 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A scanning assembly for sequentially scanning a plurality of separate objects up to a predetermined throughput rate, said assembly comprising:
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(a) an X-ray source; (b) a detector system for receiving X-rays from said X-ray source during a scan, said detector system including a two dimensional array of detectors; (c) means for rotating the source and detection system about a rotation axis at a preselected rate of rotation; and (d) conveying means for transporting the plurality of objects to be scanned in sequence between said X-ray source and detector system up to said predetermined throughput rate; (e) wherein said predetermined throughput rate is a function of the preselected rate of rotation, and the dimension of the two dimensional array of detectors in the direction of said rotation axis so that each object is substantially entirely scanned by said assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. A detector system for use with a CT scanner of the type including a source of x-rays that rotates with the detector system about a rotation axis during a scan, said detector system comprising a two dimensional array of detectors having at least two groups of detectors, wherein the detectors of one group are oriented to provide greater resolution in a first direction, and the detectors of the other group are oriented to provide greater resolution in a second direction different from the first direction.
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19. A detector system for use with a CT scanner for obtaining three-dimensional scans of an object, said detector system comprising:
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a two dimensional quadrilateral detector array having a width dimension and a length dimension and comprising at least two pluralities of detectors, wherein the detectors of the first plurality of detectors each is longer in the width dimension than in the length dimension, and the detectors of the second plurality of detectors each is longer in the length dimension than in the width dimension. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A CT system of the type including (a) an X-ray source;
- (b) a detector system for receiving X-rays from said X-ray source during a scan, and (c) means for rotating the source and detection system about a rotation axis, said detector system including;
(i) at least a first plurality of detectors having a higher resolution in a direction parallel to a plane normal to the rotation axis than parallel to the rotation axis, (ii) at least a second plurality of detectors having a higher resolution in a direction parallel to the rotation axis than parallel to a plane normal to the rotation axis. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
- (b) a detector system for receiving X-rays from said X-ray source during a scan, and (c) means for rotating the source and detection system about a rotation axis, said detector system including;
Specification