Dual mode X-ray vehicle scanning system
First Claim
1. An X-ray inspection system with variable energy dose rate for screening vehicles, the X-ray inspection system comprising:
- an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam, having an intensity level, to create a scanning region;
at least one detector array to receive X-ray beam signals transmitted through a vehicle; and
a collimator that modulates the intensity level of the X-ray beam to produce a low X-ray energy dose rate or a high X-ray energy dose rate depending upon a portion of the vehicle being screened, wherein the collimator varies the intensity level of the X-ray beam such that a portion of the vehicle carrying people receives the low X-ray energy dose rate and a portion of the vehicle carrying cargo receives the high X-ray energy dose rate.
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Abstract
A variable mode X-ray transmission system is provided that can be operated in low or high dose rate modes depending upon the area or portion of the vehicle to be screened. In one embodiment, variable dose rate is achieved by use of a novel collimator. The systems disclosed in this application enable the scanning of a vehicle cab portion (occupied by people, such as a driver) at low dose rate, which is safe for human beings, while allowing the scanning of the cargo portion (unoccupied by people) at a high dose rate. Rapid switching from low dose rate to high dose rate operating mode is provided, while striking a balance between high material penetration for cargo portion and low intensity exposure that is safe for occupants in the cab portion of the inspected vehicle.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An X-ray inspection system with variable energy dose rate for screening vehicles, the X-ray inspection system comprising:
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an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam, having an intensity level, to create a scanning region; at least one detector array to receive X-ray beam signals transmitted through a vehicle; and a collimator that modulates the intensity level of the X-ray beam to produce a low X-ray energy dose rate or a high X-ray energy dose rate depending upon a portion of the vehicle being screened, wherein the collimator varies the intensity level of the X-ray beam such that a portion of the vehicle carrying people receives the low X-ray energy dose rate and a portion of the vehicle carrying cargo receives the high X-ray energy dose rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An X-ray inspection system, having a scanning region defined therein and a variable energy dose rate for screening a vehicle, the system comprising:
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an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam; and a collimator having a moveable component, wherein said moveable component is adapted to switch between a first position and a second position, wherein, when said moveable component is in the first position, the X-ray source and collimator emit a high energy X-ray dose, wherein, when said moveable component is in the second position, the X-ray source and collimator emit a low energy X-ray dose, wherein the switching between the first position and second position depends upon a portion of the vehicle being screened, and wherein said switching is achieved in less than 0.5 seconds, wherein the collimator varies the intensity level of the X-ray beam such that a portion of the vehicle carrying people receives the low X-ray energy dose rate and a portion of the vehicle carrying cargo receives the high X-ray energy dose rate. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification