X-Ray Inspection Based on Scatter Detection
First Claim
1. A method for inspecting a target object comprising:
- a. generating a beam of penetrating radiation with a source of penetrating radiation;
b. collimating the beam of penetrating radiation with a collimator to form a collimated beam;
c. illuminating the target object with the collimated beam;
d. detecting radiation backscattered from the collimated beam by the target object;
e. deriving expected reference values based on reference to portions of the target object;
f. comparing characteristic values of the backscattered radiation to the expected reference values; and
g. determining a descriptive category based on the comparing of which descriptive category characterizes the target object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for inspecting an object with a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction. Characteristic values of the scattered radiation are compared to expected reference values to characterize the object. Additionally, penetrating radiation transmitted through the inspected object may be combined with scatter information. In certain embodiments, the inspected field of view is less than 0.1 steradians, and the detector is separate from the source of penetrating radiation and is disposed, with respect to the object, such as to subtend greater than 0.5 steradians in the field of view of the object.
94 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for inspecting a target object comprising:
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a. generating a beam of penetrating radiation with a source of penetrating radiation; b. collimating the beam of penetrating radiation with a collimator to form a collimated beam; c. illuminating the target object with the collimated beam; d. detecting radiation backscattered from the collimated beam by the target object; e. deriving expected reference values based on reference to portions of the target object; f. comparing characteristic values of the backscattered radiation to the expected reference values; and g. determining a descriptive category based on the comparing of which descriptive category characterizes the target object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for inspecting an object of inspection with penetrating radiation, the method comprising:
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generating a beam of penetrating radiation by means of a concealed source of radiation; scanning the penetrating radiation across the object; detecting penetrating radiation transmitted through the object into a concealed transmission detector and generating a transmission signal; and ascertaining a specified characteristic of the contents of the object based in part on the direct transmission signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification