Personnel screening system

• US 8,995,619 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2011
• Issued: 03/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Gray, Stephen, Hughes, Ronald, Ryge, Peter, Kotowski, Andreas F.
• Primary Examiner(s): THOMAS, COURTNEY D
• Application Number:
  US13/047,677
• Publication Number:
  US 20110274249A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,478 Days
• Field of Search: 378/57, 378/62, 378 86- 88, 378/160, 378193-197
• US Class Current: 378/87
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/20 Detecting prohibited goods, e.g. weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, contraband or smuggled objects
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/222 measuring scattered radiation

Abstract

The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.

Claims

1. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the erson moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display, wherein the X-ray source is coupled with a beam chopper, wherein said beam chopper operates to produce a scanning pencil beam of X-rays along the Z axis, and wherein said beam chopper comprises a chopper wheel having three slits and wherein each slit positioned 120 degrees apart from an adjacent slit.

2. The inspection system of claim 1 wherein said slits are aligned with at least two parallel collimator slits and wherein X-rays emitted from the X-ray source conically illuminate the collimator slits to generate at least two parallel scanning beams interleaved in time.

3. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display, wherein the X-ray source is coupled with a beam chopper, wherein said beam chopper operates to produce a scanning pencil beam of X-rays along the Z axis, and wherein the beam chopper comprises a hollow cylinder having at least one helical aperture.

4. The inspection system of claim 3 wherein the scanning pencil beam has a linear scan velocity and wherein said linear scan velocity is varied or kept constant by modifying a pitch and roll of at least one of said helical apertures.

5. The inspection system of claim 3 wherein the scanning pencil beam has a spot size and wherein said spot size is varied or kept constant by modifying an aperture width of at least one of said helical apertures.

6. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein;

the first detection system is contained within a first enclosure;

said first enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said first enclosure to an opposing end of said first enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width;

the second detection system is contained within a second enclosure;

the second enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said second enclosure to an opposing end of said second enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width;

the X-ray source is contained within a third enclosure;

the third enclosure is physically separate from, and independent of, the first and second enclosures;

the first enclosure is physically separate from, and independent of, said second enclosure; and

wherein each of the first, second, and third enclosures weigh less than 88 pounds.

7. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the erson moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein;

the first detection system is contained within a first enclosure;

said first enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said first enclosure to an opposing end of said first enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width;

the second detection system is contained within a second enclosure;

the second enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said second enclosure to an opposing end of said second enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width;

the X-ray source is contained within a third enclosure;

the third enclosure is physically separate from, and independent of, the first and second enclosures;

the first enclosure is physically separate from, and independent of, said second enclosure; and

wherein the third enclosure is detachably connected to the first enclosure and the second enclosure.

8. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the erson moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein;

the first detection system is contained within a first enclosure;

said first enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said first enclosure to an opposing end of said first enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width;

the second detection system is contained within a second enclosure;

the second enclosure has a first width extending from one end of said second enclosure to an opposing end of said second enclosure;

the planar surface extends along the entire first width; and

wherein the first enclosure comprises;

a first side defined by a planar surface having an exterior surface facing the person and an interior surface, wherein the first side is configured to receive the radiation scattered from the person;

a second side in an acute angular relationship with said first side, wherein said second side is defined by a planar surface having an interior surface adapted to receive radiation passing through the first side and wherein said second side is configured to only receive radiation after it passes through said first side;

a first substrate positioned on the interior surface of the first side, wherein the first substrate further comprises an active area for receiving and converting said radiation into light;

a second substrate positioned on the interior surface of the second side, wherein the second substrate further comprises an active area for receiving and converting said radiation into light; and

at least one photodetector having a light responsive area and a non-light responsive area, wherein the light responsive area is positioned to receive the light emitted from the first substrate and the second substrate.

9. The inspection system of claim 8 wherein said radiation comprises X-ray photons and wherein said first substrate detects 30-60% of the X-ray photons impinging on said first side.

10. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein the X-ray source generates a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane by pivoting from a first point to a second point and wherein said pivoting is centered around a predefined point of rotation.

11. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the erson moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein the X-ray source and a beam chopper are coupled to a surface configured to tilt vertically in relation to a guide member and in response to a motor.

12. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein the X-ray source is coupled to a vertical elevating mechanism wherein said elevating mechanism is coupled to a weight configured to counterbalance the X-ray source.

13. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein the X-ray source is coupled to a vertical elevating mechanism wherein said elevating mechanism is coupled to at least one lifting belt.

14. An inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person, wherein said person is moving along a plane defined by a Z axis and a Y axis, the inspection system comprising:

a first detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said first detection system comprises a first planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

a second detection system configured to detect radiation scattered from said person as the person moves along the Y axis of the plane, wherein said second detection system comprises a second planar surface positioned opposite to the plane, and configured to generate electronic signals responsive to the detected radiation;

an X-ray source positioned between said first detection system and said second detection system, wherein said X-ray source is configured to generate a beam spot pattern along the Z axis of the plane and wherein said X-ray source does not generate beams that move along the Y axis of the plane; and

a processing system for analyzing the electronic signals generated by the first detection system and the second detection system and for generating an image on a display wherein the X-ray source is coupled to a vertical elevating mechanism wherein said elevating mechanism is coupled to a gear reducer and motor and is not coupled to a counterbalancing weight.

15. A method for detecting threatening objects concealed on body of person by using an inspection system comprising at least one radiation source to produce a scanning pencil beam of X-rays, wherein said scanning pencil beam has a path, and a detector arrangement comprising at least a first detector enclosure having a first surface and a second detector enclosure having a second surface, the method comprising the steps of:

a. having the person move past the at least one radiation source in a plane perpendicular to the beam path of the scanning pencil beam and parallel to said first surface and second surface;

b. generating an X-ray beam within an radiation source enclosure, wherein the radiation source comprises an X-ray source coupled with a beam chopper and wherein the scanning pencil beam is collimated by at least one slit in the radiation source enclosure to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and not a horizontal beam spot pattern;

c. detecting radiation scattered by the person in at least one of the first detector enclosure or second detector enclosure; and

d. processing the detected radiation to generate a two dimensional image, wherein said image displays any concealed explosive material being carried by the person.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the beam chopper comprises a chopper assembly having a hollow cylinder with helical slits extending along a length of the cylinder, a carbon fiber cylinder covering the hollow cylinder, and a polyethylene epoxy cylinder covering the carbon fiber cylinder.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the chopper assembly is rotated by a magnetic bearing assembly comprising a magnetic rotor and a magnetic bearing stator and wherein the magnetic bearing assembly provides magnetic levitation for the chopper assembly at least during power-up and power-down states of the beam chopper.