Object scanning protocol

摘要

A two step method of scanning objects to gain information about material content comprises the steps of providing a radiation source and a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone therebetween. In a first scanning step, an object is moved relative to the source and detector system, intensity information about radiation incident at the detector system after interaction with the object as it passes through the scanning zone is collected, variation of intensity as the object moves through the scanning zone is used to identify anomalous structures and/or absence of homogeneity in the object. In a second, subsequent scanning step an object is located in fixed position in the scanning zone and collecting intensity information collected, analysed against a suitable functional relationship relating transmitted to incident intensity, and the results compared with a library of suitable data to provide an indication of material content.

主权项

1. A method of scanning objects expected to have relatively homogenous structure or contents to gain information about material content comprises the steps of:
a) providing a radiation source and a radiation detector system spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone therebetween; b) in a first scanning step:
i) causing an object to move relative to the source and detector system and collecting intensity information about radiation incident at the detector system after interaction with the object as it passes through the scanning zone;ii) monitoring of variation of incident intensity as the object moves through the scanning zone; andiii) using such variation of intensity to identify anomalous structures and/ or absence of homogeneity in the object and/or the contents thereof;iv) classifying an object returning such a result as suspicious; and c) in a second, subsequent scanning step:
i) locating the object in a fixed position in the scanning zone and collecting intensity information about radiation incident at the detector system after interaction with the object as it is retained in the fixed position in the scanning zone;ii) resolving detected intensity information at a plurality of differentiated energy bands across at least part of the spectrum of the source;iii) analysing the incident intensity information against a suitable functional relationship relating transmitted to incident intensity;iv) comparing the results of that analysis with a library of suitable data to provide an indication of material content, which library comprises a database of undesirable, threat or contraband materials that it is intended to screen for;v) returning a match to any item in the database as a result indicating presence of the material; andvi) classifying an object returning such a result as suspicious.