U.S. patent application number 14/463748 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for multi-beam stereoscopic x-ray body scanner.
The applicant listed for this patent is ADANI Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to VLADIMIR N. LINEV.
Application Number | 20160051211 14/463748 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55347232 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160051211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LINEV; VLADIMIR N. |
February 25, 2016 |
MULTI-BEAM STEREOSCOPIC X-RAY BODY SCANNER
Abstract
An X-ray examination station includes a first source of X-ray
radiation for whole body scanning of a human body using a first fan
beam of X-ray radiation; a first vertical linear radiation detector
configured to detect the first fan beam; a second source of X-ray
radiation installed at mid-height of a person being examined, for
scanning a central portion of the human body using a second fan
beam of X-ray radiation; a second vertical detector of X-ray
radiation configured to detect the second fan beam; and a control
unit configured to turn on each of the X-ray radiation sources. The
first and the second radiation fan beams are emitted in parallel
planes. The first X-ray radiation source is turned on for the whole
body scanning. The second X-ray radiation source is turned on for
scanning the central portion of the body.
Inventors: |
LINEV; VLADIMIR N.; (Minsk,
BY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADANI Systems, Inc. |
Alexandria |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55347232 |
Appl. No.: |
14/463748 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 23/00 20130101;
A61B 6/4014 20130101; G01V 5/0016 20130101; G01N 23/02 20130101;
A61B 6/06 20130101; A61B 6/4241 20130101; G01N 2223/03 20130101;
A61B 6/02 20130101; A61B 6/022 20130101; A61B 6/4078 20130101; G01V
5/0058 20130101; A61B 6/04 20130101; A61B 6/12 20130101; A61B
6/4405 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 6/00 20060101
A61B006/00; G01V 5/00 20060101 G01V005/00; A61B 6/02 20060101
A61B006/02 |
Claims
1. An X-ray examination station comprising: a first source of X-ray
radiation for whole body scanning of a human body; a first
collimator near the first source of X-ray radiation for forming a
first fan beam of X-ray radiation; a first vertical linear
radiation detector configured to detect the first fan beam; a
second source of X-ray radiation installed at mid-height of a
person being examined, for scanning a central portion of the human
body; a second collimator near the second source of X-ray radiation
for forming a second fan beam of X-ray radiation; a second vertical
detector of X-ray radiation configured to detect the second fan
beam; a control unit configured to turn on each of the X-ray
radiation sources, wherein the first and the second radiation fan
beams are emitted in parallel planes; wherein the first X-ray
radiation source is turned on for the whole body scanning; and
wherein the second X-ray radiation source is turned on for scanning
the central portion.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first X-ray radiation source
and the second X-ray radiation source are turned on simultaneously
to form pseudo-stereoscopic images.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first X-ray radiation source
and the second X-ray radiation source are turned on sequentially to
form pseudo-stereoscopic images.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first linear detector is
positioned along an entire vertical height of the X-ray scanner to
detect the first fan beam.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal linear
detector located in an upper portion of a housing the X-ray
scanner, such that the first vertical linear detector and the
horizontal linear detector together form an "L".
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second linear detector is
approximately 36 inches long.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second X-ray source is
adapted to move vertically.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second X-ray source is
adapted to rotate about its axis.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the X-ray sources has a
corresponding slit collimator.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the linear detectors are
multi-energy detectors.
11. A mobile X-ray system comprising: a motor vehicle; an X-ray
scanner including a digital imaging module located inside a cargo
area of the motor vehicle; a module for processing and
visualization of digital signals connected to the digital imaging
module; the X-ray scanner further including: a first X-ray source
producing radiation of an unlimited range; a second X-ray source
producing radiation of a limited range; and first and second
vertical linear detectors of the X-ray radiation that passes
through a body of a person being examined, the detectors being
connected to the module for processing and visualization of digital
signals; wherein the first X-ray radiation source is turned on for
whole-body scanning; and wherein the second X-ray radiation source
is turned on for scanning a mid-portion of the person being
examined.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and the second X-ray
sources are turned on simultaneously in order to form
pseudo-stereoscopic images.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first X-ray source produces
radiation of an unlimited range.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the second X-ray source
produces radiation of a limited range.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the linear detectors are
multi-energy detectors.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the first X-ray radiation
source and the second X-ray radiation source are turned on
simultaneously to form pseudo-stereoscopic images.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein first linear detector is
positioned along an entire vertical height of the X-ray scanner to
detect the first fan beam.
18. The system of claim 11, further comprising a horizontal linear
detector located in an upper portion of a housing the X-ray
scanner, such that the first vertical linear detector and the
horizontal linear detector together form an "L".
19. The system of claim 11, wherein the second X-ray source is
adapted to rotate about its axis.
20. The system of claim 11, further comprising a platform for
laterally moving the human body being scanned during the scan.
21. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and the second
radiation fan beams are emitted in parallel planes.
22. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and the second
radiation fan beams are emitted in non-parallel planes that are at
angle to each other of up to 20 degrees.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to the field of engineering physics,
and, in particular, to
[0003] X-ray scanning for harmful objects or substances located on
a human body or hidden in body cavities in order to prevent theft
or terrorist acts in buildings, airports, malls, train station,
subways and other public places.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Human body X-ray scanning for identifying some highly
undesirable objects or substances has become critically important
in view of terrorist threats. Security applications may include
prevention of smuggling of drugs, precious stones and metals, as
well as provision of the security at airports, banks, embassies,
nuclear power centers and other high-risk locations. X-ray luggage
examination in airports is currently the most efficient way to
provide the security of the flights. X-ray examination is also used
in prisons for visitor's access control.
[0006] X-ray luggage examination systems are designed as a conveyer
passing through a rectangular frame with an X-ray source installed
in the upper part of the frame and a detector of X-radiation
installed in the lower part of the frame under the conveyor.
However, the described system is not designed for scanning of the
passengers due to high level of radiation emitted by an X-ray
source, which is used to increase the resolution of the images.
[0007] Scanning of passengers for presence of metallic objects
hidden under clothing is provided with the help of electromagnetic
frames and metal detectors. An X-ray method has not been used until
recently for the examination due to its harmful effects on people,
especially in cases of frequent use. A number of efforts have been
attempted lately to use a low-dose X-ray scanning, which could be
applied to examination of people without any threat to their
health. One of these systems is X-ray scanning apparatus named Body
Search produces by American Science and Engineering, Inc.
[0008] A person is scanned with a beam of X-radiation of
sufficiently low intensity, while the radiation transmitted through
the person's body is converted into an image, which is used to
determine the presence of concealed objects. The Body Search system
includes housing with an X-ray source of low-intensity, means for
shaping an X-ray beam and a detector of X-radiation transmitted
through the clothing and reflected by the body. The reflected
X-radiation is detected by the detector to generate an image of the
objects located on the surface of the body, in the clothing or on
the clothing of the portion of the body turned towards the housing
with X-ray source.
[0009] For full examination it is necessary to make scanning in two
positions--i.e., the face towards the housing and the back towards
the housing. With this method the internal cavities of the body
that are very often used for concealment of drugs and precious
stones are not subjected to the examination. Besides, the strongest
radiation effects the most sensitive human organs located in the
medium portion of the body, while the person's feet and especially
shoes that may be used for concealing the contraband are out of the
view of the examiner.
[0010] Conventional stationary examinations stations employ a
single source of low-intensity X-ray radiation. An integrated
collimator and a detector of X-ray radiation passed through the
body of the person being examined are used. The system also
includes a data processing module and a platform for supporting the
person being examined. The disadvantage of this system is its
stationary nature--it is hard to relocate and calibrate this
scanner. Also, such scanners show poor performance for many objects
hidden inside body cavities, depending on the angle of orientation
of the object and the X-ray beam.
[0011] The mobility issue is addressed by an X-ray scanner located
in the back of a truck (see EP2458408). An operator workplace and
an X-ray scanner system are located in the back of the truck. The
system includes a source of X-ray radiation with at least one slit
collimator located approximately at a person's navel level. The
system also includes a linear detector of X-ray radiation that has
passed through the body of the person being examined. The X-ray
compartment has two vertical columns with a platform that moves
laterally between the columns.
[0012] However, the most sensitive body organs located in the
middle portion of the body are exposed to the radiation, while legs
and, especially, shoes (often used for smuggling objects) are not
fully examined by the scanner. Furthermore, the system cannot scan
the person's body in a single cycle. Several scans are needed,
which reduces the efficiency of the system, because the person has
to step onto the platform and remain still during the scan.
[0013] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a safe mobile
X-ray scanner system that provides for a complete X-ray scan of
person with a high accuracy and improved efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is related to a
high-efficiency multi-beam stereoscopic X-ray scanner that
substantially obviates one or more of the disadvantages of the
related art.
[0015] In one aspect of the invention, a module for processing and
visualization of digital signals and an X-ray module are located in
a back of a van. The digital X-ray module includes two sources of
low-intensity X-ray radiation with at least one slit collimator and
a linear detector of X-ray radiation passing through the body of
the person being examined. The X-ray module has two vertical
columns and a mobile platform located between these columns for
supporting and moving the person being examined. (As an
alternative, a conveyor-belt type transporter can be used.)
[0016] The columns are located along the vertical axis of the body
of the van, while the platform moves in a horizontal plane across
the body of the van between the columns. The detector of the X-ray
radiation is located along the entire length of one of the columns.
The slit collimator is integrated in the second column. The
collimator is rigidly connected to the source of radiation located
on a special platform located near the outer surface of the second
column.
[0017] The source of the radiation is located on a special platform
and can move along a vertical axis. The second column has rails for
vertical movement of the slit collimator. The platform with the
source of the radiation at its most low position creates a
horizontal plane passing through the bottom of the person's body
dissects a pre-set number of degrees from the radiation rays. The
radiation source platform can be moved in a vertical plane by a
hydraulic lift.
[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written
description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED FIGURES
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0021] In the drawings:
[0022] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the exemplary X-ray scanning
system;
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the X-ray system, in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the X-ray system;
[0025] FIGS. 4-5 illustrate a system assembly shown from different
angles;
[0026] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary images produced by the X-ray
system.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary mobile X-ray device, in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the mobile X-ray
system;
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a back view of the X-ray system located
inside a van;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0031] In one aspect of the invention, a module for processing and
visualization of digital signals and one or more X-ray modules are
either stationary or located in a back of a van or a truck. The
digital X-ray module includes two sources of X-ray radiation. Each
of the X-ray sources has one slit collimator to produce a fan beam,
and one a linear detector of X-ray radiation passing through the
body of the person being examined. The fan beams may be located in
parallel planes, or the planes in which the fan beams are located
may be angled relative to each other (e.g., by several degrees, up
to 10-20 degrees). The X-ray module has at least two vertical
columns and a mobile platform located between these columns for
placing the person being examined.
[0032] The columns are located along the vertical axis of the body
of the van, while the platform moves in a horizontal plane across
the floor or the body of the van. A first detector of the X-ray
radiation is located along the entire length of the first column,
and optionally in a horizontal section of the overhead frame. One
of the slit collimators is integrated in the second column. The
collimator is rigidly connected to the source of radiation located
on a special platform located near the outer surface of the second
column.
[0033] One of the X-ray sources can move along a vertical axis
using a hydraulic mechanism, or can rotate, so as to aim the
fan-shaped X-ray beam at different portions of the body. Note that
the beam needs to remain on the detector as the X-ray source moves
or rotates. The second X-ray source's fan beam lowermost edge is
aimed 2-5 degrees downward from the horizontal in order to scan a
person's shoes.
[0034] In the mobile embodiment, horizontal rails are implemented
on the floor of the van for allowing the person carrying platform
to move across between the vertical columns. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the platform can move from one side door of
the van to the opposite side door. The X-ray module is separated
from the driver area by at least one X-ray protective screen.
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the exemplary X-ray scanner 101 in
more detail. Two vertical columns 102 and 105 are either standalone
or attached to the floor of the van 1200 (see FIG. 12) along the
longitudinal axis of the body of the van. A platform 114 moves in a
horizontal plane across the floor or the body of the van. A linear
detector of the X-ray radiation 122 is located along the entire
length of one of the column 105 and covered by the housing 110.
Another L-shaped linear detector 120 is located at the top upper
corner adjacent to the column 105 and extending along the entire
height of the scanner. A slit collimator is integrated in the
second column 105 and covered by the housing 116. The collimator is
rigidly connected to the sources of radiation 106 and 108.
[0036] The source of the radiation 106 is located on a special
platform that can move along a vertical axis in order to scan the
upper body of a person. The second column 105 has rails for
vertical movement of the slit collimator 122. The second source of
radiation 118 is located on a platform at floor level and can scan
the lower body of a person.
[0037] The platform with the source of the radiation 118 creates a
horizontal plane passing through the bottom of the person's body
dissects 2-5 degrees from the radiation rays. The radiation source
106 platform can be moved in a vertical plane by a hydraulic lift
in order to accommodate people of different sizes. Alternatively,
angular positioning of the radiation source 106 can be changed.
[0038] A movable platform 112 for supporting a person being
examined moves across the floor or across the body of the van 1200
along rails 114. The platform 112 has an integrated motor. The
columns 105 and 102 are connected by a top bar 107 equipped with a
signaling light 104, which indicates that the X-ray radiation is
on. Both of the X-ray sources 106 and 118 can turn on
simultaneously so the person's body is scanned in a single cycle
from the head to the bottoms of the shoes and pseudo-stereoscopic
images are generated. Alternatively, the broader (whole body) scan
from X-ray source 108 can be performed first, and then a scan of
the person's midsection using X-ray source 106 can be performed if
necessary.
[0039] A person subject to examination enters the van from a side
door and step onto the platform 114 powered by an electric motor.
The platform 112 moves between the columns 102 and 105 on rails
114. Thus, the person' body crosses the X-rays coming from the
X-ray sources 106 and 118. The X-rays passing through the body of
the person at any moment are received by linear detectors 120 and
122 that convert received X-ray signal into digital signals. Not
that the detector 120 consists of two linear detectors. In one
embodiment, multi-energy detectors can be used for better
recognition of the hidden objects. For example, a detector can
process signals of 160 KV, 120 KV, 80 KV and 60 KV. This allows to
recognize objects of organic nature (e.g., narcotics) hidden in the
human body. The organic substance (such as narcotics) has an atomic
mass similar to the human body, and signals of different energy
produce better X-ray images, allowing for precise recognition of
the organic objects inside a human body or hidden under
clothing.
[0040] The digital signals are passed on to operator work station
1210 (see FIG. 12). Then, the person steps off the platform 114 and
exits the van through another side door. The X-ray sources 106 and
118 have focal points F1 and F2 respectively. The two focal areas,
advantageously, provide for scanning of the entire body of the
person in a latitudinal plane so any objects located inside the
body are detected and not screened by the bones as may happened in
case of scan with only one X-ray source. Note that the X-ray source
106 can be moved inside the housing 116 in order to get a more
detailed view of a suspected area (e.g., chest or abdominal area).
The exemplary embodiment produces a very low dose of radiation in
any mode of operation. This allows for safe scanning of passengers,
customers or spectators. The X-ray sources are placed into
protective housing 108 and 116 respectively.
[0041] Note that the X-ray source 108 is less powerful (in
unlimited range of radiation up to 0.25 microSieverts) than the
source 106. In one embodiment, only the unlimited X-ray source 108
is used for most of the people being examined and the second more
powerful (limited range of radiation--normally up to 2
microSieverts, with up to 10 microSieverts as permitted under ANSI
standards) X-ray source 106 is used in case of suspicion that the
person is hiding something inside his body. The X-ray sources may
be operated simultaneously, or in sequence (e.g., source 106 first,
then source 108, or vice versa), as selected by the operator.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the X-ray scanning system
101, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Units 211 and 210
represent ventilation covers mounted into the housing 116. An
optional motor or a hydraulic mechanism for moving or rotating the
radiation source 106 is located in housing 215. The radiation
source can be repositioned or rotated to accommodate people of
different sizes or heights.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view. Element 310 is a power
outlet used for powering the X-ray scanning system 101. FIGS. 4-5
illustrate a system assembly shown from different angles.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an image produced by the high-intensity
X-ray source depicting a razor blade hidden inside the body. FIG. 7
illustrates an image produced by the low-intensity X-rays source.
This image indicates presence of a foreign object inside the body,
but does not show the actual razor blade. FIG. 8 illustrates zoomed
images showing the razor blade hidden inside person's colon. FIGS.
9 and 10 illustrate images of drugs hidden inside person's stomach.
FIG. 11 illustrates zoomed-in images showing the hidden drugs (see
circled areas).
[0045] An exemplary mobile X-ray scanning system is depicted in
FIG. 12. The X-ray scanning system 101 is positioned inside the
body of a van 1200. A module for processing and visualization of
digital signals (not shown), operator work place 1210 and the X-ray
scanning system 101 are located in a back of the van 1200 as shown
in FIG. 13 depicting a top view of the van 1200.
[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates a back view of the X-ray system 101,
which may be stationary or located inside the van 1200 (see FIG.
12).
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the mobile X-ray system
101.
[0048] Having thus described a preferred embodiment, it should be
apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the
described method and apparatus have been achieved.
[0049] It should also be appreciated that various modifications,
adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within
the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is
further defined by the following claims.
* * * * *