X-Ray Inspection Based on Concealed Transmission Detection

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, as is radiation transmitted through the inspected object. The source of penetrating radiation is concealed within an enclosure of a road-worthy vehicle, while a transmission detector is concealed within a separate enclosure.

1 . A method for inspecting an object of inspection with penetrating radiation, the method comprising:
 generating a beam of penetrating radiation by means of a concealed source of radiation, wherein the source is concealed by an enclosure of a road-worthy vehicle;   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 transmission signal.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmission detector includes one or more linear sections. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmission detector includes an L-shaped detector with a vertical section and a horizontal section. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmission detector is incorporated into a speed bump structure. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 detecting penetrating radiation scattered by the object into a forward scatter detector and generating a forward scatter signal; and   ascertaining a specified characteristic of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal.   
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein the direct transmission signal and the forward scatter signal are combined to create an enhanced scatter image. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein the direct transmission signal and the forward scatter signal are combined to create an enhanced transmission image. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6  or  7 , further comprising displaying the image to the operator. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein the forward scatter detector is incorporated into a speed bump structure. 
     
     
         10 . A system adapted to use the method according to any of  claims 1 - 9 .