X-ray backscatter detection imaging modules
View Patent ↗An inspection system based upon an imaging enclosure characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, are both concealed entirely within the body of an enclosure such as a shipping container for convenient operational deployment. Multiple modules, such as for providing power and for enclosing an operator console may be coupled to the imaging enclosure. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.
1. A method for employing penetrating radiation to inspect an object, the method comprising:
a. generating a beam of penetrating radiation originating entirely within the body of a static enclosure;
b. scanning the penetrating radiation across the object;
c. detecting penetrating radiation scattered by the object into the body of the enclosure by means of a detector module concealed within the enclosure and generating a scatter signal;
d. ascertaining a specified characteristic of the object based in part on the scatter signal; and
e. generating a signal based on detection of any penetrating radiation naturally emitted by the object.
2. An inspection system for simultaneous active and passive inspection of an object by means of penetrating radiation, the system comprising:
a. a static imaging enclosure characterized by an enclosing body;
b. a source of penetrating radiation contained entirely within the body of the imaging enclosure for generating a beam of penetrating radiation; and
c. a detector module, contained entirely within the body of the imaging enclosure, for generating a signal based both upon penetrating radiation scattered by contents of the object and any penetrating radiation naturally emitted by the contents.
3. An inspection system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the static imaging enclosure is a shipping container.
4. An inspection system in accordance with claim 2 , further comprising an operator console for operation by an operator remotely disposed within a separate module coupled to the static imaging enclosure.