Handheld x-ray system for 3D scatter imaging
Handheld imaging systems and methods for using such systems to create a 3D image of a desired object using scattered radiation are described. The handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a fan beam or cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting backscattered radiation from the object, where each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements. Alternatively, the handheld imaging apparatus can contain a housing, a radiation source for irradiating an object with a pencil beam of radiation, and a detector configured to detect backscattered radiation from the object, wherein the detector and the radiation source are oriented off-axis relative to each other. The handheld imaging apparatus are used to irradiate a desired object to obtain multiple two dimensional images of the object and then creates a three dimensional image of the object using the multiple two dimensional images. Other embodiments are described.
1. A handheld apparatus for imaging an object, comprising:
a radiation source for irradiating an object with a cone beam; and
multiple detector elements for detecting scattered radiation from the object, wherein each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements so that multiple two-dimensional images of the entire object are taken substantially simultaneously.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the handheld apparatus comprises a collimator for separating each detector element into detector segments.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the collimator comprises a grid that restricts the backscattered radiation impinging on each detector segment.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the multiple images are collected substantially at the same time.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each detector element has an adjustable orientation angle with respect to the plane of object.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the orientation angle is about 0 degrees so that some of the multiple detector elements are disposed on a plane substantially parallel to the object plane.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a housing enclosing the radiation source and enclosing an internal power source.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the collimator comprises a reverse-focusing collimator.
9. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the collimator comprises a focusing collimator.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the collimator comprises a parallel plate collimator.
11. A method of imaging an object, comprising:
providing a handheld apparatus for imaging an object containing a radiation source for irradiating an object with a cone beam, and multiple detector elements for detecting scattered radiation from the object, wherein each detector element has a different view of the object and collects an image of the object that is different than the other detector elements so that multiple two-dimensional images of the entire object are taken substantially simultaneously;
irradiating the object with the handheld apparatus to obtain multiple two dimensional images of the object; and
creating a three dimensional image of the object using the multiple two dimensional images.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the handheld apparatus comprises a collimator for separating each detector element into detector segments.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the collimator comprises a parallel plate collimator, a reverse-focusing collimator, or a focusing collimator.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein each detector element has an adjustable orientation angle with respect to the plane of object.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the orientation angle is about 0 degrees so that some of the multiple detector elements are disposed on a plane substantially parallel to the object plane.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the handheld apparatus further includes a housing enclosing the radiation source and enclosing an internal power source.