Patent Abstract:
A method and system for reconstructing and segmenting an image of the contents of a container. The method includes receiving actual scan data from a scan of the container, reconstructing the actual scan data to obtain a reconstructed image, and segmenting the reconstructed image to obtain a segmented image. The method also includes deriving simulated scan data corresponding to the segmented image, calculating an error term based on a difference between the simulated scan data and the actual scan data, and determining whether a criterion is satisfied. The method further includes using the error term to produce a modified reconstructed image and repeating the preceding steps with the modified reconstructed image substituted for the reconstructed image if the criterion is not satisfied, and outputting information from the segmented image if the criterion is satisfied.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to inspection of containers and, more particularly, to reconstructing and segmenting images of the contents of the containers to facilitate detecting objects concealed within the container. 
     2. Description of Prior/Related Art 
     At least some known detection systems construct an image of a container and analyze the image to detect explosives, drugs, weapons, and/or other contraband objects within the container. At least one known method for detecting objects within a container includes a first step of scanning the container with X-rays and reconstructing an image of the container, and a second step of inspecting the reconstructed image to detect objects of interest. 
     The first step involves reconstruction of an image, such as a computed tomography (CT) image, of the interior of the container. Each pixel in the reconstructed image generally represents a relative X-ray attenuation caused by the contents of the container corresponding to that pixel location. Known methods of image reconstruction include, for example, filtered backprojection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR). Known implementations of these methods attempt to optimize performance based on various image-quality metrics. Such known image reconstruction algorithms typically have been developed for use by the medical community and, therefore, implementations of these algorithms are optimized for human interpretation of the images for the purpose of diagnosing disease. 
     At least some known detection systems accept such final reconstructed images as an input and apply various inspection algorithms to identify objects of interest within the image. Such inspection algorithms typically begin with a procedure, often referred to as image “segmentation” and/or “labeling,” to group the elements of the image data into clusters of like values that may correspond to particular objects or sub-objects within the container. Such known image segmentation procedures typically assume that certain inhomogeneities in the image data received from the reconstruction algorithm are artifacts induced in the reconstructed image through inconsistencies, noise, or errors in the measured X-ray data. As a result, detection systems using known image reconstruction and inspection algorithms must apply complex heuristic corrections during the inspection step to compensate for errors passed through from the image reconstruction step. The separation of image reconstruction and image segmentation into two independent steps thus decreases an accuracy of, and increases a time and cost required for inspection by, known detection systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a method for reconstructing and segmenting an image of the contents of a container is provided. The method includes receiving actual scan data from a scan of the container, reconstructing the actual scan data to obtain a reconstructed image, and segmenting the reconstructed image to obtain a segmented image. The method also includes deriving simulated scan data corresponding to the segmented image, calculating an error term based on a difference between the simulated scan data and the actual scan data, and determining whether a criterion is satisfied. The method further includes using the error term to produce a modified reconstructed image and repeating the preceding steps with the modified reconstructed image substituted for the reconstructed image if the criterion is not satisfied, and outputting information from the segmented image if the criterion is satisfied. 
     In another aspect, an inspection system for detecting objects within a container is provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive actual scan data from a scan of the container, reconstruct the actual scan data to obtain a reconstructed image, and segment the reconstructed image to obtain a segmented image. The processor is also configured to derive simulated scan data corresponding to the segmented image, calculate an error term based on a difference between the simulated scan data and the actual scan data, and determine whether a criterion is satisfied. The processor is further configured to use the error term to produce a modified reconstructed image and to repeat the preceding steps with the modified reconstructed image substituted for the reconstructed image if the criterion is not satisfied, and output information from the segmented image if the criterion is satisfied. 
     In still another aspect, a computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program includes a code segment that configures a processor to receive actual scan data from a scan of the container, reconstruct the actual scan data to obtain a reconstructed image, and segment the reconstructed image to obtain a segmented image. The code segment also configures the processor to derive simulated scan data corresponding to the segmented image, calculate an error term based on a difference between the simulated scan data and the actual scan data, and determine whether a criterion is satisfied. The code segment further configures the processor to use the error term to produce a modified reconstructed image and to repeat the preceding steps with the modified reconstructed image substituted for the reconstructed image if the criterion is not satisfied, and output information from the segmented image if the criterion is satisfied. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-4  show exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods described herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary inspection system. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for reconstructing and segmenting images that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a segmentation operation that may be used with the method shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a segmentation operation that may be used with the method shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At least one embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to a system for inspecting luggage. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein that embodiments of the invention likewise are applicable to any suitable system for scanning cargo containers including, without limitation, crates, boxes, drums, containers, baggage, and suitcases, transported by water, land, and/or air, as well as other containers and/or objects. 
     Moreover, although embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to a system incorporating an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning system for inspecting luggage, it should apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable scanning radiation source including, without limitation, neutrons or gamma rays, may be used in alternative embodiments. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any scanning system may be used that produces a sufficient number of image elements to enable the functionality of the inspection system described herein. The term “image element” refers to an element, such as a pixel and/or voxel, within image data. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in association with three-dimensional images comprising voxels, or alternatively with two-dimensional images comprising pixels, or alternatively with images of any suitable dimension comprising any suitable combination and/or type of image element. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary inspection system  10  for scanning a container  12 , such as a cargo container, box, parcel, luggage, or suitcase, to identify the contents and/or determine the type of material contained within container  12 . The term “contents” as used herein refers to any object and/or material contained within container  12  and may include contraband. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, inspection system  10  includes at least one X-ray source  14  configured to transmit at least one primary beam  15  of radiation through container  12 . In an alternative embodiment, inspection system  10  includes a plurality of X-ray sources  14  configured to emit radiation of different energy distributions. Alternatively, each X-ray source  14  is configured to emit radiation of selective energy distributions, which can be emitted at different times. In a particular embodiment, inspection system  10  utilizes multiple-energy scanning to obtain an attenuation map for container  12 . In addition to the production of CT images, multiple-energy scanning enables the production of density maps and atomic number of the object contents. In one embodiment, the dual energy scanning of container  12  includes scanning container  12  at a low energy and then scanning container  12  at a high energy. The data is collected for the low-energy scan and the high-energy scan to reconstruct a density image and/or atomic number image of container  12 , as well as a CT image, to further facilitate identifying the type of material within container  12 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, inspection system  10  also includes at least one X-ray detector  16  configured to detect radiation emitted from X-ray source  14  and transmitted through container  12 . X-ray detector  16  is configured to cover an entire field of view or only a portion of the field of view. In certain embodiments, X-ray detector  16  includes a plurality of X-ray detector elements (not shown) arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional matrix configuration. Upon detection of the transmitted radiation, X-ray detector  16  generates signals representative of the detected transmitted radiation. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of inspection system  10 , a data collection system  18  is operatively coupled to and in signal communication with X-ray detector  16 . Data collection system  18  is configured to receive the signals generated and transmitted by X-ray detector  16 . A processor  20  is operatively coupled to data collection system  18 . Processor  20  is configured to generate one or more images of container  12  and its contents and to process the produced image(s) to facilitate an inspection of the contents of container  12 . As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited to only integrated circuits referred to in the art as a processor, but broadly refers to a computer, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, an application specific integrated circuit and any other programmable circuit. In certain embodiments, processor  20  refers to multiple individual processors, whether operating in concert or independently of each other. In certain embodiments, processor  20  reconstructs a CT image of container  12  in real time, near-real time, or delayed time. In the exemplary embodiment, such CT images are generated and examined to infer the presence and shape of objects, such as object  28  and object  30 , within container  12 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, inspection system  10  also includes a display device  22 , a memory device  24  and/or an input device  26  operatively coupled to data collection system  18  and/or processor  20 . Display device  22  may be, but is not limited to, a monitor, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or another suitable output device that enables system  10  to function as described herein. Memory device  24  may be, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic or optical drive (not shown), and/or another suitable storage device that enables inspection system  10  to function as described herein. Input device  26  may be, but is not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, and/or another suitable input device that enables inspection system  10  to function as described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, memory device  24  stores a model  40  of inspection system  10 . Processor  20  may apply model  40  to an image to produce simulated scan data corresponding to the image. More specifically, for any image, model  40  allows processor  20  to simulate the scan data that would have to be acquired by system  10  in order to cause inspection system  10  to reconstruct such an image. Model  40  may be, but is not limited to, a forward projection model of inspection system  10 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  100  for identifying objects within a container. In the exemplary embodiment, method  100  is implemented on inspection system  10 . However, method  100  is not limited to implementation on inspection system  10 , but rather method  100  may be embodied on any suitable system, such as a separate system that receives any suitable images for inspection. Moreover, method  100  may be embodied on a computer readable medium as a computer program, and/or implemented and/or embodied by any other suitable means. The computer program may include a code segment that, when executed by a processor, configures the processor to perform one or more of the functions of method  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment of method  100 , processor  20  receives  110  scan data  45 , for example CT data from a scan of container  12  by system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Processor  20  reconstructs  120  a reconstructed image  50  from the received scan data  45  using any suitable reconstruction method, such as, but not limited to, a filtered back-projection algorithm. Next, processor  20  segments  130  the reconstructed image  50  using any suitable method such as, but not limited to, seeded region-growing, unseeded region-growing, clustering, edge detection, and/or a histogram-based algorithm, to obtain a segmented image  55 . Such methods implicitly assume that container  12  contains a number of discrete objects such as objects  28  and  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that each are homogeneous and, therefore, that images of the interior of container  12  are amenable to segmentation. Segmentation step  130  may include a thresholding step to reduce, for example, background objects, clutter or artifacts in the reconstructed image  50 . 
     For example, in an exemplary embodiment of a method  200  for performing segmentation step  130  as shown in  FIG. 3 , processor  20  identifies  202  a plurality of significant image elements  75  in reconstructed image  50 . Significant image elements  75  are those image elements that are assumed to belong to significant objects within container  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, but not by way of limitation, significant image elements  75  may be identified as those having CT values that are above a threshold value. Processor  20  then groups  204  the plurality of significant image elements  75  into a plurality of connected regions  80 . For example, processor  20  applies a suitable clustering algorithm, such as a connected components analysis (CCA), that groups  204  together significant image elements having certain characteristics. Moreover, processor  20  labels  206  each significant image element  75  that is grouped into at least a first connected region  80  as a labeled image element  85  of the first connected region  80 . Further in the exemplary embodiment, processor  20  calculates  208  a representative value  90  of first connected region  80 . For example, processor  20  calculates  208  representative value  90  to be the average CT value of labeled image elements  85  of first connected region  80 . In alternative embodiments, representative value  90  is, for example but not by way of limitation, a mode CT value of labeled image elements  85  of first connected region  80 , or some other suitable statistic. Processor  20  then creates  210  segmented image  55  from reconstructed image  50  by replacing a value of each labeled image element  85 , for example the CT value, with the corresponding representative value  90 . 
     In certain circumstances, exemplary embodiment  200  of segmentation step  130  may operate in a strongly non-linear fashion. An alternative exemplary embodiment  300  of segmentation step  130 , shown in  FIG. 4 , illustrates alternative or additional steps that may be included in segmentation step  130  to reduce the non-linearity. Processor  20  initially segments  302  the reconstructed image  50  using any suitable method to obtain at least one image segment  92 . If the method used is a clustering algorithm, for example, the at least one image segment  92  is akin to at least first connected region  80  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Processor  20  then calculates  304  representative value  90 , for example an average CT number, for the at least one image segment  92 . For each image element of a plurality of image elements within the at least one segment  92 , processor  20  further replaces  306  an original value associated with the image element with a value between the original value and representative value  90  for the at least one segment  92 . Processor  20  combines  308  the plurality of image elements having replaced values with reconstructed image  50  to obtain segmented image  55 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , processor  20  further derives  140  simulated scan data  60  corresponding to the scan data that would have to be acquired by system  10  in order to obtain segmented image  55  as an output of reconstruction step  120 . For example, processor  20  may use a forward-projection algorithm incorporating model  40  to derive  140  simulated scan data  60  from segmented image  55 . 
     Further in the exemplary embodiment, processor  20  calculates  150  an error term  65  based on a difference between simulated scan data  60  and actual scan data  45 . Calculation  150  may be any suitable method that quantifies a variation between simulated scan data  60  and actual scan data  45 . In the exemplary embodiment, error term  65  is in the form of a sinogram, that is, it has the same dimensions, and may have the same units, as actual scan data  45 . For example, error term  65  may be a set of values representing a difference between each value in actual scan data  45  and the corresponding value in simulated scan data  60 , with some weighting applied. In certain embodiments, such weighting is chosen based on statistical estimates of the reliability of particular measurements within actual scan data  45 . For example, attenuation measurements by elements of X-ray detector  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that represent very low intensities may be considered less reliable than measurements that represent higher intensities. In such cases, the difference between actual scan data  45  and simulated scan data  60  for such low-intensity values may be weighted to have a smaller contribution to error term  65 . In an alternative embodiment, error term  65  is computed as a set of values based on a ratio of each value of simulated scan data  60  to the corresponding value in actual scan data  45 . Other functions may also be applied to error term  65  on a value-by-value basis. 
     Processor  20  then determines  160  whether a criterion is satisfied. For example, but not by way of limitation, the criterion may depend on a function based on the values of error term  65 , such as a maximum acceptable value for a summation of the squares of the values of error term  65 . Additionally or alternatively, the criterion may include a predetermined maximum number of iterations. 
     If processor  20  determines  160  that the criterion is satisfied, for example, if a function based on the values of error term  65  is below a maximum acceptable value or if a predetermined number of iterations has been reached, processor  20  outputs  170  information from segmented image  55 . For example, but not by way of limitation, processor  20  outputs  170  segmented image  55  itself by displaying it to an operator on display  22  and/or storing it in computer-readable memory  24 . 
     On the other hand, if processor  20  determines  160  that the criterion is not satisfied, processor  20  uses  180  error term  65 , for example by applying a suitable filtered back-projection algorithm, to produce a modified reconstructed image  70 . Segmentation  130 , derivation  140  of simulated scan data  60 , and calculation  150  of error term  65  are then repeated, with modified reconstructed image  70  substituted for reconstructed image  50 . In the exemplary embodiment, this iteration of steps continues until the criterion of step  160  is satisfied, at which point processor  20  outputs  170  information from resulting segmented image  55 . 
     The above-described systems and methods for inspection of containers facilitate increasing an accuracy of, and decreasing a time and cost required for, the detection of objects, including contraband, within containers. More specifically, the embodiments described herein combine image reconstruction and image segmentation into a single operation, and also incorporate into image reconstruction the expectation that the container contains a discrete number of homogeneous objects. A technical effect of the embodiments described herein is to reduce a number of artifacts in a reconstructed and/or segmented image. A further technical effect of the embodiments described herein is to reduce a need for inspection algorithms to apply complex heuristic corrections during the inspection step to compensate for errors passed through from the image reconstruction step. 
     Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for inspection of containers are described above in detail. The methods and systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other imaging systems and methods, and are not limited to practice with only the inspection systems as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other inspection and/or detection applications. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6