Patent Description:
In the prior art, a transmission type container inspection system can well inspect suspicious objects in a container, but the false detection rate is higher, and thus the customs have done a lot of unnecessary out of box audit. A CT container inspection system can provide three-dimensional images, and can identify substances, so that the false detection rate can be greatly reduced.

The invention patent application with the publication number of <CIT> discloses a container inspection system having a CT tomography function, which can be used as a transmission imaging system with a single view angle. When a suspicious object is found, CT scanning is performed in the vicinity of the suspicious object. <FIG> shows a structural schematic diagram of the container inspection system.

As shown in <FIG>, a scanning device of the container inspection system includes a radiation source <NUM>, a corrector <NUM>, a front collimator <NUM>, a ring-shaped rotating frame <NUM>, a detector array <NUM>, a rear collimator <NUM>, a transmission device <NUM>, a driving device <NUM>, a braking device <NUM>, a brake and a hydraulic cylinder. The mark <NUM> in <FIG> represents container inspection vehicle.

The ring-shaped rotating frame <NUM> of the container inspection system is a large rotatable circular ring, the radiation source <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> are fixed on the ring-shaped rotating frame <NUM>, and the ring-shaped rotating frame <NUM> is rotated unidirectionally for scanning. In a process of implementing the present invention, the designer of the present invention finds out that the prior art has the following disadvantages:.

The invention patent application with the publication number of <CIT> discloses a radiation scanning of objects for contraband. In one example, a scanning system for examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising a frame encompassing, at least in part, a first interior region, a robotic arm movably supported by the frame, and a radiation source to generate a radiation beam to examine an object, the radiation source being pivotally coupled to the robotic arm. A detector is positioned and configured to encompass, at least in part, a second interior region within the first interior region, to detect radiation after interaction with the object. A conveying system moves the object, at least in part, through the second interior region. The frame and the robotic arm are configured to move the radiation source at least partially around the object to be examined and the robotic arm is configured to pivot the radiation source to aim the source toward the object.

The invention patent application with the publication number of <CIT> discloses a multi-view cargo scanner. The invention provides a multi-view X-ray inspection system. In one embodiment, a beam steering mechanism directs the electron beam from an X-ray source to multiple production targets which generate X-rays for scanning which are subsequently detected by a plurality of detectors to produce multiple image slices (views). The system is adapted for use in CT systems. In one embodiment of a CT system, the X-ray source and detectors rotate around the object covering an angle sufficient for reconstructing a CT image and then reverse to rotate around the object in the opposite direction. The inspection system, in any configuration, can be deployed inside a vehicle for use as a mobile detection system.

The invention patent application with the publication number of <CIT> discloses a radiation scanning of objects for contraband. In one example, a scanning unit for examining contents of a cargo container is disclosed comprising a first path through the scanning unit for transport of a cargo container and one or more sources of respective beams of radiation. At least one of the one or more sources are movable across a second path transverse to the first path. The second path extends partially around the first path. The scanning unit further comprises a detector extending partially around the first path. The detector is positioned to detect radiation interacting with the cargo container during scanning, such as radiation transmitted through the container. The at least one source and the detector are positioned so that the cargo container is transportable along the first path, between the source and the detector. A transport system may be provided to convey the object through the scanning unit, along the first path.

<CIT> disclosures a scanning system for three-dimensional imaging including a bench, a gantry frame, a light source, a sensor and a control unit. The bench is to support a subject to be scanned. The gantry frame is movably mounted at a lateral side of the bench. The light source is movably mounted on the gantry frame so as to emit a light for a radiographic purpose. The sensor is movably mounted at a side of the bench, by opposing to the subject with respect to the bench, so as to receive the light emitted from the light source. The control unit is electrically coupled with the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor so as thereby to perform motion controls upon the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a container CT inspection system for solving the technical problem that it is difficult to process and install a ring-shaped rotating frame bearing heavy load for supporting a radiation source device.

The present invention provides a container CT inspection system according to claim <NUM>, including a scanning device, wherein the scanning device includes a radiation source device and a detector array, the scanning device further includes a first rail and a second rail, which are respectively arranged on outer layer and inner layer, the radiation source device is arranged on the first rail, and the detector array is arranged on the second rail; wherein the first rail is fixedly arranged, the radiation source device is configured to swing to and fro along the first rail; the second rail is fixedly arranged, and the detector array is configured to swing to and fro along the second rail together with the radiation source device; and wherein the radiation source device and the detector array are configured to move synchronously and are free of rigid connection with each other.

In some embodiments, the container CT inspection system includes a first driving device configured to drive the radiation source device to move and a second driving device configured to drive the detector array to move.

In some embodiments, the first driving device is arranged on the first rail or the radiation source device, and/or the second driving device is arranged on the second rail or the detector array.

In some embodiments, the container CT inspection system includes a controller and a detection device, the detection device is configured to detect motion information of the radiation source device or the detector array, the detection device, the first driving device and the second driving device are connected with the controller, wherein the controller controls the first driving device to drive the radiation source device to move according to the detection information or the controller controls the second driving device to drive the detector array to move according to the detection information.

In some embodiments, the detection device includes a first sensor configured to detect the position of the radiation source device and a second sensor configured to detect the position of the detector array, the controller controls the first driving device to drive the radiation source device to move according to the detection information sent by the first sensor, and controls the second driving device to drive the detector array to move according to the detection information sent by the second sensor.

In some embodiments, the first sensor is arranged on the first rail, and the second sensor is arranged on the second rail.

In some embodiments, the first rail is an arc-shaped rail with an opening on the bottom or an annular rail.

In some embodiments, the radiation source device includes a plurality of radiation sources arranged along the first rail at intervals, and the plurality of radiation sources carry out synchronous motion.

In some embodiments, emission time of each of the plurality of radiation sources is different from emission time of the rest.

In some embodiments, the plurality of radiation sources include a first radiation source and a second radiation source, the radiation source device further includes a connecting device, and the first radiation source and the second radiation source are fixedly connected by the connecting device.

In some embodiments, the angle between the first radiation source and the second radiation source relative to the center of the first rail is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

In some embodiments, the container CT inspection system further includes a buffer device, and the buffer device includes a first elastic device and a second elastic device, which are respectively arranged on two bottommost ends of a motion path of the radiation source device.

In some embodiments, the radiation source device is configured to emit rays with different energy.

In some embodiments, the radiation source device includes a plurality of radiation sources arranged along the first rail at intervals, and at least one radiation source in the plurality of radiation sources is configured to emit rays with different energy.

In some embodiments, the container CT inspection system further includes auxiliary equipment connected with the radiation source device, the auxiliary equipment includes a high voltage power supply and/or a water chilling unit, and the auxiliary equipment is arranged at the outside of the scanning device.

In some embodiments, the container CT inspection system further includes a traction device configured to convey an inspected container, and the traction device passes through the interiors of the first rail and the second rail and has intervals with the motion paths of the radiation source device and the detector array.

In some embodiments, a rail side of the first rail and the rail side of the second rail are located on two concentric circles.

Based on the container CT inspection system provided by the present invention, the first rail and the second rail, which are respectively arranged on outer layer and inner layer, are provided, the radiation source device is arranged on the first rail, and the detector array is arranged on the second rail, so that the radiation source device and the detector array are respectively supported by different rails, which improves the situation that ring-shaped rotating frame in the prior art needs to bear a very large load, and for each rail in the first rail and the second rail, the strength requirements are greatly reduced relative to ring-shaped rotating frame, therefore the processing difficulty and the installation difficulty are effectively reduced compared with the container CT inspection system in the prior art.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings described herein are used for providing a further understanding of the present invention and form a part of the present application, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and illustration thereof are used for explaining the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:.

A clear and complete description of technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be given below, in combination with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the embodiments described below are merely a part, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is in fact merely illustrative and is in no way intended as a limitation to the present invention and its application or use.

Unless stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps set forth in these embodiments, numerical expressions and numerical values do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale in actuality for the convenience of description. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but the techniques, the methods and the equipment, as appropriate, should be considered as a part of the authorized specification. In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference signs and letters designate similar items in the following accompanying drawings, and thus, once a certain item is defined in one of the accompanying drawings, it is not further discussed in the subsequent accompanying drawings necessarily.

For the convenience of description, spatially relative terms, such as "on", "above", "on an upper surface", "over" and the like may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature with other devices or features in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation other than the described orientations of the devices in the figures. For example, if the devices in the figures are inverted, it is described as that devices "above other devices or structures" or "over the other devices or structures" are located to be "below the other devices or structures" or "under the other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include two orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be located in other different ways (be rotated for <NUM> degrees or located in other orientations), and the relative description of the space used here is explained accordingly.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram of a container CT inspection system in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the container CT inspection system <NUM> in the embodiment includes a scanning device <NUM>, a buffer device <NUM>, auxiliary equipment <NUM>, a traction device <NUM> and a control room <NUM>.

The scanning device <NUM> includes a radiation source device <NUM> and a detector array <NUM>, as well as a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM>, which are respectively arranged on outer layer and inner layer, the radiation source device <NUM> is arranged on the first rail <NUM>, and the detector array <NUM> is arranged on the second rail <NUM>.

The first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>, which are respectively arranged on outer layer and inner layer, are provided, the radiation source device <NUM> is arranged on the first rail <NUM>, and the detector array <NUM> is arranged on the second rail <NUM>, so that the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> are respectively supported by different rails, the load, which is originally born by a ring-shaped rotating frame independently, is allocated to the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> to be respectively born, thereby improving the situation that the ring-shaped rotating frame needs to bear a very large load, and for each rail in the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>, the strength requirements are greatly reduced relative to the ring-shaped rotating frame, therefore the processing difficulty and the installation difficulty are effectively reduced compared with the container CT inspection system in the prior art.

The detector array <NUM> and the radiation source device <NUM> move synchronously. The detector array <NUM> and the radiation source device <NUM> move synchronously, for example, the detector array <NUM> is controlled to move with the radiation source device <NUM>, a ray beam generated by the radiation source device <NUM> can consistently cover the same position on the detector array <NUM>, which is conducive to guaranteeing the detector array <NUM> to receive the ray beams generated by the radiation source device <NUM> and guaranteeing the successful implementation of a scanning function of the scanning device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, according to the claimed invention, the first rail <NUM> is an outer rail located on an outer side of the second rail <NUM>, and the second rail <NUM> is an inner rail. The detector array <NUM> is flatter than the radiation source device <NUM>, this setting is beneficial for the layout of the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM>, and is conducive to reducing the sizes and weights of the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> and reducing the space occupied by the scanning device <NUM>.

Preferably, a rail side of the first rail <NUM> and the rail side of the second rail <NUM> are located on two concentric circles. The rail side of the first rail <NUM> is a radial outer side of the first rail <NUM>, and the rail side of the second rail <NUM> is a radial inner side of the second rail <NUM>. The setting is easy to guarantee the synchronization of the detector array <NUM> and the radiation source device <NUM>.

Preferably, the detector array <NUM> is circular arc-shaped on the whole. An outer arc diameter of the detector array <NUM> is equal to the diameter (an inner circle diameter) of the rail side of the second rail <NUM> or is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rail side of the second rail <NUM>, so that the detector array <NUM> is installed on the second rail <NUM> or moves relative to the second rail <NUM>, and it is also conducive to saving the space occupied by the scanning device <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> move synchronously and are free of rigid connection with each other. If the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> are in rigid connection, the synchronous motion thereof will be implemented more easily in fact, but the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> will necessarily influence each other, such that the loads respectively born by the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> are difficult to completely separate or difficult to determine. Since the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> are free of rigid connection, the overload risk of the first rail <NUM> or the second rail <NUM> can be prevented.

The container CT inspection system <NUM> includes a first driving device configured to drive the radiation source device <NUM>, and the first driving device can be arranged on the first rail <NUM> and can also be arranged on the radiation source device <NUM>. The setting mode saves the energy configured to drive the radiation source device <NUM> to rotate.

The container CT inspection system <NUM> includes a second driving device configured to drive the detector array <NUM>. The second driving device can be arranged on the second rail <NUM> and can also be arranged on the detector array <NUM>. The setting mode saves the energy configured to drive the detector array <NUM> to rotate.

In the present embodiment, the second rail <NUM> is an annular rail. The setting is beneficial for the detector array <NUM> to detect the energy of the radiation source device <NUM> on the entire circumference.

To better achieve the synchronous motion of the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM>, in the present embodiment, the container CT inspection system <NUM> includes a detection device configured to detect the motion information of the radiation source device <NUM> or the detector array <NUM>. The first driving device or the second driving device carries out actions according to the detection information of the detection device.

In the present embodiment, the container CT inspection system <NUM> further includes a controller. The detection device, the first driving device and the second driving device are connected with the controller. The controller controls the first driving device to drive the radiation source device <NUM> to move according to the detection information or the controller controls the second driving device to drive the detector array <NUM> to move according to the detection information. For example, the motion information of the radiation source device <NUM> is detected, so that the second driving device controls the motion of the detector array <NUM> according to the motion information of the radiation source device <NUM> to realize the synchronization of the two components.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the detection device includes a first sensor configured to detect the position of the radiation source device <NUM> and a second sensor configured to detect the position of the detector array <NUM>. The controller controls the first driving device to drive the radiation source device <NUM> to move according to the detection information sent by the first sensor, and controls the second driving device to drive the detector array <NUM> to move according to the detection information sent by the second sensor. The first sensor can be arranged on the first rail <NUM>, and the second sensor can be arranged on the second rail <NUM>. The setting can enable the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> to realize synchronous motion more accurately.

According to the claimed invention, the first rail <NUM> is fixedly arranged, the radiation source device <NUM> swings to and fro along the first rail <NUM> , meanwhile, the second rail <NUM> is fixedly arranged, and the detector array <NUM> swings to and fro along the second rail <NUM> together with the radiation source device <NUM>. The radiation source device <NUM> performs no circumferential rotation, so the cables and pipelines of the radiation source device <NUM> can be connected easily, and it is possible to arrange a high voltage power supply and a water chilling unit in the auxiliary equipment at the outside of the scanning device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, preferably, the first rail <NUM> is an arc-shaped rail with an opening on the bottom. Since the first rail <NUM> is set to be arc-shaped, the total height of the scanning device <NUM> is reduced compared with that in the prior art, when the scanning device is arranged, only a shallower pit needs to be dug, so that both the material cost and the installation cost can be reduced. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first rail <NUM> can also be set as an annular rail.

In the present embodiment, the radiation source device <NUM> includes a first radiation source <NUM> and a second radiation source <NUM>, which are arranged along the first rail <NUM> at intervals, and the first radiation source <NUM> and second radiation source <NUM> swing synchronously. The manner of setting two radiation sources can reduce the motion amplitude of the radiation source device <NUM> and is also beneficial for the container CT inspection system to carry out double-view angle perspective inspection.

Of course, the radiation source device of the present invention can also just include one radiation source or can include three or more than three radiation sources, and the plurality of radiation sources move synchronously.

Preferably, when the radiation source device includes more than two radiation sources, emission time of each of the plurality of radiation sources is different from emission time of the rest. When the plurality of radiation sources are arranged to emit the rays at the same time, different radiation sources generate mutual interference of the rays. The setting can avoid the mutual interference between different radiation sources.

In the present embodiment, the angle between the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> relative to the center of the first rail 113is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The range of the field angle is conducive to guaranteeing that the inspected container is completely scanned.

To better realize the synchronous swing of the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the radiation source device <NUM> further includes a connecting device <NUM>, and the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> are fixedly connected by the connecting device <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the container CT inspection system <NUM> further includes a buffer device <NUM>. The buffer device <NUM> includes a first elastic device <NUM> and a second elastic device <NUM>, which are respectively arranged on two bottommost ends of a motion path of the radiation source device <NUM>. The first elastic device <NUM> and the second elastic device <NUM> are configured to decelerate the radiation source device <NUM> that moves toward the same and propelling the radiation source device <NUM> to accelerate reversely. On the one hand, when the radiation source device <NUM> moves to the bottommost end of the motion path thereof, the radiation source device <NUM> can be buffered, and on the other hand, the energy necessary for driving the radiation source device <NUM> to swing can be saved.

In the present embodiment, the first elastic device <NUM> is arranged at the bottommost end of the motion path of the first radiation source <NUM>, and the second elastic device <NUM> is arranged at the bottommost end of the motion path of the second radiation source <NUM>. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first elastic device <NUM> includes a first spring <NUM>, and the second elastic device <NUM> includes a second spring <NUM>. In order that the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> are placed safely and stably, the first elastic device <NUM> further includes a first spring seat arranged on the ground and configured to place the first spring <NUM>, and the second elastic device <NUM> further includes a second spring seat arranged on the ground and configured to place the second spring <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the first elastic device or the second elastic device can also include an air cushion, a hydro-pneumatic cylinder or other elastic elements.

Preferably, the radiation source device <NUM> can emit rays with different energy. For example, in the present embodiment, both the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> can emit rays with different energy. The setting is conducive to identifying the substance in the inspected container to detect the inspected container more clearly.

As shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the radiation source device <NUM> can be an electronic accelerator. The container CT inspection system <NUM> further includes auxiliary equipment <NUM> connected with the radiation source device <NUM>. The auxiliary equipment <NUM> includes a high voltage power supply and a water chilling unit, and the auxiliary equipment <NUM> is arranged at the outside of the scanning device <NUM>. The auxiliary equipment <NUM> of the radiation source device is arranged at the outside of the scanning device <NUM> to further relieve the weights of the components that are arranged on the first rail <NUM> in the scanning device <NUM> and needs to be rotated, thereby relieving the burden of the first rail <NUM> and the corresponding first driving device. The solution is implemented more easily, and the cost is lower.

In the present embodiment, both the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> are electronic accelerators. The auxiliary equipment <NUM> includes first auxiliary equipment <NUM> for the first radiation source <NUM> and second auxiliary equipment <NUM> for the second radiation source <NUM>. The first auxiliary equipment <NUM> and the second auxiliary equipment <NUM> respectively include the high voltage power supply and the water chilling unit. The high voltage power supply and the water chilling unit in the first auxiliary equipment <NUM> are connected with the first radiation source <NUM> by cables and pipelines. The high voltage power supply and the water chilling unit in the second auxiliary equipment <NUM> are connected with the second radiation source <NUM> by cables and pipelines. The first auxiliary equipment <NUM> and the second auxiliary equipment <NUM> are fixed, and the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> are respectively driven by the first driving device and the second driving device to move on the respective rails.

To arrange the inspected container on a suitable scanning position, the container CT inspection system <NUM> further includes a traction device <NUM> configured to convey the inspected container. The traction device <NUM> passes through the interiors of the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM> and has intervals with the motion paths of the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM>. In the present embodiment, since the second rail <NUM> is the inner rail, the internal area of the second rail <NUM> is a scanning channel. A truck loading the inspected container is dragged by the traction device <NUM> to move back and forth in the scanning channel.

In addition, the container CT inspection system <NUM> further includes a control room <NUM>. The control room <NUM> can realize remote control of the radiation source device <NUM> and the detector array <NUM> and other moving components, data collection of the detector array <NUM> and other functions, and the controller can be arranged in the control room <NUM>.

The working process of the container CT inspection system <NUM> in the present embodiment will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, in a scanning process, the second radiation source <NUM> of the radiation source device <NUM> moves to a position B near the upper side of the inspected container at first and is locked, at this time, the first radiation source <NUM> of the radiation source device <NUM> is located on a position A of a side of the inspected container. The traction device <NUM> drags the inspected container to move in the scanning channel, and the container CT inspection system <NUM> can carry out double-view angle perspective inspection on the inspected container at the moment to obtain perspective images of two surfaces. When a suspicious item is found according to the perspective images, an operator can mark areas requiring further CT scanning on the perspective images. Then the traction device <NUM> will automatically drag the inspected container backward to align an X ray beam surface to starting positions of the areas requiring further CT scanning, and then the CT scanning starts.

In the CT scanning process, the radiation source device <NUM> moves along the first rail <NUM>, and the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> start to emit beams, wherein the first radiation source <NUM> and the second radiation source <NUM> emit the rays at different times to avoid interference. The detector array <NUM> moves along the second rail <NUM> together with the radiation source device <NUM>. When the first radiation source <NUM> moves from a position A to a position B, and the second radiation source <NUM> moves from the position B to a position C, the tomography of one section of the inspected container is completed. In a process that the second radiation source <NUM> is decelerated by the second elastic device <NUM> near the position C and then is accelerated reversely, the traction device <NUM> drags the inspected container to move by a very small distance and then stops, so that the X ray beams align to the next scanned section of the inspected container. When the first radiation source <NUM> returns from the position B to the position A, and the second radiation source <NUM> returns from the position C to the position B, the tomography of the next section of the inspected container is completed. The radiation source device <NUM> swings in this way, and meanwhile, the traction device <NUM> drags the inspected container to discontinuously move until all the marked areas requiring the CT scanning are completely scanned.

Claim 1:
A container CT inspection system (<NUM>), comprising a scanning device (<NUM>), wherein the scanning device (<NUM>) comprises a radiation source device (<NUM>) and a detector array (<NUM>), wherein the scanning device (<NUM>) further comprises a first rail (<NUM>) and a second rail (<NUM>) which are respectively arranged on outer layer and inner layer, the radiation source device (<NUM>) is arranged on the first rail (<NUM>), and the detector array (<NUM>) is arranged on the second rail (<NUM>); wherein the first rail (<NUM>) is fixedly arranged, the radiation source device (<NUM>) is configured to swing to and fro along the first rail (<NUM>); the second rail (<NUM>) is fixedly arranged, and the detector array (<NUM>) is configured to swing to and fro along the second rail (<NUM>) together with the radiation source device (<NUM>) ; and wherein the radiation source device (<NUM>) and the detector array (<NUM>) are configured to move synchronously and are free of rigid connection with each other.