Patent ID: 8135110

Claim:
An X-ray scanning system for scanning an object comprising at least one X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region wherein said X-ray sources do not move relative to said object during a scan, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region wherein said first set of detectors is configured in a circular array defined by a first radius and wherein said circular array is positioned opposite said at least one X-ray source with an inspection volume defined therebetween, a second set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays scattered within the scanning region wherein the second set of detectors is arranged in at least one circular array having said first radius, wherein said circular array is positioned axially adjacent to said at least one X-ray source and on the same side of the inspection volume, wherein a collimator is positioned in front of the second set of detectors to collimate the X-rays scattered toward each of said second set of detectors, and wherein the collimator defines a receiving direction that is inclined relative to a plane defined by the detectors, and processing means arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate CT image data which defines an image of the scanning region, to analyze the CT image data to identify an object within the image, and to process the outputs from the second set of detectors to generate scattering data, and to associate parts of the scattering data with the object.