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CA1090482A Expired / Lapsed CA ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

X-ray inspection system for security screening application

Assignee: Philips Electronics Ltd Canada
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Filing: 1977-07-22
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Granted: 1980-11-25
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Expires: 1997-07-22
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Abstract

Abstract ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to an X-ray inspection system for security screening applications of the type which are employed at aircraft terminals to determine if dangerous items are being carried in passenger luggage. The system in accordance with the invention includes a detector station having a linear array of phototransistors, covered with a fluorescent screen, disposed on one side of the conveyor belt which carries the luggage past the detector station. On the other side of the belt, and disposed in parallel arrangement with the array, is an X-ray head, and objects passing between the array and the source will alter the density of the rays emitted by the source so that an X-ray picture can be obtained, as well known in the art. The inventive system uses such an array to eliminate the requirement for optical systems of present screen-ing apparatus. The disclosure also teaches a mode for operating the array which eliminates difficulties due to wide ranging differences in the characteristics of the individual photo-transistors, and it also teaches a mode of operating each of the phototransistors to increase the outputs thereof.

Inventors

  • 👤 Robert J.L. Beland
  • 👤 Czeslawa Stefanski
  • 👤 Wlodzimierz K. Stefanski

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction CA
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 09:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V5/00; G01V5/20; G01V5/22; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/02; G01N23/04; G01N23/043; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/18; G08B13/189; G08B13/194; H; H05; H05G; H05G1/00; H05G1/08; H05G1/64

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim 111 words
A detection system comprising: a detection station including a linear array photo-sensitive detector disposed in parallel relationship with a source of X-radiation on either side of a path along which are moved items to be inspected; means for processing output data from said detector; and means for comparing processed data obtained when an item is passing said detection station with processed data obtained when no item is passing said station; whereby to obtain contrast information relating to said items; wherein said detector comprises a single column of equally spaced phototransistors, the outer surfaces of said phototransistors being covered by a fluorescent screen which is in physical contact with said outer surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 111 words
A detection system comprising: a detection station including a linear array photo-sensitive detector disposed in parallel relationship with a source of X-radiation on either side of a path along which are moved items to be inspected; means for processing output data from said detector; and means for comparing processed data obtained when an item is passing said detection station with processed data obtained when no item is passing said station; whereby to obtain contrast information relating to said items; wherein said detector comprises a single column of equally spaced phototransistors, the outer surfaces of said phototransistors being covered by a fluorescent screen which is in physical contact with said outer surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 16 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said source of X-radiation comprises an X-ray head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 51 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for processing comprises: a sample and hold amplifier connected to the output of said detector; an analogue to digital converter connected to the output of said amplifier; and logic circuits, with associated memory means, connected to the output of said converter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 54 words
A system as defined in claim 1 and further comprising display means for displaying said contrast information, said display means comprising: memory means for storing said information in digital form; digital to analogue converter means connected to the output of said memory means; and a television monitor connected to the output of said converter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 52 words
A system as defined in claim 1 and further comprising an alarm system for presenting an audible alarm when a dangerous item is detected and comprising: pattern recognition means for recognizing an alarm condition pattern; and an alarm signal generator for generating an alarm signal when said alarm condition pattern is recognized.

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