Density detection using real time discrete photon counting for fast moving targets

A method for inspecting a target object comprising:

• controlling a boom connected to a radiation source emitting radiation at greater than 500 keV and a movable platform including a detector element, so that the radiation source and the detector can straddle the target object;
• directing photons from the radiation source at the target object;
• collecting at least a portion of the photons at the detector element;
• measuring a velocity of the target object and generating velocity data indicative thereof;
• counting the at least a portion of photons received by the detector element and generating count data indicative thereof;
• receiving the velocity data and count data at a processor for facilitating the generation of a display of densities;
• and
• displaying an image of the target object based on the at least a portion of the photons collected at the detector element.

A target object inspection system comprising:

• a radiation source configurable to irradiate a target object with photons;
• a detector element responsive to radiation from the radiation source and outputting a signal proportional to the number of photons detected;
• a mobile platform including both the radiation source and the detector element;
• a boom connected to the radiation source and the mobile platform, the boom being depolyable so as to effect passage of the target object between the radiation source and the detector element;
• a velocity measuring device capable of measuring a velocity of the target object and generating velocity data indicative thereof;
• a counter capable of counting single photons received by the detector element and generating count data indicative thereof;
• and
• a processor coupled to the velocity measuring device for receiving the velocity data and coupled to the counter for receiving count data, the processor facilitating the generation of a display of densities.

A method for inspecting a target object comprising:

• controlling a boom connected to a radiation source and a movable platform including a detector element, so that the radiation source and the detector can straddle the target object;
• directing photons from the radiation source at the target object;
• collecting at least a portion of the photons at the detector element;
• measuring a velocity of the target object and generating velocity data indicative thereof;
• counting the at least a portion of the photons received by the detector element and generating count data indicative thereof;
• and
• receiving the velocity data and count data at a processor for facilitating the generation of a display of densities.