X-ray scanning system and method

An X-ray detector system for determining the contents of an item, the system comprising:

• an X-ray emitter configured for emitting X-ray radiation;
• a detector comprising a receiving surface, the detector configured to receive the X-ray radiation and to generate one or more intensity signals indicative of an intensity of the received X-ray radiation at each of a plurality of locations on the receiving surface;
• an X-ray penetration grid comprising a first grid structure comprising:
• at least one side oriented in a first primary direction;
• a first plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and a second end;
• and
• a second plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and a second end;
• wherein:
• the first end and the second end of at least a portion of the first plurality of parallel grid members intersect the at least one side at an angle such that the first plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the at least one side;
• and
• the first end and the second end of at least a portion of the second plurality of parallel grid members intersect the at least one side at an angle such that the second plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the at least one side;
• and
• a conveying mechanism configured for conveying the item and the X-ray penetration grid in a second primary direction to a location between the X-ray emitter and the detector, said second primary direction being substantially the same as the first primary of direction.

A computer implemented method for scanning an item, the method comprising steps for:

• receiving, via a processor, one or more first intensity signals indicative of a first intensity of X-ray radiation received at each of a plurality of locations at a first scan time on a detector, wherein:
• the detector is configured to receive X-ray radiation from an X-ray emitter and to generate the one or more intensity signals indicative of an intensity of the received X-ray radiation at each of a plurality of locations on the receiving surface;
• the X-ray radiation is emitted from the X-ray emitter and at least a portion of the X-ray radiation passes through the item and an X-ray penetration grid before being received by the detector, wherein:
• the X-ray penetration grid comprises a first grid structure comprising:
• a perimeter surrounding the X-ray penetration grid having at least a first side, said first side being oriented in a first primary direction;
• a first plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and a second end;
• and
• a second plurality of parallel grid members each having a first end and a second end;
• wherein:
• the first end and the second end of each of the first plurality of parallel grid members intersects the perimeter at an angle such that the first plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first side of the perimeter;
• and
• the first end and the second end of each of the second plurality of parallel grid members intersects the perimeter at an angle such that the second plurality of parallel grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first side of the perimeter;
• and
• the item and the X-ray penetration grid are propelled in a second primary direction, said second primary direction being substantially the same as the first primary direction;
• causing, via a display device, display of the one or more first intensity signals;
• receiving, via the processor, one or more second intensity signals indicative of one or more ghosted images extending from an edge of the item;
• causing, via the display device, display of the one or more second intensity signals, wherein the displayed second intensity signals comprises a radiation ghost based at least in part on the one or more ghosted images;
• and
• identifying, via the one or more processors, the presence of a radiation ghost based at least in part on the second intensity signals.