Mobile imaging system and method for detection of contraband
AssigneeRapiscan Systems, Inc.
InventorsEdward James Morton, Andreas F. Kotowski
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Abstract
The present invention provides a four-sided scanning system for vehicles that uses a combination of backscatter and transmission based X-ray imaging to achieve material discrimination. In one embodiment, the system is designed as a mobile, drive-through system, which can be folded and stowed in a truck and can be conveniently deployed at any place when required.
Claims20
A mobile scanning system for inspecting cargo carried by a vehicle, the mobile scanning system having a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising:
- a portal defining an inspection area, said portal comprising a first side, a second side, a top side, and a base, wherein the base further comprises a first ramp and a second ramp;
- a first X-ray source disposed on at least one of the first side, second side or top side for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area toward the vehicle;
- and
- a first set of transmission detectors disposed within the portal for receiving the X-rays transmitted through the vehicle,
- wherein, in the first configuration,
- (i) the first ramp and second ramp are inclined and positioned substantially horizontally,
- (ii) the first side is positioned vertically and on a different side of the mobile scanning system relative to the first ramp and second ramp,
- (iii) the second side is positioned vertically and on a different side of the mobile scanning system relative to the first ramp and second ramp, and
- (iv) the top side is positioned horizontally atop the first side and second side, and
- wherein, in the second configuration,
- (i) the first ramp and second ramp are folded upward, such that the first and second ramps are positioned substantially vertically,
- (ii) the first side is folded downward such that it is positioned horizontally,
- (iii) the second side is folded downward such that it is positioned horizontally, and
- (iii) the top side is positioned horizontally adjacent the first side and second side.
A mobile scanning system for inspecting cargo, the mobile scanning system having a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising:
- a portal defining an inspection area, said portal comprising a first side, a second side, a top side, and a ramp, wherein the ramp further comprises a base platform hinged to a first angled surface and a second angled surface;
- a first X-ray source disposed on at least one of the first side, second side or top side for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area;
- and
- a first set of detectors disposed within the portal for receiving the X-rays transmitted through the cargo,
- wherein, in the first configuration,
- (i) the first angled surface and second angled surface are positioned substantially horizontally,
- (ii) the first side is positioned vertically and on a different side of the mobile scanning system relative to the first angled surface and second angled surface,
- (iii) the second side is positioned vertically and on a different side of the mobile scanning system relative to the first angled surface and second angled surface, and
- (iv) the top side is positioned horizontally atop the first side and second side, and
- wherein, in the second configuration,
- (i) the first angled surface and second angled surface are rotated upward, such that the first and second angled surfaces are positioned substantially vertically,
- (ii) the first side is folded such that it is positioned horizontally,
- (iii) the second side is folded such that it is positioned horizontally, and
- (iv) the top side is positioned adjacent the first side and second side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.