G01N23/18

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSPECTING PIPELINES USING A PIPELINE INSPECTION ROBOT
20230228694 · 2023-07-20 ·

Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

Fast 3D Radiography with Multiple Pulsed X-ray Sources by Deflecting Tube Electron Beam using Electro-Magnetic Field
20230225693 · 2023-07-20 ·

An X-ray imaging system using multiple puked X-ray sources to perform highly efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple puked X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The multiple X-ray sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Electron beam inside each individual X-ray tube is deflected by magnetic or electrical field to move focal spot a small distance. When focal spot of an X-ray tube beam has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the X-ray source and X-ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that source tube stay momentarily standstill equivalently. 3D scan can cover much wider sweep angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real-time.

Non-destructive assessment of corn rootworm damage

The present embodiments generally relate to methods of non-destructively imaging plant root damage by insect root herbivores and evaluating the efficacy of insecticidal materials associated with the roots of plants against the insect root herbivores, useful for automated high throughput bioassays.

Non-destructive assessment of corn rootworm damage

The present embodiments generally relate to methods of non-destructively imaging plant root damage by insect root herbivores and evaluating the efficacy of insecticidal materials associated with the roots of plants against the insect root herbivores, useful for automated high throughput bioassays.

MATERIAL DETECTION IN X-RAY SECURITY SCREENING
20230017006 · 2023-01-19 ·

A method for detecting the maximum potential presence of a material in an object. The method includes obtaining raw x-ray image data comprising a plurality of pixels for the object from an X-ray scanning device, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels has associated therewith an attenuation value and an effective atomic number (Z.sub.eff) for the pixel. The method further includes converting, for each pixel having a Z.sub.eff value greater than a threshold effective atomic number (Z.sub.eff-threshold), the Z.sub.eff at the pixel to the Z.sub.eff-threshold while applying a correction factor to the attenuation value for the pixel to bring the attenuation value into correspondence with the conversion of the Z.sub.eff value for the pixel and determining a maximum potential amount of the material present at each pixel based on the corrected attenuation value at the pixel. This renders material more apparent in visual display.

MATERIAL DETECTION IN X-RAY SECURITY SCREENING
20230017006 · 2023-01-19 ·

A method for detecting the maximum potential presence of a material in an object. The method includes obtaining raw x-ray image data comprising a plurality of pixels for the object from an X-ray scanning device, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels has associated therewith an attenuation value and an effective atomic number (Z.sub.eff) for the pixel. The method further includes converting, for each pixel having a Z.sub.eff value greater than a threshold effective atomic number (Z.sub.eff-threshold), the Z.sub.eff at the pixel to the Z.sub.eff-threshold while applying a correction factor to the attenuation value for the pixel to bring the attenuation value into correspondence with the conversion of the Z.sub.eff value for the pixel and determining a maximum potential amount of the material present at each pixel based on the corrected attenuation value at the pixel. This renders material more apparent in visual display.

Image acquisition system and image acquisition method

An image acquisition system includes a radiation source configured to output radiation toward an object, a rotating stage configured to rotate the object around a rotation axis, a radiation camera having an input surface to which the radiation transmitted through the object is input and an image sensor capable of TDI control, and an image processing apparatus configured to generate a radiographic image of the object at an imaging plane P based on the image data. The angle formed between the rotation axis of the rotating stage and the input surface of the radiation camera is set in accordance with the FOD which is the distance between the radiation source and an imaging plane in the object. The radiation camera is configured to perform TDI control in the image sensor in synchronization with the rotational speed of the object rotated by the rotating stage.

Image acquisition system and image acquisition method

An image acquisition system includes a radiation source configured to output radiation toward an object, a rotating stage configured to rotate the object around a rotation axis, a radiation camera having an input surface to which the radiation transmitted through the object is input and an image sensor capable of TDI control, and an image processing apparatus configured to generate a radiographic image of the object at an imaging plane P based on the image data. The angle formed between the rotation axis of the rotating stage and the input surface of the radiation camera is set in accordance with the FOD which is the distance between the radiation source and an imaging plane in the object. The radiation camera is configured to perform TDI control in the image sensor in synchronization with the rotational speed of the object rotated by the rotating stage.

CUSTOMIZABLE AXES OF ROTATION FOR INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS
20230010730 · 2023-01-12 ·

Described herein are examples of industrial radiography systems that enable rotation of a part about a custom axis that is offset from an actual rotation axis of a rotatable fixture that retains the part. This may be valuable in situations where it is difficult, impractical, and/or impossible to align the center of the part with the center of the rotatable fixture. In some examples, the custom axis rotation may be implemented on existing radiography machines, without requiring physical alteration of the radiography machines, integration of new components into the radiography machines, and/or risk of instability to the part and/or radiography machines.

CUSTOMIZABLE AXES OF ROTATION FOR INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS
20230010730 · 2023-01-12 ·

Described herein are examples of industrial radiography systems that enable rotation of a part about a custom axis that is offset from an actual rotation axis of a rotatable fixture that retains the part. This may be valuable in situations where it is difficult, impractical, and/or impossible to align the center of the part with the center of the rotatable fixture. In some examples, the custom axis rotation may be implemented on existing radiography machines, without requiring physical alteration of the radiography machines, integration of new components into the radiography machines, and/or risk of instability to the part and/or radiography machines.