In some examples, it is disclosed a method for generating an image retrieval system configured to rank a plurality of images of cargo from a dataset of images, in response to a query corresponding to an image of cargo of interest generated using penetrating radiation. The method may involve obtaining a plurality of annotated training images including cargo, each of the training images being associated with an annotation indicating a type of the cargo in the training image, and training the image retrieval system by applying a deep learning algorithm to the obtained annotated training images. The training may involve applying, to the annotated training images, a feature extraction convolutional neural network, and applying an aggregated generalized mean pooling layer associated with image spatial information.

A method and system for determining the location in 3D space of an object of interest within the interior region of an enclosed, opaque container. The invention allows a user or operator to construct a three-dimensional representation of the interior region of the container to allow viewing of objects, components and substances within the interior region. The users or operators now have the opportunity to isolate a particular object of interest within the interior region that may be a threat, such as an explosive device or other energetic component. A disrupter device is aimed at the three-dimensional location and thereafter, the disrupter device fires a projectile or substance at the object of interest in order to disable or destroy the object of interest.

Systems and methods are provided for scanning an item utilizing an X-ray scanner in order to facilitate a determination of whether the X-ray radiation penetrated through the entirety of the scanned item. Various embodiments comprise a conveying mechanism, an X-ray emitter, a detector, and an X-ray penetration grid (XPG). The XPG may comprise a radiopaque grid that may serve as a reference for determining whether radiation passes through the scanned item, the grid oriented such that the grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of travel. Such orientation may minimize or eliminate “ghosted” radiation signals included in a visual display of the radiation received by the detector. A scanned item may be oriented with the XPG such that radiation emitted by the X-ray emitter that passes through a portion of the scanned item must also pass through the XPG before being received by the detector.

The present disclosure relates to an insert system for performing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The insert system can be reversibly installed to an existing system, such that PET functionality can be introduced into the existing system without the need to significantly modify the existing system. The present disclosure also relates to a multi-modality imaging system capable for conducting both PET imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PET and MRI imaging can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, while the performance of neither imaging modality is compromised for the operation of the other imaging modality.

An inspection assistance apparatus 10 to improve the accuracy of detection of a specific article, comprising a first certainty degree output unit 11 for inputting, to a model, a transmission image obtained by irradiating an article to be inspected with electromagnetic waves, and outputting a first certainty degree indicating that the article is a specific article; and a first determination unit 12 for determining that the article is the specific article in a case where the first certainty degree that has been changed based on an inspection result is equal to or higher than a pre-set first certainty degree threshold, the inspection result being obtained by conducting one or more inspections with respect to the article.

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for inspecting materials in a vehicle or object. In one aspect, a system for muon tomography detection includes a first and second housing structure each including a first array and second array of muon detection sensors, respectively, the first housing structure positioned opposite the second at a fixed height to form a detection region to contain a target object, in which the muon detection sensors measure positions and directions of muons passing through the first array to the detection region and passing from the detection region through the second array; support structures to position the first housing structure at the fixed height; and a processing unit to receive data from the muon detection sensors and analyze scattering behaviors of the muons in materials of the target object to obtain a tomographic profile or spatial distribution of scattering centers within the detection region.

An accelerator and a vehicle-mounted radiation imaging device are provided, wherein the accelerator includes an accelerator body and a position adjusting apparatus; the position adjusting apparatus includes a rotating apparatus and a lifting apparatus disposed on the rotating apparatus, the rotating apparatus is rotatably disposed on a support platform, the rotating apparatus includes a rotary platform, the lifting apparatus is connected with the rotary platform and is rotatable with the rotary platform, the accelerator body is connected with the lifting apparatus, the rotary platform is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and when the rotary platform is at the second position, a projection of the accelerator body on a surface of the support platform is outside a first edge of the support platform, and a projection of the rotary platform on the surface of the support platform is within the first edge of the support platform.

An inspection apparatus includes a feed-in preparation chamber, an imaging chamber, and a feed-out preparation chamber. Each preparation chamber includes a feed-in unit that receives an inspection object through a first opening, a traverser that translates the received object to a second opening in a direction different from the receiving direction of the object, and a feed-out unit that moves the object in a direction different from a moving direction of the traverser and discharges the object through the second opening. The imaging chamber includes an imaging unit that images the object fed from the feed-in preparation chamber. The traverser includes a mount for the object, and a shield that moves together with the mount and prevents radioactive rays entering one of the first and second openings and propagating in the moving direction of the traverser from reaching the other opening.

Methods and systems are disclosed for the deployment and operation of shipping container scanning systems that enables scanning of containers passing through a modern, highly automated port without impeding the flow of commerce. Locating the scanners where container dwell time is already longest, and configuring scanners to scan up to several containers in parallel but under separate scanning control, minimizes any delay associated with scanning. Operationally integrating scanning systems with the automated logistical port systems ensures smooth, delay-free operation. Controlling the flow of information so that scanning results, including but not limited to images and assessments of the presence or absence of threat material or contraband, are sent only to government Customs and/or security facilities adjacent to but separate from the port insulates port operators from involvement in activities that could slow container throughput.

In one aspect, a process for characterizing a range of materials based on the scattering and stopping of incident cosmic ray charged particles passing through each material includes: determining a scattering metric and a stopping metric for each material within the range of materials exposed to cosmic ray charged particles; computing a ratio of the scattering metric to the stopping metric to obtain a scattering-to-stopping ratio for each material within the range of materials for the material; and establishing a scattering-stopping relationship for the range of materials based on the determined pairs of the scattering-to-stopping ratio and the associated scattering metric for the range of materials.