Abstract

θθθF(θ, d)θF(θ,d)λ.λ.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

μI I Ppredictpredict Ppredictpredict (μ,X)Ppredictpredict of the material.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
• G01B 15/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons
• G01B 21/20 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring contours or curvatures, e.g. determining profile
• G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
• G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
• G01N 23/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the material being a flowing fluid or a flowing granular solid

Abstract

A method of determining a spectrum of energies of individual quanta of radiation received in a radiation detector is disclosed. Spectrum sensitive statistics are computed from a time series of digital observations from the radiation detector, defining a mapping from a density of amplitudes of the pulses to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The spectrum is determined by estimating the density of amplitudes of the pulses by applying an inversion of the mapping to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The statistics may be based on a first set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L at least as long as a duration of the pulses without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses; and a second set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L1 less than L also without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses. A method of estimating count rate is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 23/15 - Indicating that frequency of pulses is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values, by making use of non-linear or digital elements
• G01R 23/16 - Spectrum analysisFourier analysis
• G01T 1/36 - Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays or of nuclear radiation
• G01R 29/033 - Indicating that a pulse characteristic is either above or below a predetermined value or within or beyond a predetermined range of values giving an indication of the number of times this occurs

Abstract

The invention provides a method of estimating an input count rate of a radiation pulse detector from a detector signal where some individual signal pulses making up the detector signal are closely spaced in time less than a minimum reliable detection gap. In one aspect, the individual signal pulses are detected using a detection algorithm and a plurality of interval start times are defined each interposed with at least one of the detected individual signal pulse arrival times, each interval start time being later by at least the minimum reliable detection gap than a corresponding most recent detected individual signal pulse arrival time. A corresponding plurality of individual signal pulse arrival intervals are calculated between each of the interval start times and a corresponding next detected individual signal pulse arrival time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 7/00 - Details of radiation-measuring instruments
• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

A material characterization system and method for characterizing a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system including a source of incident radiation configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region, one or more detectors adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation and thereby produce a detection signal, and one or more digital processors configured to process the detection signal to characterise the stream of material, wherein the source of incident radiation and the one or more detectors are adapted to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream as the stream passes through the irradiation region.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01N 23/087 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays using polyenergetic X-rays
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/93 - Detection standardsCalibrating

Abstract

A method of determining a spectrum of energies of individual quanta of radiation received in a radiation detector is disclosed. Spectrum sensitive statistics are computed from a time series of digital observations from the radiation detector, defining a mapping from a density of amplitudes of the pulses to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The spectrum is determined by estimating the density of amplitudes of the pulses by applying an inversion of the mapping to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The statistics may be based on a first set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L at least as long as a duration of the pulses without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses; and a second set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L1 less than L also without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses. A method of estimating count rate is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/36 - Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays or of nuclear radiation
• G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data

Abstract

A device and method for material characterization are provided. In one aspect, the method includes detecting packets of radiation emanating from within or passing through one or more items of freight or baggage as a result of irradiation by incident radiation, using a plurality of detectors, each of the detectors being configured to produce an electrical pulse caused by the detected packets having a characteristic size or shape dependent on an energy of the packets. The method further includes processing each of the electrical pulses using one or more digital processors to determine the characteristic size or shape, generating a screening detector energy spectrum for each of the detectors of the energies of the packets detected, and measuring an effective atomic number Z of an unknown material associated with the one or more items of freight or baggage based on the screening detector energy spectra in comparison with calibration measurements.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
• G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity

Abstract

tcc , tdd skk tkk skk tkk -1skk tkk k ).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

Provided are a material characterization system and method for characterizing a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system including: a source of incident radiation configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region, one or more detectors configured to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation and thereby produce a detection signal, and one or more digital processors configured to process the detection signal to characterize the stream of material. The source of incident radiation and the one or more detectors are configured to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream as the stream passes through the irradiation region.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01N 23/087 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays using polyenergetic X-rays
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/93 - Detection standardsCalibrating

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for characterising at least part of a material comprising: a source of incident X-rays (4, 28) configured to irradiate at least part of the material; one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal (313) to characterise at least part of the material; wherein the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701, 1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) are configured to characterise at least part of the material by performing energy resolved photon counting X-ray transmission spectroscopy analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
• G01N 23/06 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption
• G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
• G01N 23/087 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays using polyenergetic X-rays
• G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
• G01J 3/28 - Investigating the spectrum
• G01J 3/02 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours Details
• G01N 23/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the material being a flowing fluid or a flowing granular solid
• G01N 23/10 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the material being confined in a container, e.g. in luggage X-ray scanners
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01N 21/93 - Detection standardsCalibrating

Abstract

The invention provides a material characterisation system and method for characterising a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system comprising: a source of incident radiation (64) configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region (18); one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal to characterise the stream of material; wherein the source of incident radiation (64) and the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) are adapted to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream (1700) as the stream passes through the irradiation region (18).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material
• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01V 5/04 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging
• G01T 1/28 - Measuring radiation intensity with secondary-emission detectors
• E21B 47/00 - Survey of boreholes or wells

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for characterising at least part of a material comprising: a source of incident X-rays (4, 28) configured to irradiate at least part of the material; one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal (313) to characterise at least part of the material; wherein the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701, 1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) are configured to characterise at least part of the material by performing energy resolved photon counting X-ray transmission spectroscopy analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
• G01N 23/223 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
• G01J 3/02 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours Details
• G01J 3/28 - Investigating the spectrum

Abstract

The invention provides a device (100) for screening one or more items (101,1806) of freight or baggage for one or more types of target material, the device comprising: a source (200, 201,1800) of incident radiation (204,206,1804) configured to irradiate the one or more items (101,1806); a plurality of detectors (202,209,1807, 301) adapted to detect packets of radiation (205,207,1700) emanating from within or passing through the one or more items (101, 1806) as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (204, 206, 1804), each detector being configured to produce an electrical pulse (312) caused by the detected packets having a characteristic size or shape dependent on an energy of the packets; one or more digital processors (203, 210, 303, 304, 306, 305) configured to process each electrical pulse to determine the characteristic size or shape and to thereby generate a detector energy spectrum for each detector of the energies of the packets detected, and characterize a material associated with the one or more items based on the energy spectrum.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a processing circuit configured to receive detector output data wherein the detector output data may be stepped data or non-stepped data; transform the detector output data to produce stepped data wherein the detector output data is received as non-stepped data; detect at least one signal at least partially based on the stepped data; and estimate a parameter associated with the signal, wherein estimating the parameter may preferably comprise estimating a signal energy or signal time of arrival associated with the signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/36 - Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays or of nuclear radiation
• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector
• G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
• G06F 17/14 - Fourier, Walsh or analogous domain transformations
• G06F 111/10 - Numerical modelling

Abstract

The invention provides a device (100) for screening one or more items (101,1806) of freight or baggage for one or more types of target material, the device comprising: a source (200, 201,1800) of incident radiation (204,206,1804) configured to irradiate the one or more items (101,1806); a plurality of detectors (202,209,1807, 301) adapted to detect packets of radiation (205,207,1700) emanating from within or passing through the one or more items (101, 1806) as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (204, 206, 1804), each detector being configured to produce an electrical pulse (312) caused by the detected packets having a characteristic size or shape dependent on an energy of the packets; one or more digital processors (203, 210, 303, 304, 306, 305) configured to process each electrical pulse to determine the characteristic size or shape and to thereby generate a detector energy spectrum for each detector of the energies of the packets detected, and characterise a material associated with the one or more items based on the energy spectrum.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/08 - using electric detection means
• G01N 23/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a processing circuit configured to receive detector output data wherein the detector output data may be stepped data or non-stepped data; transform the detector output data to produce stepped data wherein the detector output data is received as non-stepped data; detect at least one signal at least partially based on the stepped data; and estimate a parameter associated with the signal, wherein estimating the parameter may preferably comprise estimating a signal energy or signal time of arrival associated with the signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03K 5/125 - Discriminating pulses
• G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in generalData processing equipment in general

Abstract

A method for locating a pulse in detector output data, comprising fitting one or more functions to the detector output data; and determining a location and an amplitude of a peak of said pulse from said one or more functions. The one or more functions may be are a function of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data
• G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
• G01D 3/10 - Measuring arrangements with provision for the special purposes referred to in the subgroups of this group with provision for switching-in of additional or auxiliary indicators or recorders
• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

A method for locating a pulse in detector output data, comprising fitting one or more functions to the detector output data; and determining a location and an amplitude of a peak of said pulse from said one or more functions. The one or more functions may be are a function of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 3/00 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours
• G01D 21/00 - Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data by obtaining an impulse response characterizing a detector. The method further includes obtaining digitized detector output data in a form of a digital time series and making estimates of a signal temporal position of at least one signal present in the detector output data. The method further includes forming a mathematical model based on the digital time series and determining an amplitude of the at least one signal indicative of an event based on the mathematical model.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector
• G01T 1/202 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors the detector being a crystal

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data, the method comprising obtaining or expressing the detector output data as a digital series, obtaining or determining a signal form of signals present in the data, forming a transformed signal form by transforming the signal form according to a mathematical transform, forming a transformed series by transforming the digital series according to the mathematical transform, the transformed series comprising transformed signals, evaluating a function of at least the transformed series and the transformed signal form and thereby providing a function output, determining at least one parameter of the function output based on a model of the function output, and determining a parameter of the signals from the at least one determined parameter of the function output. The method may include forming the model by modelling the function output.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in generalData processing equipment in general
• G01V 1/28 - Processing seismic data, e.g. for interpretation or for event detection

Abstract

An imaging method and apparatus are provided. The method includes collecting detector output data from a radiation detector positioned near a subject provided with a radio-active tracer The method further includes resolving individual signals in the detector output data by determining a signal form of signals present in the data, and making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signal. The one or more parameters include at least a signal temporal position. The method further includes determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/20 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors

Abstract

A method and apparatus for borehole logging, the method comprising collecting detector output data from a radiation detector of a borehole logging tool, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The logging tool is shorter, logging tool speed is greater, dwell time is shorter and/or resolution is improved.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector
• G01V 5/12 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using gamma- or X-ray sources

Abstract

A screening method and apparatus, the method comprising irradiating a subject for screening with excitation radiation, collecting detector output data from a radiation detector located near the subject, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The screening time is shorter, dwell time is shorter, resolution is improved and/or throughput is increased.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 7/60 - Methods or arrangements for performing computations using a digital non-denominational number representation, i.e. number representation without radixComputing devices using combinations of denominational and non-denominational quantity representations
• G06F 17/10 - Complex mathematical operations
• G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data, the method comprising obtaining or expressing the detector output data as a digital series, obtaining or determining a signal form of signals present in the data, forming a transformed signal form by transforming the signal form according to a mathematical transform, forming a transformed series by transforming the digital series according to the mathematical transform, the transformed series comprising transformed signals, evaluating a function of at least the transformed series and the transformed signal form and thereby providing a function output, determining at least one parameter of the function output based on a model of the function output, and determining a parameter of the signals from the at least one determined parameter of the function output. The method may include forming the model by modelling the function output.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 17/14 - Fourier, Walsh or analogous domain transformations
• G01V 1/30 - Analysis

Abstract

A screening method and apparatus, the method comprising irradiating a subject for screening with excitation radiation, collecting detector output data from a radiation detector located near the subject, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The screening time is shorter, dwell time is shorter, resolution is improved and/or throughput is increased.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/222 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by activation analysis using neutron activation analysis [NAA]
• G01T 1/202 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors the detector being a crystal

Abstract

A method and apparatus for borehole logging, the method comprising collecting detector output data from a radiation detector of a borehole logging tool, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The logging tool is shorter, logging tool speed is greater, dwell time is shorter and/or resolution is improved.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 5/10 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using neutron sources
• G01N 23/222 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by activation analysis using neutron activation analysis [NAA]
• G01T 1/202 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors the detector being a crystal

Abstract

An imaging method and apparatus, the method comprising collecting detector output data from a radiation detector positioned near a subject provided with a radio-active tracer, and resolving individual signals in the detector output data by (i) determining a signal form of signals present in the data, (ii) making parameter estimates of one or more parameters of the signals, wherein the one or more parameters comprise at least a signal temporal position, and (iii) determining the energy of each of the signals from at least the signal form and the parameter estimates. The acceptable subject to detector distance is reduced or increased, spatial resolution is improved, tracer dose or concentration is reduced, subject radiation exposure is reduced and/or scanning time is reduced.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 23/222 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by activation analysis using neutron activation analysis [NAA]
• A61B 6/03 - Computed tomography [CT]
• G01T 1/20 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors

Goods & Services

Scientific, surveying, measuring and signaling apparatus and instruments, namely, radiation scanning and processing apparatus for radiation detection and measurement, defense and security screening, border security, cargo screening, mineral exploration and mining, mineral analysis, and materials analysis; radiation scanning apparatus, other than for medical use, for radiation detection and measurement, defense and security screening, border security, cargo screening, mineral exploration and mining, mineral analysis, and materials analysis; radiation processing apparatus, other than for medical use, for radiation detection and measurement, defense and security screening, border security, cargo screening, mineral exploration and mining, mineral analysis, and materials analysis Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, namely, radiation scanning and processing apparatus for medical imaging; radiation scanning apparatus for medical use for medical imaging; radiation processing apparatus for medical use for medical imaging

Goods & Services

Scientific, surveying, measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments; radiation scanning apparatus (other than for medical use); radiation processing apparatus (other than for medical use). Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments; radiation scanning apparatus for medical use; radiation processing apparatus for medical use.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a processing circuit configured to receive detector output data wherein the detector output data may be stepped data or non-stepped data; transform the detector output data to produce stepped data wherein the detector output data is received as non-stepped data; detect at least one signal at least partially based on the stepped data; and estimate a parameter associated with the signal, wherein estimating the parameter may preferably comprise estimating a signal energy or signal time of arrival associated with the signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in generalData processing equipment in general
• H03K 5/125 - Discriminating pulses

Abstract

The invention provides a material characterisation system and method for characterising a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system comprising: a source of incident radiation (64) configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region (18); one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal to characterise the stream of material; wherein the source of incident radiation (64) and the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) are adapted to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream (1700) as the stream passes through the irradiation region (18).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 47/00 - Survey of boreholes or wells
• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01N 23/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material
• G01T 1/28 - Measuring radiation intensity with secondary-emission detectors
• G01V 5/04 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging

Abstract

A method of determining a spectrum of energies of individual quanta of radiation received in a radiation detector is disclosed. Spectrum sensitive statistics are computed from a time series of digital observations from the radiation detector, defining a mapping from a density of amplitudes of the pulses to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The spectrum is determined by estimating the density of amplitudes of the pulses by applying an inversion of the mapping to the spectrum sensitive statistics. The statistics may be based on a first set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L at least as long as a duration of the pulses without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses; and a second set of nonoverlapping time intervals of constant length L1 less than L also without regard to entirety of clusters of the pulses. A method of estimating count rate is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/36 - Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays or of nuclear radiation
• G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output
data, the method comprising obtaining
or expressing the detector output data as a digital series, obtaining or
determining a signal form of signals present in the data,
forming a transformed signal form by transforming the signal form according to
a mathematical transform, forming a transformed
series by transforming the digital series according to the mathematical
transform, the transformed series comprising transformed
signals, evaluating a function of at least the transformed series and the
transformed signal form and thereby providing a function
output, determining at least one parameter of the function output based on a
model of the function output, and determining a parameter
of the signals from the at least one determined parameter of the function
output. The method may include forming the
model by modelling the function output.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 1/30 - Analysis
• G06F 17/14 - Fourier, Walsh or analogous domain transformations

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for characterising at least part of a material comprising: a source of incident X-rays (4, 28) configured to irradiate at least part of the material; one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal (313) to characterise at least part of the material; wherein the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701, 1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) are configured to characterise at least part of the material by performing energy resolved photon counting X-ray transmission spectroscopy analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 3/02 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours Details
• G01J 3/28 - Investigating the spectrum
• G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
• G01N 23/223 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence

Abstract

The invention provides a method of estimating an input count rate of a radiation pulse detector from a detector signal where some individual signal pulses making up the detector signal are closely spaced in time less than a minimum reliable detection gap (104,105; t c , t d ). In one aspect, the individual signal pulses are detected using a detection algorithm and a plurality of interval start times (s k ) are defined each interposed with at least one of the detected individual signal pulse arrival times ( t k ), each interval start time (s k ) being later by at least the minimum reliable detection gap than a corresponding most recent detected individual signal pulse arrival time ( t k -1). A corresponding plurality of individual signal pulse arrival intervals are calculated between each of the interval start times (s k ) and a corresponding next detected individual signal pulse arrival time ( t k ).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01T 1/17 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector

Abstract

Within detector output data resolving individual signals by determining a
signal form for signals present in the data, estimating parameters for the
signals including signal temporal position, and determining the energy of the
signals from the signal form and the estimated parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03K 5/125 - Discriminating pulses