JP2021009085A - X-ray inspection system and X-ray inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an X-ray inspection system capable of detecting a suspicious object with high accuracy even when articles in an object to be inspected are arranged to overlap with each other.SOLUTION: An X-ray inspection system includes an x-ray inspection device 1 and a control device 10 for obtaining image data received by the X-ray inspection device. The control device 10 comprises: a storage part 15 for storing the shape data and dose data of any object; an extraction part 113 for extracting an object included in the image data on the basis of the shape data in the storage part 15; an image processing part 114 for removing the image of the object from the image data on the basis of the dose data corresponding to the object extracted by the extraction part 113; and a display 13 for displaying the image data obtained by removing the image in the image processing part 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection system and an X-ray inspection method.

In recent years, it has been required to take appropriate measures against dangerous and suspicious objects in order to improve security at any place such as airports, train stations, sports facilities, and event venues.

In Patent Document 1, in a baggage inspection X-ray apparatus for performing baggage inspection at an airport or the like, an X-ray generating unit and an X-ray receiving unit are arranged facing each other, and a baggage inspection table for mounting baggage is formed between them. Disclosed is an X-ray apparatus provided with an X-ray irradiation range setting region indicating an X-ray region to be irradiated on the baggage inspection table. With this baggage inspection X-ray apparatus, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of suspicious objects in the baggage while shifting the position of the baggage without being irradiated with X-rays.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-10057

However, in the baggage inspection X-ray apparatus described in Patent Document 1, X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generating portion and transmitted through the baggage are converted into fluorescence emission energy or thermal energy to form an image on the X-ray receiving portion. To do. Therefore, if another article overlaps the suspicious object in the baggage, a situation may occur in which the image of the suspicious object cannot be accurately formed on the X-ray image receiving portion.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an X-ray inspection system and an X-ray capable of detecting a suspicious object with high accuracy even when articles are placed overlapping in the inspection object. One of the purposes is to provide an inspection method.

The X-ray inspection system of the present embodiment includes an X-ray inspection apparatus having an X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating an inspection object with X-rays and an X-ray image receiving unit for receiving the X-rays transmitted through the inspection object, and the above-mentioned X-ray inspection apparatus. The control device includes a control device that acquires image data received by the X-ray image receiving unit from the X-ray inspection device, and the control device includes a storage unit that stores shape data and dose data of an arbitrary tangible object, and the storage unit. An extraction unit that extracts a tangible object included in the image data based on the shape data in the unit, and an image of the tangible object based on the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted by the extraction unit. It is characterized by having an image processing unit for removing from the image processing unit and a display unit for displaying the image data from which the image of the tangible object is removed by the image processing unit.

According to the present invention, a suspicious object can be detected with high accuracy even when the articles are placed overlapping in the inspection object.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the internal structure of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view, a side view and a plan view of the X-ray inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the control device which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the tangible property data registered in the tangible property database of the control device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow diagram for demonstrating the operation of the control apparatus at the time of performing X-ray inspection in the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flow chart for demonstrating the tangible property extraction process in the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flow chart for demonstrating the dose erasing process in the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data generated in the process of the X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data generated in the process of the X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data generated in the process of the X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data generated in the process of the X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system which concerns on this Embodiment.

In an X-ray inspection device that inspects baggage at an airport or the like, an X-ray generator and an X-ray image receiver are arranged so as to face each other, and an inspection table for mounting an inspection object (baggage) is formed between them. Then, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating portion and transmitted through the inspection object are converted into fluorescence emission energy or the like to form an image on the X-ray receiving portion. Therefore, if another article overlaps the suspicious object in the inspection object, a situation may occur in which the image of the suspicious object cannot be accurately formed on the X-ray image receiving portion.

Further, in a baggage inspection X-ray apparatus used at an airport or the like, the output intensity of the X-ray generating portion is set high in order to improve the detection accuracy of a metal suspicious object (for example, a knife). In this case, the metal suspicious object has a low X-ray transmittance, and as a result, it can be detected with high accuracy. On the other hand, a non-metal suspicious object (for example, a powdery explosive) has a problem that the transmittance of X-rays is high and it is difficult to detect its existence.

The present inventors have a relationship with the fact that the detection accuracy of a suspicious object may decrease when the articles in the inspection object are arranged in an overlapping manner, and that depending on the type of the suspicious object, the output intensity of the X-ray generator We focused on the difficulty of X-ray inspection itself. Then, they found that inspecting the presence or absence of suspicious objects in consideration of the overlap of articles in the inspection target contributes to the improvement of the detection accuracy of suspicious objects when the articles overlap in the inspection target. I came up with the present invention.

That is, the gist of the present invention is from an X-ray inspection apparatus having an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates an inspection object with X-rays and an X-ray image receiving portion that receives X-rays transmitted through the inspection object, and an X-ray inspection apparatus. , A control device that acquires image data received by the X-ray image receiving unit, and the control device includes tangible data included in the image data based on the shape data in the storage unit that stores the shape data and dose data of an arbitrary tangible object. An object is extracted, an image of the tangible object is removed from the image data based on the dose data corresponding to the extracted tangible object, and the image data from which this image is removed is displayed.

According to the present invention, a tangible object included in the image data is extracted based on the shape data of an arbitrary tangible object and the shape data in the storage unit that stores the dose data, and based on the dose data corresponding to the extracted tangible object. Since the image of the tangible object is removed from the image data and the removed image data is displayed on the display unit, the suspicious object in the inspection object is based on the image data obtained by removing the image of the tangible object stored in the storage unit. Etc. can be confirmed. As a result, the suspicious object can be detected with high accuracy even when the articles are placed overlapping in the inspection object.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the X-ray inspection system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray inspection system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray inspection device 1 and a control device 10 for wireless communication between the X-ray inspection device 1. .. The X-ray inspection device 1 is configured to perform an X-ray inspection on an inspection object under the control of the control device 10 and output image data obtained by the X-ray inspection to the control device 10. The control device 10 is configured to be able to be displayed on a display unit such as a display after performing predetermined image processing on the image data acquired from the X-ray inspection device 1.

First, the configuration of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 included in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the internal configuration of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following, the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described as the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. Further, in FIG. 2, the X-ray irradiation region by the X-ray irradiation device 4 described later is shown by a alternate long and short dash line. The same applies to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray inspection device 1 includes a housing 2, an opening / closing mechanism 3, an X-ray irradiation device (hereinafter, referred to as “irradiation device”) 4, and an X-ray image receiving device (hereinafter, “image receiving device”). ”) 5 is included. The housing 2 has a main body portion 21, an irradiation device storage portion 22 arranged above the main body portion 21, and an image receiving device storage portion 23 arranged below the main body portion 21. For example, the main body 21, the irradiation device storage unit 22, and the image receiving device storage unit 23 are independently configured, and the housing 2 is configured by combining these. The configuration of the housing 2 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

A space S is formed inside the housing 2 (see FIG. 2). The space S is defined by the inner wall surface of the main body 21 and the irradiation device storage unit 22 and the upper surface of the image receiving device storage unit 23. The opening / closing mechanism 3 is housed in the space S. Further, an object (inspection object) OB for X-ray inspection is arranged in the space S (see FIG. 3). The inspection object OB is arranged on the lower side of the opening / closing mechanism 3. A shield sheet member made of lead, a tungsten alloy, or the like is attached to the inner wall surface of the main body portion 21 and the irradiation device storage portion 22 that define the space S. The shield sheet member prevents X-ray leakage during X-ray inspection.

An opening 21a is formed on the front surface of the main body 21 of the housing 2 (see FIG. 1). The opening 21a is a majority of the lower side of the main body 21, and is formed over substantially the entire width direction (left-right direction). The opening 21a communicates with the space S in the housing 2 so that a part of the opening / closing mechanism 3 or the inspection object OB can be exposed. The operator of the X-ray inspection device 1 is configured to be able to open and close the opening / closing mechanism 3 through the opening 21a. In the state where the opening / closing mechanism 3 is opened, the inspection object OB is accommodated in the space S through the opening 21a, while the inspection object OB after the inspection is completed is taken out from the space S.

The irradiation device storage portion 22 is configured to project upward from the upper surface portion of the main body portion 21. The irradiation device storage portion 22 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction at a position slightly rearward from the center of the main body portion 21 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 3B). A space (internal space) 22a that can store a part of the irradiation device 4 is formed inside the irradiation device storage unit 22. An opening 22b communicating with the internal space 22a is formed on the right side surface of the irradiation device storage portion 22. The irradiation device storage unit 22 is configured so that a part of the irradiation device 4 can be stored in the internal space 22a from the opening 22b. Inside the housing 2, the irradiation device storage portion 22 is open downward, and the above-mentioned internal space 22a is connected to the space S in the main body portion 21.

The image receiving device accommodating portion 23 is continuously formed at the lower end portion of the main body portion 21. The image receiving device storage unit 23 has a flat box shape. A space (internal space) 23a in which the image receiving device 5 can be stored is formed inside the image receiving device storage unit 23 (see FIG. 3). An opening 23b communicating with the internal space 23a is formed on the front surface of the image receiving device storage unit 23. The image receiving device storage unit 23 is configured so that the image receiving device 5 can be stored in the internal space 23a from the opening 23b. Radiation shielding lead glass (hereinafter, simply referred to as “lead glass”) 23c is fitted on the upper surface of the image receiving device storage unit 23 (see FIG. 2). The lead glass 23c is arranged so as to face the X-ray image receiving panel 51 of the image receiving device 5 housed in the internal space 23a (see FIG. 3B). The lead glass 23c prevents X-ray leakage during X-ray inspection.

As shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing mechanism 3 includes a pair of rail members 31 and a shutter member 32. The pair of rail members 31 have a front rail portion 311, an upper rail portion 312, and a rear rail portion 313, and have a configuration that opens downward on the side view. These rail members 31 are fixed to, for example, the inner wall surfaces of the left and right side surfaces of the main body 21. Each rail member 31 has a shape that opens toward the center side of the main body portion 21 (in other words, the other rail member 31 side), and is configured to be able to accommodate the left and right side edge portions of the shutter member 32.

The front rail portion 311 of the rail member 31 is arranged near the front surface of the housing 2 (main body portion 21). The front rail portion 311 guides the shutter member 32 in the vertical direction near the front surface of the main body portion 21. The rear rail portion 313 is arranged near the rear surface of the main body portion 21. The rear rail portion 313 guides the shutter member 32 in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the rear surface of the main body portion 21. The upper rail portion 312 is arranged near the upper end portion of the main body portion 21. The upper rail portion 312 guides the shutter member 32 in the front-rear direction near the upper end portion of the main body portion 21.

The shutter member 32 is configured by connecting a plurality of plate-shaped members extending in the left-right direction at an inner portion thereof (the space S side arranged inside the opening / closing mechanism 3). The shutter member 32 has a configuration in which plate-shaped members are arranged in the front-rear direction or the up-down direction of the X-ray inspection device 1. The left and right side edges of the shutter member 32 are housed in the rail member 31. The shutter member 32 is configured to be slidable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction along the shape of the rail member 31. The slide movement of the shutter member 32 is performed by the operator (inspector) of the X-ray inspection device 1. A shield sheet member made of lead, a tungsten alloy, or the like is attached to the inner surface of the shutter member 32. The shield sheet member prevents X-ray leakage during X-ray inspection.

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the end of the shutter member 32 arranged on the front rail portion 311 side of the rail member 31 is referred to as a front end portion 32a, and the end of the shutter member 32 arranged on the rear rail portion 313 side. The portion shall be referred to as a rear end portion 32b. By moving the front end portion 32a of the shutter member 32 to the lower end portion of the front rail portion 311, the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed (closed state: see FIG. 1). On the other hand, although not shown, the opening / closing mechanism 3 is opened (fully open state) by moving the rear end portion 32b of the shutter member 32 to the lower end portion of the rear rail portion 313.

In the closed state, the shutter member 32 arranged in the front rail portion 311 of the rail member 31 is arranged slightly inside the opening 21a of the main body 21 and substantially parallel to the front surface of the main body 21. 21a is closed. On the other hand, in the process of shifting from the closed state to the completely open state, the shutter member 32 opens the opening 21a.

A grip portion 32c is provided in the center of the vicinity of the front end portion 32a of the shutter member 32. The grip portion 32c is a portion that is gripped by the operator when the shutter member 32 is slid and moved. When closing the opening / closing mechanism 3, the shutter member 32 is pulled down by holding the grip portion 32c. On the other hand, when the opening / closing mechanism 3 is opened, the shutter member 32 is pulled up by holding the grip portion 32c.

An opening 32d is formed in the center of the shutter member 32 near the rear end 32b. The opening 32d constitutes an example of an X-ray transmitting portion. The opening 32d is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction of the shutter member 32. For example, the opening 32d is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 3C). The opening 32d is arranged at a position corresponding to the upper rail portion 312 in a state where the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed (closed state). At this time, the opening 32d is arranged at a position corresponding to the X-ray irradiation port 47 of the irradiation device 4 described later (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, the opening 32d is arranged at a position corresponding to the rear rail portion 313 in a state where the opening / closing mechanism 3 is completely opened (fully opened state). At this time, a part of the shutter member 32 is arranged at a position corresponding to the X-ray irradiation port 47 of the irradiation device 4 described later. This prevents the situation where X-rays are irradiated into the space S with the opening / closing mechanism 3 open.

The irradiation device 4 and the image receiving device 5 are detachably configured in the housing 2. The irradiation device 4 is detachably configured in the irradiation device storage portion 22 of the housing 2. The image receiving device 5 is detachably configured in the image receiving device storage unit 23 of the housing 2. The irradiation device 4 and the image receiving device 5 are supported by the housing 2 so as to face each other with the inspection object OB housed in the space S interposed therebetween (see FIG. 3B). The irradiation device 4 irradiates the inspection object OB with X-rays, and the image receiving device 5 receives the X-rays transmitted through the inspection object OB.

Here, the configurations of the irradiation device 4 and the image receiving device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG. 3B), and a plan view (FIG. 3C) of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3B, the side surface of the X-ray inspection device 1 as viewed from the right side is shown, and the shutter member 32 is shown for convenience of explanation. Further, in FIG. 3C, for convenience of explanation, a part of the housing 2 (irradiation device accommodating portion 22) is omitted, and the rail member 31 and the shutter member 32 are shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation device 4 is generally composed of a long body having a cylindrical shape. The irradiation device 4 is supported by the housing 2 (irradiation device storage unit 22) so that its longitudinal direction extends along the left-right direction. A part of the irradiation device 4 is inserted into the internal space 22a of the irradiation device storage unit 22. In the irradiation device 4, one end 4a arranged on the right side of the irradiation device 4 projects to the right side of the X-ray inspection device 1, while the other end 4c arranged on the left side of the irradiation device 4 is the irradiation device storage unit 22. It is located near the center.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a power switch 41, a power socket 42, and a communication socket 43 are provided on the end surface of one end 4a of the irradiation device 4. The power switch 41 is arranged at the center of the end surface of the one end portion 4a. The power switch 41 is a switch for switching the on / off state of the irradiation device 4. The power socket 42 and the communication socket 43 are arranged at positions facing each other with the power switch 41 in between. The power socket 42 is a socket into which a power plug is inserted / removed to charge the irradiation device 4. The communication socket 43 is a socket into which a communication plug is inserted and removed when the irradiation device 4 is operated by wire. In a state where these power plugs and communication plugs are not connected, a protective cap is attached to the power socket 42 and the communication socket 43 (FIG. 3B shows a state in which the protective cap is attached. ).

A constricted portion 4b is provided on the peripheral surface portion of the irradiation device 4 near one end portion 4a (see FIG. 3A). The constricted portion 4b is used as a grip portion to be gripped by the operator during transportation or mounting of the irradiation device 4. A fingerprint reader 44 is provided on a part of the inclined surface forming the constricted portion 4b (see FIG. 3A). The fingerprint reader 44 is used to acquire fingerprint information of the operator of the irradiation device 4. By acquiring the fingerprint information of the operator, the X-ray irradiation instruction of the operator whose fingerprint information is not registered in advance is restricted. The fingerprint reader 44 is arranged at a position facing forward while the irradiation device 4 is supported by the housing 2 (irradiation device storage unit 22).

A pair of LED lamps 45 and 46 are provided in the vicinity of the fingerprint reader 44. The LED lamp 45 emits light in different colors to indicate a power-on state and a charging state. For example, the LED lamp 45 emits green light when the power is on or when charging is completed, and emits orange light when the charging is in progress. The LED lamp 46 emits light in different colors to indicate the authentication result by the fingerprint reader 44. For example, the LED lamp 46 emits red light when the authentication result is in the NG state, and emits green light when the authentication result is in the OK state.

An X-ray irradiation port (hereinafter, referred to as “irradiation port”) 47 having a generally circular shape is provided on the peripheral surface portion of the irradiation device 4 near the other end 4c (see FIG. 3C). The irradiation port 47 is arranged at a position facing the lower side (image receiving device 5 side) in a state where the irradiation device 4 is supported by the housing 2 (irradiating device accommodating portion 22). The irradiation port 47 is arranged near the center of the housing 2 in a top view. In the state where the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed, the irradiation port 47 is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening 32d formed in the shutter member 32 (see FIG. 3C). On the other hand, in the state where the opening / closing mechanism 3 is open, the irradiation port 47 is arranged at a position facing a part of the shutter member 32. In this case, a part of the shutter member 32 arranged to face the irradiation port 47 regulates X-ray irradiation.

In the present embodiment, the irradiation angle of X-rays from the irradiation port 47 is set to 40 to 50 degrees toward the lower side (image receiving device 5 side). By setting the irradiation angle from the irradiation port 47 in this way, the X-ray irradiation area is not expanded too much, and the X-ray detection area of the image receiving panel 51 of the image receiving device 5 can be irradiated with X-rays. The X-ray irradiation angle from the irradiation port 47 can be appropriately changed according to the distance to the image receiving device 5, the size of the inspection object OB, and the like.

The irradiation device 4 has a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication between the X-ray inspection device 1 and the control device 10 capable of wireless communication. For example, the irradiation device 4 receives an X-ray irradiation instruction (X-ray inspection instruction) from the control device 10 by the wireless communication unit. Upon receiving the X-ray irradiation instruction from the control device 10, the irradiation device 4 irradiates the X-ray from the irradiation port 47.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the image receiving device 5 is composed of a plate-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the housing 2 (image receiving device storage unit 23). The image receiving device 5 has an X-ray image receiving panel (hereinafter, referred to as “image receiving panel”) 51 on the upper surface thereof (the surface facing the irradiation device 4 with the inspection object OB interposed therebetween). The image receiving device 5 receives the X-rays emitted by the irradiation device 4 and transmitted through the inspection object OB by the image receiving panel 51.

The image receiving device 5 includes a configuration for communicating between the X-ray inspection device 1 and the control device 10 capable of wireless communication, and a configuration for charging the device itself. Although not shown, for example, the image receiving device 5 includes a cable insertion part for inserting a PC cable when performing wired communication of X-ray image information (image data) with the control device 10, and a power plug. A power socket or the like for inserting the is provided. Further, the image receiving device 5 has a wireless communication unit that receives an X-ray image receiving instruction (X-ray inspection instruction) from the control device 10 or transmits the received X-ray image information (image data) to the control device 10. .. The X-ray image information (image data) wirelessly communicated from the image receiving device 5 is displayed on a display unit 13 such as a monitor included in the control device 10 (see FIG. 4).

With such a configuration, the X-ray inspection device 1 performs X-ray irradiation and image reception in response to an X-ray inspection instruction from the control device 10, while controlling the received image data (X-ray image data). Send to 10. By displaying the image data received from the X-ray inspection device 1 in the control device 10, it is possible to determine whether or not a dangerous substance or a suspicious object is contained inside the inspection target object OB.

Next, the configuration of the control device 10 included in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows only the configuration of the control device 10 related to the present invention. The control device 10 is a general-purpose computer system including a CPU (central processing unit), memory (main storage device), hard disk (auxiliary storage device), display (display unit), keyboard (input unit), and the like as basic hardware. Can be configured with. Various functions of the control unit 11, which will be described later, are realized by the software and the hardware working together by reading the program stored in the hard disk into the memory and executing it by the CPU.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, and a tangible database (DB) 15 that control the entire device. Not limited to. The communication unit 12 performs wireless communication with the X-ray inspection device 1. The display unit 13 displays information necessary for operating the control device 10. For example, the display unit 13 displays an operation screen for giving an X-ray inspection instruction to the X-ray inspection device 1 and image data received from the X-ray inspection device 1. The input unit 14 receives an instruction from the operator to the control device 10.

The tangible object DB 15 constitutes a storage unit for storing data related to an arbitrary tangible object (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “tangible object data”). In the tangible object DB 15, various tangible object data used in daily life, in particular, tangible object data to be stored and carried in the inspection object OB are registered. For example, the tangible material data in the tangible material DB 15 is registered in advance by the administrator of the X-ray inspection system 100 and is updated periodically. The method of registering tangible data in the tangible DB 15 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

Here, an example of tangible material data registered in the tangible material DB 15 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB 15 of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the tangible object DB 15 shown in FIG. 5, when data relating to various scissors is registered as tangible object data (FIG. 5A), when data relating to various charging adapters is registered (FIG. 5B), and various PET bottles. The case where the data regarding is registered (Fig. 5C) is shown. Arbitrary tangible data is registered in the tangible DB 15, not limited to scissors, charging adapters, and PET bottles. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, they are shown separately according to the type of tangible object, but in the tangible object DB 15, all these tangible object data are registered. In the following, the data relating to the scissors shown in FIG. 5A will be described as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the identification number (number) 151, the name 152, the shape data 153 and the reference dose data (hereinafter, simply referred to as “dose data”) 154 according to the type of scissors are registered in the tangible object DB 15. ing. For example, in the shape data 153, shape data corresponding to the silhouette when the corresponding scissors are viewed from the front is registered, but the shape data is not limited to this. In the shape data 153, shape data corresponding to the silhouette when the corresponding scissors are viewed from an arbitrary angle may be registered. Here, for convenience of explanation, the shape data 153 is described as "FA1", "FA2", "FA3" ... "FAn".

Further, in the dose data 154, dose data corresponding to the amount of X-ray transmission when X-rays are irradiated according to the contents of the shape data 153 is registered. For example, when the shape data when the scissors are viewed from the front is registered in the shape data 153, the dose data when the scissors are irradiated with X-rays from the front is registered in the corresponding dose data 154. Here, for convenience of explanation, the dose data 154 is described as "DA1", "DA2", "DA3" ... "DAn". The dose data may be referred to as permeation dose data.

The control unit 11 includes an image acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 111, an image analysis unit (analysis unit) 112, a tangible object extraction unit (extraction unit) 113, and an image processing unit 114. In the control device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable as the embodiment that a part or all the functions of the control unit 11 are realized by using artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, by realizing the functions of the image analysis unit 112, the tangible object extraction unit 113, and the image processing unit 114 by artificial intelligence, it is possible to improve the processing accuracy of each component unit described later.

The image acquisition unit 111 acquires image data (X-ray image data) from the X-ray inspection device 1 via the communication unit 12. More specifically, the image acquisition unit 111 outputs an X-ray inspection instruction to the X-ray inspection device 1 via the communication unit 12, and acquires image data as response information thereof. The image acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired image data to the image analysis unit 112.

The image analysis unit 112 analyzes the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 111. More specifically, the image analysis unit 112 analyzes the X-ray transmission dose at each coordinate value when the plane coordinates are assigned to the image data, and the distribution data of the X-ray transmission dose (hereinafter, appropriately " Dose distribution data ") is generated. The image analysis unit 112 outputs the generated dose distribution data together with the image data to the tangible object extraction unit 113.

The tangible object extraction unit 113 extracts a tangible object from the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 111 based on the tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB 15. More specifically, the tangible object extraction unit 113 collates the shape data included in the image data with the shape data of the tangible object registered in the tangible object DB 15, and obtains the tangible object included in the image data. The coordinate value (coordinate area) where this tangible object is placed is extracted. The tangible object extraction unit 113 outputs these tangible objects and coordinate values to the image processing unit 114.

The image processing unit 114 is based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 111, the dose distribution data generated by the image analysis unit 112, and the dose data of the tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB15. Image data from which the reference dose of the tangible object extracted by the extraction unit 113 is removed is generated. More specifically, the image processing unit 114 reads the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted by the tangible object extraction unit 113 from the tangible object DB 15, and removes the dose data from the corresponding coordinate region of the dose distribution data. Generate the image data.

Next, the operation of the control device 10 when performing X-ray inspection in the X-ray inspection system 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the control device 10 when performing an X-ray inspection in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that arbitrary tangible data is registered in the tangible object DB 15 before the process shown in FIG. 6 is started.

Prior to the X-ray inspection, the inspection object OB is housed in the space S of the X-ray inspection device 1, and the opening / closing mechanism 3 is closed. Further, in the control device 10, a tangible object to be removed from the image data is designated by the operator by collating with the tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB 15. By this designation, a tangible object that remains or is erased as a display object on the image data that is the determination result of the X-ray inspection device 1 is designated.

When performing an X-ray inspection with the X-ray inspection system 100, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 10 instructs the X-ray inspection device 1 to perform an X-ray inspection (step (hereinafter, referred to as “ST”) 601. ). This X-ray inspection instruction is generated by the control unit 11 (image acquisition unit 111) and output to the X-ray inspection device 1 via the communication unit 12.

After instructing the X-ray inspection, the control unit 11 (image acquisition unit 111) determines whether to acquire the image data from the X-ray inspection device 1 (ST602). When the X-ray inspection device 1 receives an X-ray inspection instruction from the control device 10, X-rays are emitted from the irradiation device 4 toward the image receiving device 5. The X-rays emitted from the irradiation device 4 pass through the inspection object OB and are received by the image receiving device 5. Then, the X-ray inspection device 1 transmits the image data received by the image receiving device 5 to the control device 10. In ST602, the control unit 11 (image acquisition unit 111) determines whether or not the image data transmitted from the X-ray inspection device 1 is acquired in this way.

When the image data is not acquired from the X-ray inspection device 1, the control unit 11 (image acquisition unit 111) continues the determination process of ST602. On the other hand, when the image data is acquired from the X-ray inspection device 1, the control unit 11 (image analysis unit 112) analyzes the image data (ST603). As described above, the image analysis unit 112 analyzes the transmitted dose of X-rays at each coordinate value when the plane coordinates are assigned to the image data, and generates the dose distribution data.

After generating the dose distribution data, the control unit 11 (tangible object extraction unit 113) performs a tangible object extraction process on the image data acquired from the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 (ST604). In the tangible object extraction process, the tangible object extraction unit 113 includes the tangible object included in the image data acquired from the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 based on the tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB 15, and its coordinate value (coordinate area). Is extracted.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining a tangible object extraction process in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the tangible object extraction process, the tangible object extraction unit 113 selects the shape data of the tangible object data having the smallest identification number 151 among the tangible object data registered in the tangible object DB 15. Then, the tangible object extraction unit 113 collates the shape data of the selected tangible object data with the shape data included in the image data (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “collation between shape data”) (ST701). This collation between shape data is performed over the entire image data.

When the collation between the shape data is started, the tangible object extraction unit 113 determines whether or not the matching shape data (matching shape data) is detected (ST702). Here, when the matching shape data is not detected (ST702: No), the tangible object extraction unit 113 updates the shape data of the tangible object data to be collated with the shape data included in the image data (ST703). Then, the tangible object extraction unit 113 uses the updated tangible object data shape data to perform collation between the shape data again (ST701).

On the other hand, when matching shape data is detected (ST702: Yes), the tangible object extraction unit 113 records the tangible object data including the shape data and the coordinate values in the image data (ST704). When these tangible object data and coordinate values are recorded, the tangible object extraction unit 113 ends the tangible object extraction process.

When the tangible object extraction process is completed, the control unit 11 (image processing unit 114) performs an image removal process (ST605). In the image removal process, the image processing unit 114 acquires the dose data of the tangible object data extracted by the tangible object extraction process, and obtains the dose data acquired according to the coordinate values extracted by the tangible object extraction process as an image. Image data obtained by subtracting from the dose distribution data generated by the analysis unit 112 is generated.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the image removal process in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the image removal process, the image processing unit 114 acquires the dose data of the tangible object data recorded in the tangible object extraction process from the tangible object DB 15 (ST801).

After acquiring the corresponding dose data, the image processing unit 114 selects the dose from the region indicated by the coordinate values on the image data extracted by the tangible object extraction processing among the dose distribution data generated by the image analysis unit 112. The data is subtracted (ST802).

Then, the image processing unit 114 generates image data corresponding to the dose distribution data obtained by subtracting the dose data (ST803). More specifically, the image processing unit 114 generates image data in which the density corresponding to the dose data to be subtracted is erased from the region indicated by the coordinate values on the image data extracted by the tangible object extraction process. To do. When the image data is generated in this way, the image processing unit 114 ends the image removal process.

When the image removal process is completed, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 11 (tangible object extraction unit 113) determines whether or not the process has been performed on all the tangible object data registered in all the tangible object DB 15. (ST606). Here, when all the tangible material data has not been processed (ST606: No), the tangible material extraction unit 113 returns the processing to ST604 and performs the tangible material extraction processing again.

On the other hand, when all the tangible object data is processed (ST606: Yes), the control unit 11 outputs the image data generated in the last image removal process (ST605) to the display unit 13 and performs an X-ray inspection. Is displayed as the determination result of (ST607). When the image data is displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 11 ends a series of operations in the X-ray inspection system 100.

Here, a specific example of image data generated in the process of X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing an example of image data generated in the process of X-ray inspection by the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 9, the X-ray inspection device 1 inspects the scissors A1, the charging adapter B1 and the PET bottle C1 registered in the tangible object DB15, and the powdery body P not registered in the tangible object DB15. The image data when the object OB is inspected by X-ray is shown. In the tangible data registered in the tangible DB 15, the identification number 151 is assumed to increase in the order of the scissors A1, the charging adapter B1 and the PET bottle C1.

After the image data shown in FIG. 9 is generated in ST602, the dose distribution data corresponding to the image data is generated by image analysis (ST603). Then, the tangible object extraction process shown in ST604 extracts the tangible object data included in the image data shown in FIG. 9 and its coordinate values. After that, the image removal process shown in ST605 is used to generate image data obtained by subtracting the dose data of the tangible material data.

When the image data shown in FIG. 9 is acquired, in the tangible object extraction process, while repeating ST701 to ST703 shown in FIG. 7, the shape data FA1 corresponding to the scissors A1 is detected as the matching shape data in ST702. To. When the shape data FA1 corresponding to the scissors A1 is detected, the tangible object data corresponding to the identification number "A1" and the coordinate values in the image data are recorded.

Then, when such information is recorded, the dose data DA1 of the tangible object data corresponding to the identification number “A1” is acquired in ST801 of the image removal process shown in FIG. 8, and the dose distribution data is recorded in ST802. Of these, the dose data DA1 is subtracted from the area indicated by the coordinate values of the image data. Then, in ST803, image data obtained by subtracting the dose data DA1 from the corresponding coordinate region is generated (see FIG. 10). As a result of subtracting the dose data corresponding to the scissors A1 from the image data shown in FIG. 10, the image corresponding to the scissors A1 is removed.

After performing this image removal processing, as a result of determining the completion of the processing for all the tangible object data in the tangible object DB 15 by ST606 shown in FIG. 6, the processing is returned to ST604 again. In this case, the tangible property extraction process is performed on the image data shown in FIG.

When the image data shown in FIG. 10 is acquired, in the tangible object extraction process, while the processes of ST701 to ST703 shown in FIG. 7 are repeated, the shape data FB1 corresponding to the charging adapter B1 is matched shape data in ST702. Is detected as. When the shape data FB1 corresponding to the charging adapter B1 is detected, the tangible object data corresponding to the identification number "B1" and the coordinate values in the image data are recorded.

Then, when such information is recorded, the dose data DB1 of the tangible material data corresponding to the identification number “B1” is acquired in ST801 of the image removal process shown in FIG. 8, and among the dose distribution data in ST802. , The dose data DB1 is subtracted from the area indicated by the coordinate values of the image data. Then, in ST803, image data obtained by subtracting the dose data DB1 from the corresponding coordinate region is generated (see FIG. 11). As a result of subtracting the dose data DB1 corresponding to the charging adapter B1 from the image data shown in FIG. 11, the image corresponding to the charging adapter B1 is removed.

After performing this image removal processing, as a result of determining the completion of the processing for all the tangible object data in the tangible object DB 15 by ST606 shown in FIG. 6, the processing is returned to ST604 again. In this case, the tangible property extraction process is performed on the image data shown in FIG.

When the image data shown in FIG. 11 is acquired, in the tangible object extraction process, while the processes of ST701 to ST703 shown in FIG. 7 are repeated, the shape data FC1 corresponding to the PET bottle C1 is matched shape data in ST702. Is detected as. When the shape data FC1 corresponding to the PET bottle C1 is detected, the tangible object data corresponding to the identification number “C1” and the coordinate values in the image data are recorded.

Then, when such information is recorded, the dose data DC1 of the tangible material data corresponding to the identification number “C1” is acquired in ST801 of the image removal process shown in FIG. 8, and among the dose distribution data in ST802. , The dose data DC1 is subtracted from the region indicated by the coordinate values of the image data. Then, in ST803, image data obtained by subtracting the dose data DC1 from the corresponding coordinate region is generated (see FIG. 12). As a result of subtracting the dose data DC1 corresponding to the PET bottle C1 from the image data shown in FIG. 12, the image corresponding to the PET bottle C1 is removed.

After performing this image removal process, the process is shifted to ST607 as a result of determining the completion of the process for all the tangible object data in the tangible object DB 15 by ST606 shown in FIG. This is because the shape data of the powdery body P is not registered in the tangible object DB 15, so that the processing for all the tangible object data is completed. In ST607, the image data shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 13. Therefore, the inspector of the X-ray inspection system 100 can visually confirm the image data shown in FIG.

As described above, in the X-ray inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment, the tangible object included in the image data is extracted based on the shape data in the tangible object DB 15. Then, the image of the tangible object is removed from the image data based on the dose data in the tangible object DB 15 corresponding to the extracted tangible object, and the removed image data is displayed on the display unit 13, so that the tangible object is displayed. A suspicious object or the like in the inspection target OB can be confirmed by the image data obtained by removing the image of the tangible object stored in the DB 15. As a result, even when the articles are placed overlapping in the inspection target object OB, the suspicious object can be detected with high accuracy.

In particular, the tangible object extraction unit 113 extracts the tangible object included in the image data by collating the shape data included in the image data with the shape data in the tangible object DB 15. As a result, it is possible to reliably extract whether or not all the tangible objects whose shape data is registered in the tangible object DB 15 are included in the image data.

Further, the X-ray inspection system 100 has an image analysis unit 112 that analyzes the transmitted dose of X-rays in the image data and generates distribution data (dose distribution data) of the transmitted dose of X-rays corresponding to the image data. doing. The image processing unit 114 subtracts the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted by the tangible object extraction unit 113 from the dose distribution data generated by the image analysis unit 112 to obtain an image of the tangible object from the image data. Remove. As a result, the image corresponding to the dose data of the corresponding tangible object can be effectively removed from the image data.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified in various ways. In the above embodiment, the size, shape, function, and the like of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed within the range in which the effects of the present invention are exhibited. In addition, it can be appropriately modified and implemented as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the object of the present invention.

The X-ray inspection system and the X-ray inspection method of the present invention have the effect of being able to detect suspicious objects with high accuracy even when articles are placed overlapping in the inspection target, which is dangerous. It is suitable for inspection of OB, which is an inspection target that may be an object or suspicious object.

1: X-ray inspection device 2: Housing 21: Main body 21a: Opening 21b: Glass surface 21c: Wheels 21d: Handle 22: Irradiation device storage 23: Image receiving device storage 3: Opening / closing mechanism 31: Rail member 311 : Front rail part 312: Upper rail part 313: Rear rail part 32: Shutter member 32d: Opening 4: X-ray irradiation device (irradiation device)
47: X-ray irradiation port (irradiation port)
5: X-ray image receiving device (image receiving device)
51: X-ray image receiving panel (image receiving panel)
10: Control device 11: Control unit 111: Image acquisition unit (acquisition unit)
112: Image analysis unit (analysis unit)
113: Tangible material extraction unit (extraction unit)
114: Image processing unit 12: Communication unit 13: Display unit 14: Input unit S: Space OB: Inspection target

Claims (4)

An X-ray inspection apparatus having an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates an inspection object with X-rays and an X-ray image receiving unit that receives the X-rays that have passed through the inspection object.
A control device for acquiring image data received by the X-ray image receiving unit from the X-ray inspection device is provided.
The control device includes a storage unit that stores shape data and dose data of an arbitrary tangible object, and a storage unit.
An extraction unit that extracts tangible objects contained in the image data based on the shape data in the storage unit, and an extraction unit.
An image processing unit that removes an image of the tangible object from the image data based on the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted by the extraction unit.
An X-ray inspection system comprising: a display unit for displaying the image data obtained by removing an image of the tangible object by the image processing unit. The X-ray according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit extracts a tangible object included in the image data by collating the shape data included in the image data with the shape data in the storage unit. Inspection system. Further having an image analysis unit that analyzes the transmitted dose of the X-ray in the image data and generates distribution data of the transmitted dose of the X-ray corresponding to the image data.
The claim is characterized in that the image processing unit removes an image of the tangible object from the image data by subtracting the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted by the extraction unit from the distribution data. 1 or the X-ray inspection system according to claim 2. An X-ray inspection device having an X-ray irradiation unit for irradiating an inspection object with X-rays and an X-ray image receiving unit for receiving the X-rays transmitted through the inspection object, and the X-ray image receiving device from the X-ray inspection device. This is an X-ray inspection method using a control device that acquires image data received by the unit.
An extraction step of extracting a tangible object included in the image data based on the shape data in a storage unit that stores shape data and dose data of an arbitrary tangible object.
A removal step of removing an image of the tangible object from the image data based on the dose data corresponding to the tangible object extracted in the extraction step.
An X-ray inspection method comprising: a display step for displaying the image data from which an image of the tangible object has been removed in the removal step.