Self Contained Mobile Inspection System and Method

Abstract

The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising:
 a mobile vehicle;   a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end wherein said proximal end is physically attached to said vehicle; and   at least one source of radiation wherein said radiation source is located on a rotatable platform fixedly attached to said proximal end of said boom, wherein said image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing said objects to radiation, and detecting radiation; and   a post collimator integrally connected between said radiation source and said proximal end of said movable boom.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a hydraulic or cable system located in the vehicle to move the boom. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising at least one sensor to determine when a target object is positioned between the radiation source and the detector array. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the sensor, upon being activated by the movement of a target object, transmits a signal to activate said radiation source. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the boom has a main body physically attached to the vehicle, an outer arm physically attached to the main body, and a telescopic arm physically attached to the outer arm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the boom has a first configuration and a second configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein, in said first configuration, the outer arm and telescopic arm are positioned in substantial parallel alignment with said vehicle. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6  wherein, in said second configuration, the outer arm and telescopic arm are positioned to align in a range from 90 degrees to 100 degrees with said vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the radiation source is aligned with the detector system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the radiation source is aligned with the detector system using optical triangulation techniques. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the detectors are angled at substantially 90 degrees relative to a focal point of said radiation source. 
     
     
         12 . A method for inspecting objects using a portable inspection system that generates an image representation of a target object using a radiation source, comprising the steps of:
 transporting a detector array and at least one source of radiation to an operation site using a vehicle, wherein said detector array is physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end is physically attached to said vehicle, and wherein said radiation source is fixedly attached to a rotatable platform located on said proximal end of said boom;   creating a detection region by moving said boom into a substantially perpendicular position relative to said vehicle;   activating said radiation source;   moving the vehicle passed the target object such that said target object passes through said detection region;   exposing the target object to radiation emitted from the radiation source wherein the exposing step results in secondary radiation; and   detecting secondary radiation by the detector array.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the motion of the vehicle is substantially constant at a plurality of speed settings. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the vehicle comprises a hydraulic or cable system to move said boom. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of optionally detecting when the target object enters the detection region. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the boom has a main body physically attached to the vehicle, an outer arm physically attached to the main body, and a telescopic arm physically attached to the outer arm. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the boom has a first configuration and a second configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein, in said first configuration, the outer arm and telescopic arm are positioned in substantial parallel alignment with said vehicle. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein, in said second configuration, the outer arm and telescopic arm are positioned in substantial perpendicular alignment with said vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the radiation source is aligned with the detector system. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the radiation source is aligned with the detector system using optical triangulation techniques. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the detectors are angled at substantially 90 degrees relative to a focal point of said radiation source.