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Frequency Asked Questions
DRS SECURESCAN
Q: What are the Digital Radiographic Scanning Systems?
A:The Digital Radiographic Scanning Systems (Digital Radiographic Scanners) constitute a new class (type) of digital radiographic devices of both general and special purpose in which the scanning technologies for obtaining the digital X-ray image are used.
Back Q: What is the ADANI DRS ZoomVision Scanning Technology?
A: The DRS ZoomVision is the digital radiographic scanning (DRS) technology developed by the ADANY for obtaining the two-dimensional digital X-ray image of the patient by the method of "scanning by a flat beam with the geometrical projection magnification".
The variable projection magnification is realized by varying the patient's position between the X-ray source and the receiver by means of a mobile deck and allows the user to optimize the image pixel size (to provide the maximum resolution) of the scanning receiver relatively to the linear dimensions of the subject under examination.
Back Q: Do the scanning technologies provide the necessary spatial resolution?
A: The necessary spatial resolution is realized by sufficiently simple means:
- on one coordinate (in the direction of the linear detector): due to the necessary size and number of X-ray sensitive elements (image pixels); - on another coordinate (in the direction of scanning): due to specifying the necessary number of scanning steps (the number of readouts from the detector output). The ADANI is the leader in the development of the family of digital scanning X-ray image receivers with the format from IK lK up to 3K 3K pixels. At present, the development of the receiver with the pixel size of 25 m for the new digital scanning mammography system is at the completion stage. Back Q: What advantages does the digital scanning X-ray image receiver offer in comparison with other types of receptors, such as a full-size array, CCD-based, etc.?
A:As against other types of digital X-ray image receptors, in the scanning receptors:
Back Q: Why is the contrast resolution of digital scanning receivers higher than, for example, that of the full-sized arrays or CCD-based receptors?
A:The contrast resolution is one of the most important characteristics of digital X-ray image receivers, because it characterizes the ability to resolve the low-contrast details of the subject under examination when performing the X-ray diagnostics.
The determining contribution to the contrast resolution (up to 25 % and higher) is made by the scattered radiation from the patient as well as the interference between the adjacent X-ray-sensitive elements: hit of an X-ray quantum on a receptor element of the receptor causes the response of not only this element, but also of the adjacent one (the contribution is up to 5-10 %).
In the scanning receivers made according to the DRS ZoomVision technology the contribution from both factors is actually brought to naught.
Back Q: What is the difference between the scanning time and the exposure time in the scanning systems?
A: The exposure time in X-ray systems (both film and digital) characterizes the time of exposure (influence time) of the patient to the X-ray radiation for obtaining a high-quality X-ray image.
The exposure time depends on the receiver sensitivity, kind of examination, radiation parameters and is from units up to hundreds milliseconds.
In turn, the scanning time characterizes the time of passing over the selected (by means of the collimator) area of (scanning this area by) a very narrow fan-like X-ray beam. It could be simply estimated that, for instance, for the time Tscan = 2 s of scanning the site with the length L = 400 mm, the X-ray beam with the width H = 2 mm will only act upon the patient for the time: Òexp = Òscan / (L/H) = 2 s / (400/2) = 0.01 s This example characterizes the patient exposure time; so the patient is exposed to radiation layer-by-layer, as against the traditional radiography, where the patient is exposed to a wide beam acting simultaneously upon the whole selected area.Back Q: What are the differences among the DRS Thorax, DRS Universal and DRS Trauma digital radiographic devices?
A: The DRS Thorax is a specialized digital radiographic system intended for both screening and diagnostics of the thorax organs.
The DRS Universal is a general-purpose digital radiographic device intended for obtaining standard X-ray images of both soft and bone structures of the patient in the standing, sitting and laying positions. The DRS Trauma is a specialized radiographic device intended for obtaining the digital images of the whole patient's body, and its separate regions with the purpose of express X-ray diagnostics in case of extensive traumas. BackQ: Do the vascular pulsations caused by the heartbeats affect the quality and diagnostic capabilities of the digital X-ray image?
A: No, because the scanning time is short, the exposure time does not exceed 10 milliseconds. It is confirmed by the experience of examination of more than 4 million patients.
Back Q: Is the use of the anti-scattering grid in the scanning systems required?
A: No, the scattered radiation is deflected and does not get on the sensitive area of the X-ray sensitive detector, because
1) the X-ray image receiver is a very narrow linear array X-ray sensitive detector 2) the patient is located at a significant distance from the entrance surface of the scanning receptor. BackQ: Why is the patient exposure doze in digital X-ray scanning systems lower, than in other types of digital X-ray systems?
A: The lower patient exposure doze is conditioned by:
- high sensitivity of the X-ray image receiver, - absence of anti-scattering grid, - short time of an effective exposure of the patient. Back Q: Is the repair of the X-ray sensitive detector possible during its operation?
A: In the full-size array receptors the number of active elements exceeds tens millions pieces and neither element can be replaced in case of default. As follows from the theory of reliability, even given the factor of reliability of 0.9999, thousand elements (pixels) of the digital receptor will fail. These elements are not reparable; therefore they are simply subtracted from the image by the software. Thus, the continuous information loss during the operation of the full-size digital receptor is unavoidable.
In turn, the linear array X-ray detector consists of separate folding matrices which can be replaced in case of failure of even a single element, and cost of the repair is low.
Back Q: What is the DRS SecureScan?
A: The principally new tools for personal inspection are digital scanning systems, based on usage of an X-rays. In the scanner DRS Secure SCAN, the unique technology, based on receiving of digital projection X-ray full-size image of the person in by "slot-scan method" is used.
DRS Secure SCAN allows to receive the projection X-ray image of the checked person and ' to "see", what is hidden under clothes; " to have a look inside " of the person.
Back Q: What are the differences between DRS SecureScan and ConPass?
A: Both systems were developed and produced by ADANI.
DRS SecureScan is a new development t with higher parameters and has 3 versions
Back Q: What is the operating principle of the DRS SecureScan?
A: Scanning digital X-ray technology for safety is based on:
" Forming of extremely narrow (< 2 mm) monochromatic X-ray beam with the help of system of collimators and filters for examination of the checked person;
" Moving the person on the special movable platform located between the collimator and the detector, through X-ray beam with the purpose of scanning;
" Using of high-sensitive linear matrix of semiconductor scintillation detectors, disposed upright, as the X-ray receiver;
" Detecting the radiation past through the person with the help of a linear detector and forming of a two dimensional matrix of the digital image on the operator's monitor;
.Back Q: What kind of objects can be detected by DRS SecureScan ?
A: DRS SecureSCAN is intended for finding dangerous subject:
" Made of inorganic materials hidden under clothes - such as fire and cold arms steel, detonators, electronic systems etc.;
" Made of organic materials (not detectable by archway metal detectors), hidden under clothes - plastic explosive, narcotics in containers, fire and cold steel from ceramics etc.;
" Made of materials of any types swallowed or hidden in natural cavities of the person - narcotics, explosive, chemical and biological materials in containers, precious stones and metals.
Back Q: Where DRS SecureScan can be applied?
A: Main applications:
" At airports, at railway and bus stations for ensuring the security of mass passenger traffic;
" At the guarded objects with the purpose of input/output inspection;
" In prisons as an alternative to personal inspection (strip searching)
Additional applications:
" At the border with the purpose of custom inspection to detect contraband;
" At mines and factories for extracting diamonds to prevent thefts;
" In shops for refining and processing diamonds, precious stones and metals, concentrates of rare-earths elements to prevent thefts
" Ensuring the VIP's security
Back Q: How can DRS SercureScan be compared to a metal detector?
A: Under the present conditions, using only archway metal detectors for personal inspection and X-ray system for luggage inspection do not ensure any more a demanded level of security and control. First of all, it concerns the security at airports and customs control at borders. For committing terrorist acts the cold nonmetallic arms and plastic explosive are used, clandestine carriage of narcotics in the swallowed capsules is realized.
The main problem is that the terrorism tools and objects, forbidden to carriage, could be hidden not only under clothes, but also in natural cavities of the body
Back Q: What advantages has DRS SecureScan compare to another type of x-ray personnel scanner as RAPISCAN SECURE 1000 or AS&E BODYSEACH?
A: The personnel screening systems SECURE 1000 and BODYSEACH uses reflected x- ray energy to produce images of metallic and nonmetallic objects concealed under a persons clothing.
DRS Secure SCAN allows to receive the projection X-ray image of the checked person and "to "see", what is hidden under clothes; " to have a look inside " of the person. Thus there is no ethic problems, reference for scanning X-ray systems based on using of back-scattering radiation which "undress" the person . More over, two - three scans - in front, behind and in some cases sideways- are not required for examination.
Back Q: Does the movement of examined during scanning person impact on a quality of image?
A: No. There would not be any losses of information about illegal items. If the person is mobbing during examination (while the platform is moving), it will cause only to a small geometrical distortions, due to a very short time required to create one column of image (5 milliseconds)
Back Q: What if a person refuses to be scanned by DRS SecureScan?
A: Person reluctant to be scanned can be alternatively hand searched by security officer. When given the option, most people would rather be scanned.
Back Q: How much radiant energy is a person exposed to?
A: The irradiation of the person during one scanning at DRS Secure SCAN is insignificant on a background of natural radiation. It is near 5 µSv for mod. Standard and 0.1 µSv for mod. Optimum. Presence on the sun or any flight deposits much greater contribution to a general irradiation of the person. The typical exposure dose due to cosmic radiation, received by a passenger flying from Ìalaga to London, is 10 µSv, from New York to London - 35µSv . The typical background exposure dose received by an average EU inhabitant per day is 6-7 µSv.
Back Q: Are pregnant women subjected to body scans?
A: According to the recommendation of the US National Council for Radiation Protection (NCRP 1993) and international safety norms for the general public (pregnant women and children among them) the allowed exposure level of irradiation from all non-medical ionizing radiation sources is 1 mSv (1000 µSv) annually, from one source - not more than 0,25 mSv annually. However, by policy, security officer does not a body scan to be administered to woman who knows, believes, or insure if she is pregnant. In this case the alternative search can be used.
Back Q: Does the system allows to cover specific areas of the body ?
A: First, the image is projection, so it will not look as a photo, but as traditional medical X-ray image. Second, a special software is applied to make this areas indist
Back Q: Has the FDA cleared the product?
A: Yes. After a thorough review of performance and safety data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement clearing the DRS SecureScan for sale into interstate commerce.
Back Q: How long does it take to install a system and train the operator?
A: Installation will take 3-4 days. Exploitation is not difficult. But in accordance with
ANSI/HPS N43.17-2002 standard the personnel should be trained specially (usually 3-4 days)
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