Inexpensive, Lightweight, Portable, Large Image Area, X-ray Display System, with Wireless Data Transmission Capability

50240-98-I Inexpensive, Lightweight, Portable, Large Image Area, X-ray Display System, with Wireless Data Transmission Capability--Industrial Quality, Inc., 640 East Diamond Avenue, Suite C, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5323; (301) 948-2460 Dr. Kenneth M. Gibbs, Principal Investigator Mr. Thomas S. Jones, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82596 Amount: $75,000 An inexpensive, portable, battery powered, large image format x-ray display system is needed for use by field security officials to be used in lieu of physical search of vehicles and freight. Currently available systems are either prohibitively expensive, offer a small image format, or are not readily portable. This project will establish the feasibility of an x-ray system assembled from inexpensive, lightweight components. This system will incorporate features that enhance the ease of use, portability, transportability, and data transmission capability between the field and the central location. An evaluation system will be assembled and tested and will include a battery powered scintillator-camera x-ray imager connected to a lap-top PC with an integral modem and image processing hardware and software. Data transmission from remote locations to a central laboratory via data-ready cellular phone will be demonstrated. Attention to system component cost and weight will be emphasized during the design and test phase of the project. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The development of a low-cost, portable x-ray imaging system will provide an important tool for law enforcement and custom officials. The low cost of this system will encourage its use for inspection of vehicles and freight at an increased rate compared to physical inspection, thus increasing inspection effectiveness and enhancing security._