This paper describes a real time radioscopic device with a high resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels. The detector is based on an image converter tube, which is equipped with a CCD camera having a sensor chip with 1024 x 1024 pixels. The camera works in real time, generating 25 frames per second. The real time operation allows an investigation of parts under motion, which is not possible with slow scan cameras.

The video output is a HDTV (High Definition TeleVision) signal. A special image processing computer digitizes and processes these images in real time. Thus the system can be used for noise reduction by integration and also for real time inspection, for instance when searching for cracks during weld inspection. All common image processing functions like contrast enhancement, filtering and coloured presentation are available in the system.

Examples for these systems are shown. One of them, integrated into a production line, is used for the inspection of castings. Tthe parts are placed on a conveyor belt and picked up by a robot, positioning them in front of an image detector. The image size is 800 x 600 pixels according to the VGA standard. A second system working in a pipe mill is based on HDTV technology, used for the inspection of longitudinal welds on large pipe diameters. Both systems are of a quality high enough to replace the film inspection as performed before.

A perfect expansion of advanced radioscopy is the computed tomography. With the required mechanical precision the manipulator of the inspection system can be used for the scanning process. For tomographic inspection only a central line of the video image is used. For higher contrast resolution this image section is picked up with a linear diode array of 1024 elements. The output of the diodes are digitized with 12 bits resolution yielding a higher dynamic range than obtained by the CCD camera.

A patented detector is presented, which contents a diode array for CT as well as a CCD camera for radioscopic inspection. As an example of such an integrated inspection system for CT and radioscopy an installation in the automotive industry is described in the paper.

Tomographic systems for the inspection of big components require high radiation energy. The radiation is detected with an array of individual scintillation detectors. A radiographic image is generated by scanning the object. Described is a system for the inspection of nuclear waste barrels.

The development of system components has been funded within research programs by the German Ministry for Research and Technology, by the Ministry of Economy, Small Business and Technology of the state North-Rhine Westfalia and by the European Community.