Fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion

Abstract

The present invention discloses an X-ray imaging system, which includes: a plurality of X-ray tubes from a pulsed source mounted on a moving structure to form an X-ray tube array. The tubes move simultaneously relative to an object at a constant speed as a group along a predefined arcuate track. Each individual X-ray tube in each individual source can also move rapidly a small distance around its static position. When the tubes have a speed equal to the group speed but have an opposite direction of movement, the tubes and the X-ray flat panel detector are activated by an external exposure control unit such that the tubes are temporarily held stationary. In the case of wider and faster sweep angles, this results in a greatly reduced travel distance for each X-ray source tube and a much lighter load for the motion system, and also enables real-time image analysis.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to the following applications: Provisional Application Serial No. 63182426, filed Apr. 30, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63226508, filed Jul. 28, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63170288, filed Apr. 2, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63175952, filed Apr. 16, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63194071, filed May 27, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63188919, filed May 14, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63225194, filed Jul. 23, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63209498, filed Jun. 11, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63214913, filed Jun. 25, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63220924, filed Jul. 12, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63222847, filed Jul. 16, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63224521, filed Jul. 22, 2021; and U.S. Application Serial 17149133, filed Jan. 24, 2021, which in turn claims priority to Provisional Serial 62967325, filed Jan. 29, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This patent specification pertains to the field of 3D X-ray radiography systems and methods, and particularly relates to the use of multiple pulsed X-ray sources and X-ray digital flat panel detectors. Background Art

[0003] Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is a method for performing high-resolution limited-angle tomography at a radiation dose level comparable to that of conventional radiography. These digital tomosynthesis systems typically use an X-ray source mounted at a rotatable arm assembly and a digital flat panel detector near the center of rotation. When performing tomosynthesis, the X-ray source needs to move in an arc around the object. While the X-ray source moves around the object, a series of low-dose X-ray images are acquired at different angles. The collected data set allows for the reconstruction of parallel planes. Each plane is clearly visible, and the images of the tissues outside those planes are blurred. Generally, a wider sweep angle will generate more data projections and result in better 3D resolution, but it takes longer. The data processing is manufacturer-specific because different reconstruction algorithms may be used. It should be emphasized that these kinds of digital tomosynthesis systems and methods can also be applied to other X-ray 3D radiography applications besides digital mammography, such as X-ray 3D chest diagnostic systems for COVID, X-ray 3D non-destructive testing (NDT) systems, and X-ray 3D security inspection systems. There is prior art that uses a single X-ray source and a single flat panel to perform X-ray 3D radiography. However, there are drawbacks in the prior art. The main drawback is that it takes a single X-ray source a long time to acquire good data projections. This is true for both the continuous mode and the step-and-shoot mode. In the continuous mode, the X-ray source emits X-rays while it is moving; in the step-and-shoot mode, the X-ray source moves to a certain position, stops and emits X-rays, and then continues to move to the next position. Although all patients hope that X-ray imaging can be completed as soon as possible, there is a minimum X-ray source travel sweep angle requirement. If the sweep angle is too small, such that the X-ray source can travel a shorter distance and the total time required is less, the system will have a smaller number of data projections. A smaller number of data projections will result in lower depth resolution and a loss of detail perception. It is assumed that the sweep angle needs to be large enough to achieve good data projections for better 3D resolution. In this case, a single X-ray source may mechanically travel too long a distance, making the patient uncomfortable and unable to keep the breast still. In some cases, a 50-degree sweep will take up to about half a minute. The second drawback is that real-time reconstruction is difficult because the whole process is slow. Generally, the prior art takes dozens of seconds to complete the sweep. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, a system for providing fast 3D radiography using a plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion, comprising: a primary motorized table that moves freely on an arcuate guide rail with a predetermined shape; a primary motor that engages with the primary motorized table and controls the speed of the primary motorized table; a plurality of secondary motorized tables that are coupled to the primary motorized table and move along the direction of the arcuate guide rail; a plurality of secondary motors, each of which engages with a secondary motorized table and controls the speed of the secondary motorized table; a plurality of X-ray tubes from an X-ray source, each X-ray tube being moved by a secondary motorized table; a support frame structure that provides a housing for the primary motorized table and the secondary motorized tables; and an X-ray flat panel detector that is used to receive X-rays and send imaging data.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method for performing fast 3D radiography using a plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion, comprising: positioning a primary motorized table and one or more secondary motorized tables to a predetermined initial position; sweeping the primary motorized table at a predetermined constant speed by the primary motor; oscillating each of the secondary motorized tables in the secondary motorized tables in a predetermined order by corresponding secondary motors; electrically activating the X-ray source tubes and the X-ray flat panel detector when the secondary motorized table moves in a direction opposite to that of the primary motorized table and at a selected speed of the primary motorized table; and acquiring image data from the X-ray flat panel detector.

[0006] In another aspect, an X-ray imaging system for performing ultrafast, efficient 3D radiography using a plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion is proposed. In the system, there are a plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes mounted on a moving structure to form a source array. The plurality of X-ray source tubes simultaneously move around an object at a constant speed of a group on a predefined orbit. Each individual X-ray source tube can also move a small distance rapidly around its static position. When an individual X-ray source tube has a speed equal to the group speed but in the opposite moving direction, the individual X-ray source tube is triggered by an external exposure control unit. This arrangement allows the X-ray source tubes to remain relatively stationary during the X-ray pulse trigger exposure duration. The plurality of X-ray source tubes result in a greatly reduced source tube travel distance for individual X-ray source tubes. The X-ray receiver is an X-ray flat panel detector. 3D radiography image projection data can be acquired in a much shorter time period with a much wider overall sweep, and image analysis can also be performed in real time while scanning.

[0007] On the other hand, an X-ray imaging system that uses multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion to perform efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography includes multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes mounted on a structure in motion to form a source array. The multiple X-ray source tubes move simultaneously relative to an object at a constant speed as a group along a predefined arcuate orbit. Each individual X-ray source tube can also move rapidly in a small distance around its static position. When an individual X-ray source tube has a speed equal to the group speed but has an opposite direction of movement, the individual X-ray source tube and the X-ray detector are activated by an external exposure control unit. This arrangement allows the X-ray source tubes to remain relatively stationary during X-ray source tube activation and X-ray detector exposure. The X-ray receiver is an X-ray flat panel detector. The multiple X-ray source tubes in motion operation result in a greatly reduced source travel distance for individual X-ray source tubes. 3D radiography image data can be acquired in a shorter time with a generally wider sweep angle, and image analysis can also be performed in real time while scanning is in progress.

[0008] In a specific implementation, a random firing scheme can also be used to randomly activate an X-ray source tube from one of any sources in the array. The results of each and cumulative analysis determine the next X-ray source tube and exposure conditions. The 3D X-ray radiography image is reconstructed based on each image with an angled geometry of the X-ray exposure source tubes. Much broader applications include: 3D mammography or tomosynthesis, chest 3D radiography for COVID or rapid 3D NDT, rapid 3D X-ray security inspection.

[0009] The advantages of the above system may include one or more of the following. Various embodiments of multiple X-ray source tubes in motion are used in a novel ultrafast 3D radiography system. The first advantage is that the overall system speed is several times faster. Each X-ray source tube will only need to mechanically travel a small portion of the entire distance in an arc trajectory. This greatly reduces the amount of data acquisition time required by the patient at the X-ray diagnostic machine. The second advantage is that image analysis can also be done in real time while the scan is in progress. The judgment of the captured images will affect the position of the X-ray source tube for the next shot. There is no need to wait until the entire image acquisition is complete to perform tomographic image reconstruction. The third advantage is that high-resolution and high-contrast images can be obtained due to the reduction of motion artifacts. Each X-ray source tube is also mounted on a substructure that vibrates the source around its origin. The combination of the vibration speed and the orbital speed results in a relative stationary position of the X-ray source tube at the moment when an individual X-ray source tube is activated. The fourth advantage is that the system can operate at a much wider sweep angle to acquire more data projections faster. More data projections mean better image construction, which will result in a reduced misdiagnosis rate. The fifth advantage is that due to the wider sweep angle and faster imaging acquisition, a time component can be added to the 3D spatial imaging to form a 4D imaging dataset. The present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. It should be recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications other than those explicitly stated are possible and within the scope of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 Shows an exemplary ultrafast 3D digital radiography system with multiple X-ray source tubes in motion when the X-ray source has an independent high-voltage unit and an oil cooling unit.

[0011] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary ultrafast 3D digital radiography system with multiple X-ray source tubes in motion when the X-ray source tubes are in a housing unit.

[0012] Figure 3 Shows an exemplary configuration where individual X-ray source tubes emit X-ray beams at a temporary stationary position at the moment when the primary and secondary motor worktables move in opposite directions but at the same speed.

[0013] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary five-X-ray source tube configuration that obtains 25 projection datasets by each X-ray source tube traveling only one-fifth of the total distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplary rather than limiting the present invention. As used herein, "the present invention" refers to any one of the embodiments of the present invention described herein and any equivalents. In addition, references to various features of "the present invention" throughout the document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the recited features.

[0015] A fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed source X-ray source tubes in motion is described in detail below. In this system, a plurality of X-ray source tubes 9 from multiple pulsed X-ray sources are mounted on a primary motion table 8 to form an array of X-ray tubes 9. The plurality of X-ray source tubes on the primary motion table 8 move simultaneously relative to the object at a constant speed as a group along a predefined arcuate track. Each individual X-ray source tube in the X-ray source can also move rapidly a small distance around its static position. When the X-ray source tubes 9 have a speed equal to the group speed but with an opposite direction of movement, the X-ray source tubes 9 and the X-ray flat panel detector 1 are activated by an external exposure control unit such that the tubes are temporarily held stationary. This results in a much reduced travel distance for each X-ray source tube and a much lighter load for the motion system. The 3D scan can cover a much wider sweep angle in a much shorter time and image analysis can also be performed in real time. The X-ray source generally includes high voltage control electronics, high voltage cables 4, a cooling system, an oil cooling hose 5, and an X-ray source tube 9. The X-ray source assembly is generally heavy when it has heavy metal components such as lead shields. For a compact system, the X-ray source assembly can be placed on a motion control member. However, it is impractical to place a heavy X-ray source assembly on a motion table. In this case, only the X-ray source tube 9 portion of the X-ray source needs to be vibrated, rather than the entire X-ray source. The motion control member will then have a much lower load and much better motion accuracy. Using a conventional tube in a high voltage tank 3, only the X-ray source tube 9 in the tube housing 6 can be vibrated. This system separates the X-ray source tube 9 and the electronics and only vibrates the X-ray source tube 9 portion connected to the high voltage cable 4 and the oil cooling hose 5, thus forming a more compact and reliable system.

[0016] Figure 1 An ultrafast 3D digital radiography system with multiple X-ray source tubes 9 in motion is shown when the X-ray source has independent high voltage and oil cooling units. Generally, there are two types of X-ray sources. When the X-ray source has a relatively high power, the X-ray source has independent high voltage and oil cooling units. When the X-ray source has a relatively low power, the X-ray source tube, high voltage, and oil cooling are usually in the same housing, sometimes referred to as monolithic.

[0017] InFigure 1 In the configuration, the X-ray source has an independent high-voltage oil tank 3 and an oil cooling unit. The ultrafast 3D digital imaging system includes an X-ray detector 1, multiple pulse sources, a frame structure 2, a high-voltage oil tank 3, high-voltage cables 4, an oil cooling hose 5, an X-ray source tube housing 6, etc. The X-ray source tube 9 is in the X-ray stand-alone tube housing 6. The X-ray source tube housing 6 is mounted on the secondary motorized table 7. All secondary motorized tables 7 are mounted at the primary motorized table 8.

[0018] Each secondary motorized table 7 is engaged to a secondary motor. All secondary motorized tables 7 are mounted on the primary motorized table 8. Each X-ray stand-alone tube housing 6 is mounted on the secondary motorized table 7. Each motor is controlled by programmable motion control hardware and can move the motorized table back and forth at a predetermined speed. The secondary motorized tables 7 are positioned in such a way that the spacing from adjacent tables is equal. Thus, all X-ray source tubes move together with the primary motorized table 8, but each individual X-ray source tube 9 can also move individually with a separate secondary motorized table 7.

[0019] The X-ray flat panel detector 1 can also be mounted on an additional linear table. The X-ray flat panel detector 1 can also move back and forth based on the position of the X-ray source tube 9 to have a wider image coverage.

[0020] During operation, the X-ray flat panel detector 1 receives X-rays and sends the imaging data to a computer. An array of multiple X-ray sources is mounted on the primary motorized table 8 through the secondary motorized tables 7. The primary motorized table 8 moves relative to the object at a constant speed on a predefined arc track. As a group, each individual X-ray source is also mounted on a substructure that causes the source to vibrate around its origin. The combination of the vibration speed and the track speed results in a relative stationary position of the X-ray source at the moment when an individual X-ray source is activated. The primary motor is engaged to the primary motorized table 8 and controls the speed of the primary motorized table 8. Each X-ray source in the array of multiple X-ray sources moves through a secondary motorized table 7 coupled to the primary motorized table 8. Multiple secondary motors each engage a secondary motorized table 7 and control the speed of the secondary motorized table 7. In the secondary motorized table 7, each secondary motorized table 7 has a motor driver to control the drive frequency of the secondary motorized table 7. Each X-ray source includes an X-ray source tube 9 that has an electrical switch connected to a power source.

[0021] The multiple pulse source frame structure 2 includes multiple source frame sections. Each of them has multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes. Multiple source section holders are used to hold the individual source sections at predetermined positions in an arcuate shape. The overall source group is held by an overall structure designed to move in the direction of the arc. An arcuate guide rail with a predefined curvature is provided as a guide and track for supporting the movement of the overall structure. The primary motor table 8 moves in the direction of the arcuate guide rail using a high-precision table system. A corresponding motor controller controls the speed of the primary motor table 8. Individual secondary motor tables 7 are mounted on top of the individual source sections. Each secondary motor table in the secondary motor tables 7 engages with a corresponding secondary motor to control its speed. A source activation controller is connected to each X-ray source tube 9 and the X-ray flat panel detector 1 to trigger the X-ray detector 1 and each X-ray source tube 9 individually.

[0022] Next, the operation of 3D radiography based on an array of pulsed X-ray source tubes is described in detail. The moving X-ray source tubes 9 provide an ultrafast 3D radiography imaging technique, where the travel distance of each X-ray source tube relative to its original position is significantly reduced. A single fixed X-ray flat panel detector 1 receives the X-ray flux from the array of X-ray source tubes 9 and generates radiography data, and the projection image data is reconstructed using each X-ray source tube 9 as an individual source traveling along an arcuate section trajectory relative to the object. The two-dimensional positioning accuracy of the X-ray source tubes 6, the flat panel detector 1, and the entire structure can be determined by using the circular guide rail length, the radius of curvature, the center-to-center distance between the primary motor table 8 and the secondary motor tables 7, and the angular deviation from a straight line.

[0023] The oil cooling tank has cooling channels with a small heat exchanger in the middle. The rotor blades in each channel will rotate to generate forced convection to carry the oil heat away from the pre-cooler surface. This prevents thermal shock and surface defects on the cooling material due to uneven temperature. Heating each rotor blade channel allows an independent pumping system to allow one to operate while the other is shut down for repair or maintenance.

[0024] The X-ray stand-alone tube housing 6 includes an X-ray generating source assembly and a tube wall. The X-ray generating source assembly is an internal unit within the X-ray stand-alone tube housing 6. The X-ray generating source assembly includes an X-ray beam that can pass through the tube wall to provide X-ray radiography for various applications. The X-ray stand-alone tube housing 6 can alternatively be made of a metallic material such as aluminum alloy.

[0025] Figure 2An ultrafast 3D digital radiography system with multiple X-ray source tubes 9 in motion is shown when the X-ray source tube, high voltage, and oil cooling are in the same housing. In this case, the X-ray source tube housing 6 is mounted at the primary motion table 8, while the X-ray source tubes 9 are mounted at the secondary motor table 7. The primary motion table 8 is mounted at multiple pulse source frame structures 2.

[0026] The X-ray source tube housing 6 with multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9 is mounted on a moving structure to form a source array. The housing moves around an object in 3D space at a constant speed together with the structure. Each individual X-ray source tube 9 can also move a small distance rapidly around its static position. When an individual X-ray source tube 9 has a speed equal to the group speed but in the opposite direction of movement, the individual X-ray source tube 9 is triggered by an external exposure control unit. This arrangement allows the X-ray source tubes 9 to remain relatively stationary during the X-ray pulse-triggered exposure duration. The multiple X-ray source tubes 9 result in a greatly reduced source travel distance for each individual X-ray source tube 9. The X-ray receiver is the X-ray flat panel detector 1, which can acquire 3D radiography image projection data in a much shorter time period with a much wider overall sweep and can also perform image analysis in real time while scanning. The present invention includes a method, a system, and / or a computer program product. In one embodiment, the method, system, and / or computer program product can be implemented in the context of mammography breast imaging.

[0027] The primary motion table 8 holds the X-ray source tubes 9 in motion, the secondary motor tables, and the flat panel detector. Each X-ray source tube in motion is mounted on the primary motion table with automated movement. And each secondary motor table in the secondary motor tables also carries its secondary motor to oscillate around an arcuate path at a constant speed as a group according to a predefined arcuate track. There are multiple X-ray source tubes 9 in simultaneous motion, which means that all X-ray source tubes 9 move at the same speed, but each X-ray source tube 9 vibrates independently. The group of X-ray source tubes will scan across the human body as a single unit.

[0028] The X-ray tube 9 uses multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9 in motion to generate imaging data for performing ultrafast and efficient 3D radiography. The multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9 are mounted on a structure in motion to form a source array. The multiple X-ray source tubes 9 move simultaneously around an object at a constant speed in a group along a predefined arcuate orbit. When an individual X-ray source tube has a speed equal to the group speed, each individual X-ray source tube can also move a small distance rapidly around its static position. However, the moving directions are opposite, and the individual X-ray source tubes are triggered by an external exposure control unit. This arrangement allows the X-ray source tubes 9 to remain relatively stationary during the X-ray pulse trigger exposure duration. The multiple X-ray sources result in a greatly reduced source travel distance for the individual X-ray source tubes 9. The X-ray receiver is the X-ray flat panel detector 1. The X-ray 3D radiography image projection data can be acquired in a much shorter time with a much wider overall sweep, and image analysis can also be performed in real time. On the other hand, while the scanning is in progress, the X-ray imaging system applies the multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion to perform efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography.

[0029] The secondary motor workbench 7 moves at a constant speed simultaneously with the primary motor workbench 8. The number of secondary motor workbenches 7 is the same as the number of X-ray sources. The X-ray flat panel detector 1 receives the X-ray flux generated from the X-ray sources and obtains a start signal for image acquisition, and then sends the data to a computer to perform the analysis of the image data.

[0030] The multiple pulsed source frame structure 2 is the main part of the support frame structure, as Figure 2 shown. The multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9 from the X-ray sources are moved by the secondary motor workbenches 7 controlled by secondary motors. The primary motor workbench 8 with a primary motor engages with the main motor and is controlled. The X-ray flat panel detector 1 for receiving the X-ray flux and sending the imaging data is mounted at the end of the system. In front of the system, both the primary motor workbench 8 and the secondary motor workbench 7 are mounted on the support frame structure 2.

[0031] Figure 3Shows the moment when the primary motor table 8 and the secondary motor table 7 are moving in opposite directions but at the same speed, and the individual X-ray source tube 9 emits an X-ray beam at the temporary stationary position. For one data acquisition cycle, the primary motor table 8 moves in one direction at a constant speed and then returns to the initial position. While the primary motor table 8 is moving at a constant speed, the secondary motor table 7 vibrates at a predetermined speed. When the secondary motor table 7 is traveling in the direction opposite to that of the primary motion table 8 and has the same constant speed, the X-ray source tube 9 and the X-ray flat panel detector 1 are triggered. At this moment of triggering, the X-ray source tube 9 behaves as if it were stationary while emitting the X-ray beam to keep the focal spot size minimized so that the X-ray image can be sharp. Thus, the dynamic arrangement of the stationary X-ray source tube 9 allows the X-ray imaging system to acquire a large number of images from different spatial angular positions in a very short time. The duration of the constant speed movement of the secondary motor table 7 can be programmed by software to match the X-ray exposure time. When one secondary motor table 7 is at a constant speed, the other secondary motor table 7 can accelerate, decelerate, or move back to the initial position to prepare for their next constant speed. The X-ray source tube 9 can also be programmed to perform exposures on demand in a random order based on each individual external trigger pulse. Given the widely available ultra-high-speed computers, image analysis can be performed in real time together with image acquisition. The judgment of the captured images will affect the position of the X-ray source tube 9 for the next shot. There is no need to wait until the entire image acquisition is completed before performing image reconstruction.

[0032] The primary motor table 8 is mounted on a platform that can move freely along an arc-shaped guide rail with a predetermined shape. The motor engaged with the primary motor table 8 is used to control the traveling speed of the primary motor table. The control unit sends command signals to the plurality of secondary motor tables 7 via control lines. The control signals are managed by an external operator and command the secondary motor tables 7 to oscillate at a selected speed on the same arc-shaped track.

[0033] The secondary motor table 7 also serves as a carrier for a series of X-ray source tubes 9. Each X-ray source tube in the X-ray source tubes 9 can be actuated via a high-voltage power supply to emit X-rays and is coupled to the power supply through which the X-rays pass and impinge on an object. The X-ray imaging data generated in the form of a pulsed beam and subsequently from the interaction between the X-rays and the object is captured by the detector image reconstruction software process. The X-ray imaging data is converted into a reconstructed 3D image of the object, and various 3D radiography images are projected onto an external monitor.

[0034] Figure 4An exemplary five X-ray source tube configuration is shown, which obtains 25 projection datasets by having each X-ray source tube travel only one-fifth of the total distance. In this specific implementation, there are five X-ray source tubes 5 working in parallel, and these five X-ray source tubes 5 perform a total of 25 X-ray exposures at different angular positions. But each secondary motorized table 7 only needs to travel one-fifth of the total coverage angle. Therefore, in the case of multiple X-ray source tubes 9 working in parallel, a large amount of projection data can be acquired in a fraction of the time. The X-ray flat panel detector 1 acts as the X-ray receiver. Electronic signals always proceed faster than mechanical motion, so the bottleneck always comes from the mechanical side.

[0035] The X-ray flat panel detector 1 is positioned on the X-ray table. The X-ray table can also move freely along the arcuate guide rail of the X-ray source tube 9 to obtain a better exposure angle. This is controlled by a controller unit that allows the X-ray source tube 9 to move relative to the X-ray flat panel detector 1 and the X-ray table or a fixed position.

[0036] Multiple X-ray source tubes 9 and corresponding X-ray detectors allow the X-ray source tubes to remain relatively stationary during the X-ray pulse-triggered exposure duration. Multiple X-ray source tubes 9 result in a significantly reduced source travel distance for each individual X-ray source tube 9. Therefore, 3D projection image data can be acquired in a much shorter time with a much wider overall sweep angle, and image analysis can also be performed in real time.

[0037] A system for providing fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion includes a primary motorized table 8 that moves freely along an arcuate guide rail with a predetermined shape. The primary motor engages with the primary motorized table 8 and controls the speed of the primary motorized table 8. A plurality of secondary motorized tables 7 coupled to the primary motorized table 8 move along the direction of the arcuate guide rail. Each of the multiple secondary motors engages with a secondary motorized table 7 and controls the speed of the secondary motorized table 7. Multiple X-ray source tubes 9 from an X-ray source are each moved by a secondary motorized table 7. A support frame structure provides a housing for the primary motor, the secondary motorized tables 7, and the flat panel detector 1. A method for performing fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion includes: positioning the primary motorized table 8 and one or more secondary motorized tables 7 to a predetermined initial position; sweeping the primary motorized table 8 at a predetermined constant speed by the primary motor; oscillating each of the secondary motorized tables 7 in the secondary motorized tables 7 in a predetermined order by the corresponding secondary motor; then electrically activating the X-ray source tubes 9 and the flat panel detector 1 when the secondary motorized tables 7 move in a direction opposite to that of the primary motorized table 8 and at the selected speed of the primary motorized table 8; and subsequently acquiring image data from the X-ray flat panel detector 1.

[0038] The primary motor controls the position and speed of the primary motor workbench 8 along the arc-shaped track. It is also responsible for rotating or translating the multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9 during the whole movement. In an alternative embodiment, the predefined arc-shaped track can also provide the rotation of the array of multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes 9.

[0039] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. The various figures may depict exemplary architectures or other configurations for the present invention in order to understand the features and functionalities that may be included in the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, but various alternative architectures and configurations can be used to achieve the desired features. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how alternative functions, logical or physical partitioning, and configurations can be implemented to achieve the desired features of the present invention. Additionally, many different component names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Further, for flowcharts, operation descriptions, and method claims, the order of the steps presented herein should not force the various embodiments to perform the recited functionality in the same order, unless the context otherwise indicates.

[0040] In some cases, the presence of broad words and phrases (such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to", or other such phrases) should not be construed to mean that a narrower case is intended or required where such broad phrases may not be present. The use of the term "module" does not imply that all components or functionalities described or claimed as part of the module are configured in a common enclosure. In fact, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single enclosure or maintained separately and may further be distributed across multiple locations.

Claims

1. A system for providing fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion, which comprises: A primary motor table that freely moves on an arcuate guide rail with a predetermined shape; A primary motor that engages with the primary motor table and controls the speed of the primary motor table; A plurality of secondary motor tables that are coupled to the primary motor table and move along the direction of the arcuate guide rail; A plurality of secondary motors, each of which engages with a secondary motor table and controls the speed of the secondary motor table; A plurality of X-ray source tubes, each of which is moved by a secondary motor table; A support frame structure that provides a housing for the primary motor table and the secondary motor tables; And An X-ray flat panel detector that is used to receive X-ray flux and send imaging data.

2. The system according to claim 1, which comprises: A predefined track; And A source array that includes a plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes mounted on a moving structure, wherein each of the plurality of pulsed X-ray source tubes moves around an object on the predefined track at a constant speed of a group, and when a single X-ray source tube has a speed equal to the group tube speed but in the opposite moving direction, the single X-ray source tube is triggered by an exposure control unit.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the speed or position of the primary motor table and the secondary motor tables is adjustable by software.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the current and voltage of the X-ray source tubes are adjustable by software.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the exposure time of the X-ray source tubes is adjustable by software.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray source tubes remain stationary relative to the X-ray flat panel detector during the X-ray pulse trigger exposure duration.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray flat panel detector uses a predetermined sweep over a predetermined period of time to obtain 3D radiography image projection data, and wherein image reconstruction is performed in real time during the scan.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object is stationary.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the next X-ray source tube and exposure conditions are determined according to the result of each analysis and the cumulative analysis of the X-ray imaging data.

10. A method for performing fast 3D radiography using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion, which comprises: Using multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion by positioning a primary motor table and a plurality of secondary motor tables to a predetermined initial position; Sweeping the primary motor table at a predetermined constant speed by the primary motor; Oscillating each of the secondary motor tables in the secondary motor tables in a predetermined order by corresponding secondary motors; When the secondary motor table moves in a direction opposite to that of the primary motor table and at the selected speed of the primary motor table, both the electrically activated X-ray source tube and the X-ray flat panel detector are activated; and The X-ray flat panel detector is used to acquire image data from the X-ray source tube.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the X-ray flat panel detector acquires 3D radiography image projection data using a predetermined sweep over a predetermined time, and wherein image reconstruction is performed in real time during the scan.

12. The method according to claim 10, which comprises: Changing the X-ray source voltage output based on the object density during the sweep.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein 4D imaging is performed by adding a time component to the 3D spatial imaging data.

14. The method according to claim 10, which comprises: Changing the sweep angle based on the region of interest.

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