High resolution computed tomography object scanning

Abstract

A method for scanning a target object is provided. The method includes generating a scan path including a source pose at which a target object is scanned by a scan source. The method further includes moving the target object along the scan path and emitting a beam at each source pose toward a region of interest (ROI) on the target object. The method further includes receiving data characterizing the ROI based on the emitted beam, and generating scan data representing a geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object for each source pose. The pose information may be extracted based on the source pose, and the 3D model of the target object may be reconstructed and provided for display using the pose information and the scan data. Related systems and non-transitory computer readable media are also provided.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 410,428, filed on September 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning can be a process that uses radiation to produce a three-dimensional internal and external representation of the scanned object. Industrial CT scanning has been used in industry for internal inspection of components, defect detection, failure analysis, and assembly analysis. In conventional industrial CT scanning, the object to be scanned is placed on a rotating table between an X-ray source and a detector. By rotating the table, the object is brought into various positions relative to the source, causing the X-rays to penetrate the object from different directions. The X-rays that pass through the object are attenuated, and the resulting irradiance distribution is detected by the detector. The detector produces a projection image corresponding to each irradiance distribution. By applying the known rotation angle position and the reconstruction method to the acquired projection images, a 3D image of the object can be calculated. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include a scanning unit. The scanning unit may include a manipulation unit configured to generate a scanning path associated with a target object to be scanned and move the target object along the scanning path. The scanning unit may also include: a scanning source configured to emit a beam toward a region of interest (ROI) on the target object; and a detector configured to receive data characterizing the ROI and generate scanning data, which represents the geometric position and orientation of the region of interest of the target object. The system may also include a data acquisition unit, which is communicatively coupled to the scanning unit and configured to receive the scanning data. The data acquisition unit may include at least one data processor and a memory storing non-transient computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by at least one data processor, causes the scanning unit to perform an operation, the operation including generating a scanning path including a plurality of source postures by the manipulation unit. Each source posture may define a position of the target object scanned by a scanning source positioned at a first position relative to the target object. The instruction may also cause the scanning unit to move the target object through a plurality of source postures along the scanning path through the manipulation unit. The instructions may also cause the scanning unit to emit a beam toward a region of interest on the target object at each source posture in a plurality of source postures through a scanning source. The instructions may also cause the scanning unit to receive data representing the ROI based on the emitted beam through a detector, the detector being positioned at a second position relative to the first position of the scanning source. The instructions may also cause the scanning unit to generate scanning data through the detector, the scanning data representing the geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object for each source posture in a plurality of source postures. The instructions may also cause the scanning unit to send the scanning data to the data acquisition unit through the detector. In response to receiving the sent scanning data, the instructions may also cause the data acquisition unit to extract posture information based on a plurality of source postures via an extraction unit of the data acquisition unit. The instructions may also cause the data acquisition unit to construct a 3D model of the target object using the posture information and the scanning data through an image processor of the data acquisition unit, and to display the 3D model of the target object through a display unit of the data acquisition unit.

[0005] In some embodiments, the posture information may include a first position of a scanning source, a second position of a detector, a distance between the first position of the source and the second position of the detector, an orientation of the detector at the second position, and a scanning source translation-lateral distance from the target object.

[0006] In some embodiments, multiple source poses may be defined in a 2-dimensional plane and / or a 3-dimensional plane.

[0007] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit can be alternatively configured to move the scanning source or detector based on one or more of the angular position of the target object relative to the scanning source, the shape of the target object, the shape of the ROI, the size of the ROI and / or the size of the target object to be scanned, while maintaining the target object in a third position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit may be configured to change the geometric position and / or orientation of the target object relative to the scanning source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector may be movable relative to each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector may be fixed relative to each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, the scan path may have a shape including at least one of a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or an abstract shape replicating the shape of the target object.

[0012] In some embodiments, the image processor may be configured to employ a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct a 3D model of the target object using the pose information.

[0013] In some embodiments, the instructions may also be configured to cause the steering unit to provide the generated scan path for display via the display unit.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. In one embodiment, the method may include generating a scanning path including a plurality of source postures by a manipulation unit. Each source posture may define the position of the target object scanned by a scanning source positioned at a first position relative to the target object. The method may also include moving the target object by a manipulation unit along the scanning path through a plurality of source postures. The method may also include emitting a beam toward a region of interest (ROI) on the target object at each source posture in the plurality of source postures by the scanning source. The method may also include receiving data representing the ROI based on the emitted beam by a detector, the detector being positioned at a second position relative to the first position of the scanning source. The method may also include generating scanning data by a detector, the scanning data representing the geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object for each source posture in the plurality of source postures. The method may also include extracting posture information by an extraction unit based on the plurality of source postures. The method may also include: constructing a 3D model of the target object using the posture information and the scanning data by an image processor; and displaying the 3D model of the target object by a display unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the posture information may include a first position of a scanning source, a second position of a detector, a distance between the first position of the source and the second position of the detector, an orientation of the detector at the second position, and a scanning source translation-lateral distance from the target object.

[0016] In some embodiments, multiple source poses may be defined in a 2-dimensional plane and / or a 3-dimensional plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit can be alternatively configured to move the scanning source or detector based on one or more of the angular position of the target object relative to the scanning source, the shape of the target object, the shape of the ROI, the size of the ROI and / or the size of the target object to be scanned, while maintaining the target object in a third position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit may be configured to change the geometric position and / or orientation of the target object relative to the scanning source.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector may be movable relative to each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector may be fixed relative to each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, the scan path may have a shape including at least one of a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or an abstract shape replicating the shape of the target object.

[0022] In some embodiments, the image processor may be configured to employ a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct a 3D model of the target object using the pose information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the instructions may also be configured to cause the steering unit to provide the generated scan path for display via the display unit.

[0024] A non-transitory computer program product (i.e., a physically embodied computer program product) storing instructions is also described, and when the instructions are executed by one or more processors of one or more computing systems, at least one processor performs the operations or methods described herein. Similarly, a computer system is also described, which may include one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory may temporarily or permanently store instructions that cause at least one processor to perform one or more of the operations described herein. In addition, the method may be implemented by one or more processors within a single computing system or one or more processors distributed between two or more computing systems. Such computing systems may be connected via one or more connections, including connections on a network (e.g., the Internet, a wireless wide area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, etc.), via a direct connection between one or more computing systems in a plurality of computing systems, etc., and may exchange data and / or commands or other instructions, etc.

[0025] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the drawings and description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system for scanning a target object at high resolution;

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a scan path around a target object; and

[0029] Figure 3 is an example for use Figure 1 A flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for scanning a target object by a system;

[0030] Figure 4 is an image illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display of a scan path for scanning a target object at a high resolution, the high resolution being Figure 1 The system is provided for display; and

[0031] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system according to an illustrative implementation of the current subject matter.

[0032] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning is a method of using radiation to produce a three-dimensional internal and external representation of the scanned object. In order to obtain an accurate three-dimensional representation of the scanned object, it may be necessary to capture multiple scans of the object from various angles and positions. In known CT scanning methods, a source transmits a signal, including but not limited to an X-ray, radio frequency, or sonar signal, toward the object to be scanned. The emitted signal interacts with the object and generates a response signal that can be received by at least one detector. The detected response signal can be used to generate an image of the object. In known CT systems, the object can be rotated relative to the X-ray source and the detector array so that the angle at which the X-ray beam intersects the subject changes constantly. The detector generates multiple projection images corresponding to each rotational position of the object. The projection images can also be used to reconstruct a 3D image of the scanned object. The quality and efficiency of the reconstructed image are important to the overall effectiveness of the CT system.

[0034] However, conventional systems are prone to changes in the geometry of the object parts and misalignment of the scanned object parts. In traditional CT scanning systems, the source and the detector are usually arranged in fixed positions and relative to each other. In particular, in order to scan a small area in a large object (such as an electronic board (PCBA), a flat composite material, a welded metal sheet and other objects) with a long extension in one direction and a short extension in another direction using industrial CT, a high scanning resolution may be required. In such cases, two main problems arise during scanning of a small area: the target area cannot be scanned with a high resolution (close to the source) due to the long extension in one direction, or the target area needs to be cut off for scanning.

[0035] The system described herein solves the above-mentioned shortcomings. For example, one or more embodiments of the system herein may include a steering unit and a source, the steering unit may be configured to generate a scanning path around a target object to be scanned, and the source is configured to follow the generated scanning path. In the present system, by following the scanning path, the source can travel as close to the target object as possible, thereby ensuring that high resolution can be achieved. As used herein, the term "resolution" can generally describe the ability of an imaging system to capture and distinguish features within an object under inspection so that when viewed on a screen, the feature appears clearer and includes a higher level of detail. Therefore, in an X-ray or computed tomography imaging system, when the object is placed closer to the source, the features of the object under inspection can be better distinguished, thereby allowing greater resolution of the imaging features.

[0036] The present system solves this problem by moving the source closer to the target object. The present system can be configured to enhance the applicability of CT applications for scanning small portions of large objects without destroying the portions and maintaining the highest possible resolution. The system has a wide range of applications including electronics, flat composite materials, welding thin sheets of metal, welding pipes, and fuel cells.

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a system for scanning a target object at high resolution, referred to as system 100 . System 100 may include a scanning unit 102 and a data acquisition unit 114 .

[0038] The scanning unit 102 may include a manipulation unit 104, a source 106, and a detector 108. In some embodiments, the scanning unit 102 may include a communication circuit (not shown) and a control unit (not shown). The scanning unit 102 may be configured to acquire data characterizing a target object 112 or a region of interest (ROI) on the target object 112. In one embodiment, the ROI may be located at a midpoint of the target object 112 or at a boundary of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the target object 112 may be a printed circuit board, a flat and / or thin composite material, a welded metal sheet, etc., which may have one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness, etc.).

[0039] The manipulation unit 104 may be configured to generate a scanning path around the target object 112 to be scanned. In one embodiment, the scanning path may be generated from the viewpoint of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the scanning path has a shape selected from a group of abstract shapes of a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or a shape similar to the shape of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the scanning path may be defined automatically or manually. In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to self-train using a set of points selected from the scanning path to generate the scanning path. In one embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to implement a digital twin technique for automatically filling the scanning path. In some embodiments, the system 100 may fill multiple scanning path segments (based on user input or automatically) with more points to ensure dense sampling of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the scanning path may include multiple source gestures (the source gesture may be a combination of the position and orientation of the source 106 from the viewpoint of the target object 112). In one embodiment, the position or / and coordination of multiple source gestures may be in a 2-dimensional plane and / or in a 3-dimensional plane.

[0040] The manipulation unit 104 may be configured to move the source 106 closer to the target object 112 during the motion on the scan path. In some embodiments, the manipulation unit may be configured to move the source 106 based on predetermined factors such as angular position, shape of the target object 112 to be scanned, shape of the ROI to be scanned, size of the ROI to be scanned, and size of the target object 112 to be scanned. In one embodiment, the manipulation unit 104 may be configured to change at least one geometric position and orientation of the target object 112 relative to the source 106. In another embodiment, the manipulation unit 104 may be configured to change at least one geometric position and orientation of the target object 112 and the source 106 simultaneously. In some embodiments, the manipulation unit 104 may include a translation component and / or a rotation component to move the source 106 to multiple source poses relative to the target object 112. In one embodiment, the manipulation unit 104 and the source 106 may be actuated simultaneously and / or separately as desired.

[0041] The manipulation unit 104 may include a two-axis table, such as an XY axis table, and the object 112 may be placed on the table. The manipulation unit 104 may also include a rotation unit configured to rotate the object 112. The manipulation unit 104 may be used to move the object 112 on the trajectory path. During the joint movement on the trajectory path, the source 106 may be configured to scan the object 112 at different magnifications, which are generated by the changing distance between the source 106 and the object 112 when the object 112 moves through the trajectory path. In some embodiments, the source 106 and the detector 108 may be set in a fixed position when the object 112 translates through the trajectory path. In this way, advantageously, the positions of the source 106 and the detector 108 relative to each other may be known. The system herein can be configured to provide a known position of the source 106 and the detector 108 relative to each other, for example where the source 106 and the detector 108 are fixed relative to each other, or where the source 106 and the detector 108 translate together such that the distance or position of the source and the detector relative to each other is known and fixed as they translate together.

[0042] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit 104 may include a memory. The memory may be configured to store a plurality of predefined scan paths corresponding to the shape of the target object 112. For example, the shape of the target object 112 may be an ellipse, in which case a scan path for a specific ellipse shape may be retrieved from the memory. In addition, the manipulation unit 104 may be configured to retrieve the relevant scan path from the memory and populate the scan path for the source 106 by itself.

[0043] The source 106 can be configured to move in a plurality of source poses by the steering unit 104 and follow the generated scan path. The source 106 can be configured to generate a beam and emit the beam toward a ROI on the target object 112. In some embodiments, the source 106 can be an X-ray tube. In one embodiment, the width of the generated beam can be changed. In one embodiment, the source 106 can be positioned and oriented in a manner such that the target object 112 is always irradiated.

[0044] When the emitted beam hits the ROI on the target object 112, the detector 108 can be configured to receive data characterizing the ROI generated by the beam and generate scan data. In one embodiment, the scan data can represent the geometric position and orientation of the source 106 corresponding to each source posture in a plurality of source postures from the detector 108. In one embodiment, the detector 108 can be an X-ray detector. In one embodiment, the source 106 and the detector 108 can be configured to form a source-detector arrangement 110. On the one hand, in the source-detector arrangement 110, the source 106 and the detector 108 are placed at a predefined distance. In one embodiment, the dimension of the source-detector arrangement 110 is fixed or changeable.

[0045] In some embodiments, the scanning unit 102 can be configured to communicate with the data acquisition unit 114 or the user computing device or server via a network via a communication circuit. In addition, the communication circuit sends the generated scan data through the network. In one embodiment, the network can be a private network, a dedicated network, a public network, a wired network, a wireless telecommunications network, a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless private network, and a wireless personal area network (PAN). In some embodiments, the communication circuit may include at least one antenna for sending and receiving signals.

[0046] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to receive a command signal from a user computing device or a server via a communication circuit. Based on the received control signal, the control unit can be configured to generate a plurality of control signals to take appropriate actions. For example, the user may want to change the width of the beam. In such cases, after receiving the command signal, the control unit can transmit a control signal to the source for changing the width of the beam accordingly.

[0047] The data acquisition unit 114 may be communicatively coupled to the scanning unit 102 and receive the scan data from the scanning unit 102. In some embodiments, the data acquisition unit 114 may include a memory 116, an extraction unit 118, an image processor 120, and a display unit 122. The memory 116 may be configured to store the received scan data and the geometric position and orientation of the source corresponding to each source posture in a plurality of source postures. In some embodiments, the memory 116 may be configured to store a set of rules for processing the received data. In one embodiment, the memory 116 may include any computer-readable storage medium known in the art, including, for example, volatile memory (such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, and magnetic tape).

[0048] The extraction unit 118 may be configured to retrieve the scan data from the memory 116, and further configured to extract the pose information from the retrieved scan data. In one embodiment, the pose information may include source detector arrangement information, a distance of the detector from the source, a detector orientation, and scan source translation-lateral distance information from the target object 112. The scan source translation-lateral distance information may describe the distance between the target object 112 and the scan source 106 when the scan source 106 is translated relative to the target object 112 and traverses the scan path. The source translation-lateral distance information may correspond to position information associated with the scan source 106 and the detector 108 when the object 112 is in a fixed position for scanning or when the object 112 is moved and the scan source 106 is in a fixed position. In this way, for any given position of the object 112, the distance between the position of the source 106 and the detector 108 may be known.

[0049] The image processor 120 may be communicatively coupled to the extraction unit 118. The image processor 120 may be configured to use the pose information and the source-to-detector arrangement information to reconstruct a 3D model of the ROI on the target object 112 from the scan data. In one embodiment, the image processor 120 may be configured to employ a plurality of reconstruction algorithms, such as a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm, to reconstruct the 3D model of the target object 112 using the extracted pose information.

[0050] The display unit 122 may be configured to display the reconstructed 3D model of the target object 112 .

[0051] Figure 22 shows a scan path 200 around a target object 212, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The system 100 can be configured to generate the scan path 200 around the target object 212. The scan path 200 can be formed from a viewpoint of the target object 212 to capture scan data associated with a region of interest 214 (e.g., the region of interest 214 can be a location on the underside of the PCB 212). In some embodiments, the scan path 200 can be formed by the following considerations:

[0052] 1) The source 106 or detector 108 should not hit the ROI 214 or the target object 212 under inspection / scanning. In some embodiments, in order to prevent the source 106 or detector 108 from hitting the ROI 214 or the target object 212, data characterizing the source 106, detector 108, ROI 214, and / or target 212 may be stored in a memory before scanning the ROI 214 and / or target 212.

[0053] 2) The target object 212 may be imaged on the detector all the time, but not the entire part. Only the ROI 214 may be imaged or detected on the detector.

[0054] In some embodiments, the scan path 200 may be pre-defined using a digital twin, automatically or manually. The scan path 200 may include, for example, Figure 2 2. The plurality of points or source poses shown in FIG. 2 may be multiple points or source poses as shown in FIG. 2. For example, eight (8) source poses may be generated along with the scan path 200. In some cases, the plurality of points may be fixed or variable. At each source pose, the source 106 may be arranged relative to the object 212 and the detector 108. For example, at Figure 2, the detector 108 may not be visible at each source pose T1 to T8, but is present at each source pose T1 to T8. In some embodiments, the detector 108 is located in a position relative to the source 106, as shown with respect to T1. In some embodiments, the detector 108 can be positioned at an angle relative to the source 106. In some embodiments, when the object 212 is rotated by the manipulation unit 104, the target object 212 can be rotated, and the source 106 and the detector 108 can each be in a fixed position relative to each other. In this way, the scanning path 200 and the source poses T1 to T8 can correspond to the position of the object 212 during its movement or rotation along the scanning path 200 relative to the fixed position of the source 106 and / or the detector 108. Because the manipulation unit 104 is configured to move each of the source 106, the object 212, and the detector 108, the manipulation unit can relate the position of each of the source 106, the object 212, and the detector 108 in a common coordinate system, which can enable inferential determination of the position of any of the source 106, the object 212, and / or the detector 108 relative to each other.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the system 100 can be configured to provide a user interface 300 that includes a display of a scan path 305 of the source 106 relative to a coordinate system associated with the position of the object 315. The user interface 300 can include a visual representation of the scan path 305 relative to a "zoom axis" (e.g., shown as the X-axis of the coordinate system associated with the object 315) and a distance axis "x" (e.g., shown as the Y-axis of the coordinate system associated with the object 315). In some embodiments, the "zoom axis" can be displayed as being collinear with respect to the orientation of the source 106 and the detector 108 at a particular source pose. For example, at the first source pose T1 at the beginning of the scan path 305, the "zoom axis" can be collinear with the line connecting the source 106 and the detector 108.

[0056] The scan path 305 may display a path or trajectory traversed by the source 106 as the source scans the target object 112. As the source 106 traverses around the object 112, the source may scan the object 112 from a plurality of source poses positioned along the scan path 305. In some embodiments, the user interface 300 may include an indication of a region of interest (ROI) 310, and may include an indication of the center of the ROI as indicated by an "x" located within a circle of the ROI 310.

[0057] Figure 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method 400 for scanning a target object 112 at a high resolution. The method 400 may be performed by Figure 1The method 400 may be performed by one or more components of the system 100. In the method 400, a 3D model of the target object 112 may be reconstructed by moving the source 106 along a scan path that describes a path around the target object 112.

[0058] At 410, a scanning path around the target object 112 to be scanned can be generated by the manipulation unit 104. The scanning path can include a plurality of source gestures associated with a position where the target object can be scanned by the source 106, or the plurality of source gestures can be defined in other ways. The scanning source 106 can be positioned at a first position relative to the target object 112. In some embodiments, the target object can be fixed, and the source 106 and / or the detector 108 can traverse along the scanning path. In some embodiments, the target object 112 can be moved or rotated relative to one or more source gestures associated with the scanning path, and the source 106 and / or the detector 108 are in a fixed position relative to the target object 112. The scanning path can have a variety of shapes. For example, the scanning path can have a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or an abstract shape that replicates the shape of the target object.

[0059] In some embodiments, the scan path may be predefined automatically or manually by a user. In one embodiment, the system 100 may implement a digital twin technique for automatically filling the scan path. In some embodiments, the system 100 may fill multiple scan path segments with more points (based on user input or automatically) to ensure dense sampling of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the generated scan path may be configured for display by a display unit of the system 100. Multiple source poses may be defined in a 2-dimensional coordinate system or plane and / or a 3-dimensional coordinate system or plane.

[0060] At 420, the target object 112 may be moved by the manipulation unit 104 along the scan path via a plurality of source gestures configured along the scan path. In one aspect, each of the plurality of source gestures may be a combination of a position and an orientation of the source 106 from the viewpoint of the target object 112. The manipulation unit may be configured to change a geometric position and / or orientation of the target object 112 relative to the scan source 106.

[0061] In some embodiments, the manipulation unit 104 can be configured to move the scanning source 106 or the detector 108 based on one or more of the angular position of the target object relative to the scanning source, the shape of the target object, the shape of the ROI, the size of the ROI, and / or the size of the target object 112, while maintaining the target object 112 in the third position. In some embodiments, the source 106 and the detector 108 can be located in a fixed position relative to each other. In other embodiments, the source 106 and the detector 108 may be able to move relative to each other.

[0062] At 430, a beam may be generated by source 106 and emitted toward a region of interest (ROI) on target object 112. In some embodiments, the beam may be emitted at a location associated with each source pose defined with respect to the scan path.

[0063] At 440, data characterizing the ROI generated by the beam may be received by the detector 108. The detector may be positioned opposite the source 106 or at an angle relative to the source. In some embodiments, the data characterizing the ROI defines structural aspects of the ROI, including shape, size, position, relative position, contour, etc. In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to systematically generate all structural data characterizing the ROI, thereby simplifying the representation.

[0064] At 450 , scan data may be generated by the detector 108 . In one embodiment, the scan data may represent the geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object 112 at each source pose provided along the scan path. The scan data from the scanning unit 102 may be received by the data acquisition unit 114 .

[0065] At 460, the pose information may be extracted by the extraction unit 118 of the data acquisition unit 114 of the system 100. The pose information may be associated with each of the source poses defined with respect to the scan path. For example, the pose information may include a first position of the scan source, a second position of the detector, a distance between the first position of the source and the second position of the detector, an orientation of the detector at the second position, and a scan source translation-lateral distance from the target object.

[0066] At 470, the extracted pose information may be used by the image processor 120 of the data acquisition unit 114 to reconstruct a 3D model of the target object 112. In some embodiments, the image processor 120 may be configured to employ a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct the 3D model of the target object 112 using the pose information. In some embodiments, the image processor 120 may be configured to employ a derivative of the Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm by applying a windowing technique to improve image quality in the ROI scan. In some embodiments, the image processor 120 may be configured to employ an algebraic or iterative reconstruction technique.

[0067] At 480 , the reconstructed 3D model of the target object 112 may be displayed by the display unit 122 of the data acquisition unit 114 .

[0068] Figure 55 is a block diagram 500 of a computing system 510 suitable for implementing the computerized components described herein. Broadly speaking, the computing system 510 includes at least one processor 550 for performing actions according to instructions, and one or more memory devices 560 and / or 570 for storing instructions and data. The illustrated example computing system 510 includes one or more processors 550, which communicate with the memory 570 via a bus 515, and communicate with at least one network interface controller 520 having a network interface 525 for connecting to an external device 530 (e.g., a computing device). The one or more processors 550 also communicate with each other via the bus 515 and communicate with any I / O device at one or more I / O interfaces 540 and any other device 580. The illustrated processor 550 is combined with or directly connected to a cache memory 560. Typically, the processor will execute instructions received from the memory. In some embodiments, the computing system 510 can be configured in a cloud computing environment, a virtual or containerized computing environment, and / or a network-based microservice environment.

[0069] In more detail, processor 550 can be any logic circuit that processes instructions, such as instructions obtained from memory 570 or cache 560. In many embodiments, processor 550 is an embedded processor, a microprocessor unit, or a special processor. Computing system 510 can be based on any processor, for example, a suitable digital signal processor (DSP) or a group of processors capable of operating as described herein. In some embodiments, processor 550 can be a single-core or multi-core processor. In some embodiments, processor 550 can be composed of multiple processors.

[0070] Memory 570 may be any device suitable for storing computer-readable data. Memory 570 may be a device having fixed storage or a device for reading removable storage media. Examples include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, SDRAM, flash memory devices, and all types of solid-state memory), magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks. Computing device 510 may have any number of memory devices 570.

[0071] Cache memory 560 is typically a form of high-speed computer memory placed in close proximity to processor 550 for fast read / write times. In some implementations, cache memory 560 is part of processor 550 or on the same chip.

[0072] The network interface controller 520 manages data exchange via a network interface 525. The network interface controller 520 processes the physical layer, the media access control layer, and the data link layer of the open system interconnection (OSI) model for network communication. In some specific implementations, some of the tasks of the network interface controller are handled by the processor 550. In some specific implementations, the network interface controller 520 is a part of the processor 550. In some specific implementations, the computing device 510 has multiple network interface controllers 620. In some specific implementations, the network interface 525 is a connection point for a physical network link such as an RJ 45 connector. In some specific implementations, the network interface controller 520 supports wireless network connections, and the interface port 525 is a wireless Bluetooth transceiver. Typically, the computing device 510 exchanges data with other network devices 530 such as the computing device 530 via a physical or wireless link to the network interface 525. In some specific implementations, the network interface controller 520 implements a network protocol such as LTE, TCP / IP Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth, etc.

[0073] Other computing devices 530 are connected to computing device 510 via network interface port 525. Other computing devices 530 may be peer computing devices, network devices, or any other computing devices with network capabilities. In some embodiments, computing device 530 may be a network device, such as a hub, bridge, switch, or router, that connects computing device 510 to a data network, such as the Internet.

[0074] In some applications, the I / O interface 540 supports input devices and / or output devices (not shown). In some applications, the input devices and output devices are integrated into the same hardware, for example, as in a touch screen. In some applications, such as in a server context, there is no I / O interface 540 or it is not used. In some applications, additional other components 580 communicate with external devices connected to the computer system 510, for example, via a universal serial bus (USB).

[0075] Other devices 580 may include I / O interfaces 540, external serial device ports, and any additional coprocessors. For example, computing system 510 may include interfaces (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, etc.) for connecting input devices (e.g., keyboards, microphones, mice, or other pointing devices), output devices (e.g., video displays, speakers, refreshable Braille terminal devices, or printers), or additional memory devices (e.g., portable flash drives or external media drives). In some implementations, I / O devices are incorporated into computing system 510, such as a touch screen on a tablet device. In some implementations, computing device 510 includes additional devices 580, such as coprocessors, such as math coprocessors that can assist processor 550 with high-precision or complex calculations.

[0076] The subject matter described herein can provide many technical advantages. For example, it can be advantageous to a scanning system 100 and a method of operating a scanning system that generates a scan path and operates relative to the scan path to perform a ROI scan on a target object. In this way, scanning of a ROI on a target object can be achieved more easily and at a higher resolution than with a standard scanning system that uses a more limited scanning geometry. The subject matter herein can enable scanning of a ROI of a planar object at a higher resolution through a 360 degree rotation angle. Therefore, the systems and methods herein can define a complex and comprehensive scanning trajectory for a complex shaped part while acquiring high resolution image data of features present within the ROI.

[0077] Certain exemplary embodiments are described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the present disclosure, similarly named components of a specific embodiment generally have similar features, so within a specific embodiment, it is not necessary to fully explain each feature of each similarly named component.

[0078] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include a specific implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which specific implementation may be dedicated or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A programmable system or computing system may include a client and a server. The client and server are remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship between the client and the server arises from running computer programs on respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0079] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components or codes) include machine instructions for programmable processors and can be implemented in high-level procedural languages, object-oriented programming languages, functional programming languages, logical programming languages ​​and / or in assembly language / machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, device and / or device for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal, such as a disk, an optical disk, a memory and a programmable logic device (PLD). The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions in a non-transitory manner, such as a non-transitory solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium will do. Alternatively or additionally, the machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores will do.

[0080] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented on a computer having a display device (such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and pointing device (such as a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as, for example, visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include touch screens or other touch-sensitive devices, such as single-point or multi-point resistive or capacitive touch pads, voice recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0081] In the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear after the list of combined elements of an element or feature. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implied in the context in which the phrase is used or explicitly contradicted with the context, such phrases are intended to represent any one of the elements or features listed individually or any one of the listed elements or features with any one of the elements or features listed otherwise. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B" and "A and / or B" are each intended to represent "A alone, B alone, or A and B together". Similar explanations are also intended to be used for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C" and "A, B and / or C" are each intended to represent "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together". Furthermore, the term “based on” as used above and in the claims is intended to mean “based at least in part on” such that features or elements not recited are also allowable.

[0082] The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods and / or articles, depending on the desired configuration. The specific implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all specific implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. On the contrary, they are only some examples consistent with aspects related to the subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are also possible. Specifically, features and / or variations other than those set forth herein may also be provided. For example, the above-mentioned specific implementations may involve various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub-combinations of several additional features disclosed above. In addition, the logical flows depicted in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired results. Other specific implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

[0083] Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate other features and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, except as indicated by the appended claims, the present application is not limited by the contents specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: A scanning unit, the scanning unit comprising a steering unit configured to generate a scanning path associated with a target object to be scanned and to move the target object along the scanning path, a scanning source configured to emit a beam toward a region of interest (ROI) on the target object, and a detector configured to receive data representative of the ROI and generate scan data representing a geometric position and orientation of the region of interest of the target object; and a data acquisition unit communicatively coupled to the scanning unit and configured to receive the scanned data, the data acquisition unit comprising at least one data processor and a memory storing non-transitory computer-readable instructions, the non-transitory computer-readable instructions, when executed by the at least one data processor, causing the scanning unit to perform operations including: generating, by the manipulation unit, the scanning path, the scanning path comprising a plurality of source poses, each source pose defining a position of a target object scanned by the scanning source positioned at a first position relative to the target object; moving, by the manipulation unit, the target object along the scanning path through the plurality of source gestures; emitting, by the scanning source, the beam towards a region of interest on the target object at each of the plurality of source poses; receiving data characterizing the ROI based on the emitted beam by a detector, the detector being positioned at a second position opposite to the first position of the scan source; generating scan data, by the detector, the scan data representing a geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object for each of the plurality of source poses; as well as The detector sends the scan data to the data acquisition unit, wherein in response to receiving the sent scan data, the instructions are further configured to cause the data acquisition unit to extracting posture information based on the plurality of source postures via an extraction unit of the data acquisition unit, constructing a 3D model of the target object by an image processor of the data acquisition unit using the posture information and the scan data; and The 3D model of the target object is displayed by a display unit of the data acquisition unit.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the posture information comprises the first position of the scanning source, the second position of the detector, a distance between the first position of the source and the second position of the detector, an orientation of the detector at the second position, and a scanning source translation-lateral distance from the target object. 3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of source poses are defined in a 2-dimensional plane and / or a 3-dimensional plane.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the manipulation unit is alternatively configured to move the scanning source or the detector based on one or more of an angular position of the target object relative to the scanning source, a shape of the target object, a shape of the ROI, a size of the ROI, and / or a size of the target object to be scanned, while maintaining the target object in a third position. 5 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the manipulation unit is configured to change the geometric position and / or the orientation of the target object relative to the scanning source.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector are movable relative to each other.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first position of the scan source and / or the second position of the detector are fixed relative to each other. 8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the scan path has a shape including at least one of a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or an abstract shape replicating a shape of the target object.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the image processor is configured to employ a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct the 3D model of the target object using the pose information.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the manipulation unit to provide the generated scan path for display via the display unit.

11. A method comprising: generating, by a manipulation unit, a scan path, the scan path comprising a plurality of source poses, each source pose defining a position of a target object scanned by a scan source positioned at a first position relative to the target object; moving, by the manipulation unit, the target object along the scanning path through the plurality of source gestures; emitting a beam by the scanning source at each of the plurality of source poses toward a region of interest (ROI) on the target object; receiving data characterizing the ROI based on the emitted beam by a detector, the detector being positioned at a second position opposite to the first position of the scan source; generating scan data, by the detector, the scan data representing a geometric position and orientation of the ROI of the target object for each of the plurality of source poses; extracting, by an extraction unit, posture information based on the plurality of source postures; constructing, by an image processor, a 3D model of the target object using the posture information and the scan data; and The 3D model of the target object is displayed by a display unit.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the posture information comprises the first position of the scanning source, the second position of the detector, a distance between the first position of the source and the second position of the detector, an orientation of the detector at the second position, and a scanning source translation-lateral distance from the target object. The method of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of source poses are defined in a 2-dimensional plane and / or a 3-dimensional plane.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the manipulation unit is alternatively configured to move the scanning source or the detector based on one or more of an angular position of the target object relative to the scanning source, a shape of the target object, a shape of the ROI, a size of the ROI and / or a size of the target object to be scanned, while keeping the target object in a third position. 15 . The method according to claim 11 , wherein the manipulation unit is configured to change the geometric position and / or the orientation of the target object relative to the scanning source.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the first position of the scanning source and / or the second position of the detector are movable relative to each other.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the first position of the scan source and / or the second position of the detector are fixed relative to each other. 18 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the scanning path has a shape including at least one of a spiral shape, a double circular shape, a circular shape, a linear shape, and / or an abstract shape replicating a shape of the target object.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the image processor is configured to employ a Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct the 3D model of the target object using the pose information.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the scan path further comprises providing the scan path for display via a display unit.

Images