System and method for controlling the positioning of a radiation scanner

Abstract

An exemplary scanner positioning control system includes a display, a processor, and a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to output via the display a first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner; identify changes to be made to the arrangement of at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner; output via the display a second visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the changes made to the arrangement; and control the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 895,767, filed June 8, 2020, entitled "systems and methods to control radiation scanner positioning". The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 895,767 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to X-ray imaging, and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling the positioning of a radiation scanner.

Background Art

[0003] An X-ray scanning system involves directing high-intensity radiation at a device or object under test to obtain one or more images that may not be obtainable using other scanning systems (e.g., ultrasound, visible light, etc.). An X-ray scanning system may have a plurality of parameters that depend on the relative arrangement of components within the X-ray scanning system.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system and method for controlling the positioning of a radiation scanner are disclosed, substantially as shown in at least one of the figures and more fully described in the claims as related to at least one of the figures.

[0005] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1]This figure shows an exemplary X-ray scanning system that may be controlled using a scanner positioning control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example X-ray scanning system and scanning positioning control system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an exemplary interface that may be used to implement a scanner positioning control system, and shows a first visual representation of the current arrangement of one or more components of an X-ray scanning system, and a second arrangement representing a change to the current arrangement of one or more components. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an exemplary interface that may be used to implement a scanner positioning control system, showing a first visual representation of the current arrangement of one or more components of an X-ray scanning system, a second arrangement representing a change to the current arrangement of one or more components, and an exemplary guide graphic that may be used to define changes in the position and / or orientation of a work positioner. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an exemplary interface that may be used to implement a scanner positioning control system, showing a first visual representation of the current arrangement of one or more components of an X-ray scanning system, a second arrangement representing a change to the current arrangement of one or more components, and an exemplary trajectory between the first and second arrangements. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an exemplary interface that may be used to implement a scanner positioning control system, showing a first visual representation of the current arrangement of one or more components of an X-ray scanning system, including a robotic manipulator, and a second arrangement representing a change to the current arrangement of one or more components. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows exemplary machine-readable instructions that can be executed by the computing device shown in the example of Figure 2 in order to perform digital X-ray imaging according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system that can be used to implement the scanner positioning control system shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The drawings are not necessarily to exact scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numbers are used to refer to similar or identical components.

[0008] Conventional scanner positioning systems include a user interface that provides control over individual modes of positioning of components. For example, a conventional scanner positioning system may include numbers and ranges representing the height of the X-ray emitter, numbers and ranges representing the height of the manipulator, and / or numbers and ranges representing the height of the X-ray receiver. However, the person operating the control device may not have a clear understanding of the final position resulting from changes in the numbers on the interface. Therefore, conventional scanner positioning systems may involve a great deal of trial and error on the operator's part to determine the desired positioning in order to achieve the desired scan.

[0009] The disclosed scanner positioning control system and method provides an extremely easy-to-use interface that allows the operator to view proposed changes to the placement of the X-ray emitter, manipulator, X-ray detector, and / or any other components of the scanning system before implementing changes to the scanning system. In some examples, the scanner positioning control system and method provides visualization of both the starting position before positioning adjustment and the ending position after positioning adjustment. In some examples, the scanner positioning control system and method can calculate and display relevant metrics such as numerical measurements of distances between components and / or other measurements of position, calculated focal length and / or blurriness parameters, and / or any other information. As a result, the operator can manipulate virtual representations of the components via the interface until the desired placement or positioning is achieved, at which point the operator can instruct the scanner positioning control system to implement the changes via the appropriate actuators of the scanning system.

[0010] An illustrated scanner positioning control system disclosed comprises a display, a processor, and a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to: output a first visual representation of the arrangement of a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a work positioner via the display; identify a change made to the arrangement of at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner; output a second visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner via the display based on the change made to the arrangement; and control the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the change.

[0011] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, the first visual representation includes at least one of the following: a projection of the current position of the radiation source onto a reference plane; a projection of the current position of the radiation detector onto a reference plane; a projection of the current position of the work positioner onto a reference plane; or a projection of a part positioned on the work positioner onto a radiation detector based on the current positions of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, the second visual representation includes at least one of the following: a projection of the changed position of the radiation source onto a reference plane based on a change made to the arrangement; a projection of the changed position of the radiation detector onto a reference plane based on a change made to the arrangement; a projection of the changed position of the work positioner onto a reference plane based on a change made to the arrangement; or a projection of a part positioned on the work positioner onto a radiation detector based on a change made to the arrangement.

[0012] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, computer-readable instructions cause a processor to control the scanner positioning system by controlling a housing enclosing a radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner, the housing door, the housing boundary, the limits of motion of at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner, the range of motion in which the probability of a collision involving at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner occurring is below a threshold, a filter wheel, a collimator, or a shutter.

[0013] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, computer-readable instructions cause a processor to access the current positions of a radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner, and to determine a first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the positions. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, the first visual representation includes at least one of a representation of the current focal point of the radiation emitted by the radiation source, or an updated focal point representation based on changes made to the arrangement. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, computer-readable instructions cause a processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector following changes made to the arrangement.

[0014] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to identify a trajectory followed by at least one of a radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner during a scanning operation, the trajectory having an initial position of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner and an end position of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner; to output a third visual representation including the initial and end positions via a display; and to control the scanner positioning system during the scanning operation to physically move at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the trajectory from the initial to the end position. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, the third visual representation visually represents at least one change in position or orientation of at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner between the initial and end positions. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, the first and second visual representations are three-dimensional representations.

[0015] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to determine the range of motion of at least one of a radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner, and at least one of a first or second visual representation includes a representation of the range. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to determine whether motion associated with a change in position causes at least one of the radiation source, radiation detector, or work positioner to exceed the limits of the range of motion.

[0016] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, at least one of the first or second visual representations includes a representation of a workpiece held on a workpiece positioner. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, at least one of the first or second visual representations includes one or more vectors representing a robot arm, the origin of movement of the workpiece positioner, or a change to the placement. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to output a third visual representation of the intermediate placement of a radiation source, radiation detector, and workpiece positioner via a display, based on the placement and changes made to the placement.

[0017] In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, at least one of a first or second visual representation includes at least one of a housing, housing door, filter wheel, radiation source collimator, or radiation source shutter. In some exemplary scanner positioning control systems, a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector of the placement. Some exemplary scanner positioning control systems include a user input device, and a computer-readable instruction causes a processor to identify a change to be made to the placement based on one or more inputs via the user input device.

[0018] Some other disclosed exemplary scanner positioning systems include a display, a processor, and a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to: render a three-dimensional representation of a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a work positioner based on the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner; render changes to the arrangement in response to a command to change the arrangement; and control the position and orientation of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner based on the rendered arrangement including the rendered changes.

[0019] Further disclosed exemplary scanner positioning control systems include a display, a processor, and a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to: output a first visual representation of a first state of a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a work positioner via the display; identify a change made to the first state based on a modeled operation of the first visual representation; output a second visual representation of a second state of the radiation source via the display, wherein the radiation detector reflects the modeled operation; and control the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner to the position represented by the second state.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 that can be controlled using a scanner positioning control system. The exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 can be used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT) and / or any other scanning applications. The exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 is configured to direct X-rays 102 from an X-ray emitter 104 through a workpiece 108 (e.g., an object under test) to an X-ray detector 106. In the example of FIG. 1, a workpiece positioner 110 holds or secures the workpiece 108 and moves and / or rotates the workpiece 108 so that the desired portion and / or orientation of the workpiece 108 is positioned within the path of the X-ray radiation 102.

[0021] As will be described in more detail below, any of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and / or the workpiece positioner 110 can be positioned and / or reoriented using one or more actuators. Relative repositioning of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and / or the workpiece positioner 110 provides various effects, such as changing the focal length, changing the focus, changing the blur parameter, changing the magnification (e.g., the ratio of the distance between the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector to the distance between the X-ray emitter and the workpiece positioner or between the workpiece), changing the portion of the workpiece 108 being scanned, and / or other effects.

[0022] The X-ray scanning system 100 further includes a housing 112 in which the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the workpiece positioner 110 are enclosed. The housing 112 includes, for example, one or more doors 114 or other access openings for inserting or removing the workpiece 108, servicing any of the components within the housing 112, and / or otherwise accessing the interior of the housing 112.

[0023] The X-ray detector 106 of FIG. 1 generates a digital image based on incident X-ray radiation (e.g., generated by the X-ray emitter 104 and directed towards the X-ray detector 106). The exemplary X-ray detector 106 can include a fluoroscopic detection system and a digital image sensor configured to receive the image indirectly via scintillation, and / or can be implemented using a sensor panel (e.g., a CCD panel, a CMOS panel, etc.) configured to receive X-rays directly and generate a digital image. In other examples, the X-ray detector 106 can be coupled to a scintillation screen and use a solid panel having pixels corresponding to portions of the scintillation screen. The exemplary solid panel may include a CMOS X-ray panel and / or a CCD X-ray panel.

[0024] Exemplary implementations of the work positioner 110 include mechanical manipulators such as a platen having linear and / or rotational actuators. Other exemplary work positioners 110 may include robotic manipulators such as a robotic arm having six degrees of freedom (DOF).

[0025] The example of FIG. 1 includes an X-ray emitter 104 and an X-ray detector 106, but in other examples, the scanning system 100 can perform scanning using radiation of other wavelengths.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 and the scan positioning control system 200 of FIG. 1. As described above, the exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 includes an X-ray emitter 104, an X-ray detector 106, and a work positioner 110. The exemplary X-ray scanning system 100 further includes a source actuator 116, a detector actuator 118, and a positioner actuator 120.

[0027] The X-ray scanning system 100 in Figure 2 is communicatively coupled to the scanner positioning control system 200. In some examples, a programmable logic controller (PLC) 202 or other interface device can couple the scanner positioning control system 200 to the X-ray scanning system 100. For example, the PLC 202 may allow a personal computer or other general-purpose computing device to communicate with (e.g., issue commands to, retrieve information from) the actuators 116-120 and / or sensors (one or more) of the scanning system 100.

[0028] The scanner positioning control system 200 illustrated in Figure 2 includes one or more processors 204, memory 206 and / or other computer-readable storage devices (one or more), a display 208, a communication circuit 210, and one or more input devices 212. The scanner positioning control system 200 controls the positioning of the X-ray emitter 104 (e.g., via source actuator 116), the positioning of the X-ray detector 106 (e.g., via detector actuator 118), and / or the positioning of the workpiece positioner 110 and / or workpiece 108 (e.g., via positioner actuator 120). To reduce the trial and error associated with positioning components 104-110, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 outputs a visual representation via the display 208 of both the current placement of the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and work positioner 110, and the updated placement of the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and work positioner 110 based on placement operations performed by the operator (e.g., via input device(s) 212). The exemplary operator input device(s) 212 includes buttons, switches, analog joysticks, thumbpads, trackballs, and / or any other type of user input device.

[0029] The scanner positioning control system 200 controls the X-ray emitter 104, receives digital images from the X-ray detector 106, and / or outputs digital images to the display device 208. Additionally or alternatively, the scanner positioning control system 200 may store digital images in a storage device. The scanner positioning control system 200 can output digital images as digital video to support real-time non-destructive testing and / or store digital still images.

[0030] In the example in Figure 2, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays a three-dimensional representation of the current and updated arrangements. Figure 3 shows an exemplary interface 300 that may be used to implement the scanner positioning control system 200, showing a first visual representation of the current arrangement 302 of the components 304a, 306a, and 308a of the X-ray scanning system 100, and a second arrangement 310 (e.g., updated components 306b, 308b) representing changes to the current arrangement 302 of the components 304a-308a.

[0031] The exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 can use an input device(s) 212 to identify changes(s) made to the current configuration (e.g., position(s) and / or orientation(s)) of at least one of the X-ray emitter 104, work positioner 110, and / or X-ray detector 106. Based on the changes(s) to the current configuration 302 identified via the input device(s) 212, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays a visual representation of the updated configuration. The exemplary interface 300 can be operated (e.g., input device(s) The position and / or orientation of components 304a, 306a, 308a and / or the viewpoint angle of interface 300 (e.g., the camera angle at which arrangements 302, 310 are viewed on interface 300) can be changed (via 212). When an operator manipulates the position and / or orientation of one or more of the components(s) 304a, 306a, 308a, the scanner positioning control system 200 can generate a corresponding modified component(s) and / or change the position of the modified component(s) while maintaining the same position and / or orientation of components 304a, 306a, 308a in the current arrangement 302.

[0032] In an example of operation, the operator can move the work positioner 110 (e.g., component 306a) on the interface 300 by manipulating a cursor or other input device 212. For example, the operator may adjust the position and / or orientation of component 306a within the interface 300 by clicking and dragging, which is reflected by the creation, positioning, and orientation of an updated component 306b on the interface 300. In the example shown in Figure 3, component 306a represents the current position of the work positioner 110 and remains in the same position and orientation. On the other hand, the updated component 306b represents the changes made to the position and / or orientation of the work positioner 110. To position component 306b to the desired position, the operator can repeatedly adjust the position and / or orientation of the updated component 306b until the desired position and / or orientation is achieved. Similarly, the operator can reposition and / or reorient the X-ray detector 106 within the interface by clicking and dragging component 308a to adjust the position and / or orientation represented by the updated component 308b.

[0033] The scanner positioning control system 200 further controls the scanner positioning system (e.g., actuators 116, 118, 120 via PLC 202) to physically move the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and work positioner 110 based on the changes represented by the updated arrangement 310. Once the desired arrangement of components 304a, 306a, 308a and / or updated components 304b, 306b, 308b is obtained via interface 300, the operator commands the scanner positioning control system 200 (e.g., via PLC 202) to move the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and work positioner 110. In response to a command to implement a change in position, the processor(s) 204 calculates a path between the positions of components 304a, 306a, and 308a in the current arrangement 302 and the positions of updated components 306b and 308b in the updated arrangement 310. The processor(s) 204 then commands the source actuator 116, detector actuator 118, and / or positioner actuator 120 (for example, via the PLC 202) to move the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and work positioner 110. In some examples, the PLC 202 can calculate the path based on coordinate information communicated by the scanner positioning control system 200.

[0034] To assist the operator in determining the desired positions of the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and / or work positioner 110, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may include additional visual representations on the interface 300, such as a projection 312 of the current position of the X-ray emitter component 304a onto the reference plane 314, a projection 316 of the current position of the X-ray detector component 308a onto the reference plane 314, a projection 318 of the current position of the work positioner component 306a onto the reference plane 314, a projection 314 of the changed position of the X-ray emitter component 304a based on one or more changes made to the arrangement 302, a projection 320 of the changed position of the X-ray detector component 308b onto the reference plane 314 based on one or more changes made to the arrangement 302, and a projection 314 of the changed position of the work positioner component 306b onto the reference plane 314 based on one or more changes made to the arrangement 302. Additionally or alternatively, the scanner positioning control system 200 can calculate the focal point 322 of the X-ray beam and project it onto the current position of the X-ray detector component 308a and / or the updated position of the X-ray detector component 308b.

[0035] The illustrative reference plane 314 and / or one or more other reference planes assist the operator by displaying the relative current positions of components 304a, 306a, 308a and / or the relative updated positions of components 306b, 308b in a particular plane where it may be difficult for the operator to accurately perceive the spatial relationships between components.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may include a visual representation on interface 300 for projecting parts onto the X-ray detector to visualize the scan. Exemplary visualizations may include projection onto the X-ray detector component 308a of parts positioned on work positioner component 306a based on the current arrangement, and / or projection onto the X-ray detector component of parts positioned on work positioner component 306b based on one or more changes made to arrangement 302. To generate this projection, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may use graphics processing to determine the shielding of X-rays emitted from the current position of the X-ray emitter component 304a by the workpieces positioned on work positioner components 306a, 306b (which may be based on a determined collimator, energy level, and / or any other aspect of the X-ray emitter). The workpiece may be rendered to the interface 300 from the 3D model of the workpiece based on the current or changed position of the workpiece positioner components 306a and 306b.

[0037] In addition to the X-ray emitter components, X-ray detector components, work positioner components, and / or workpiece, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200, in visual representation, includes the door 114 of the housing 112, the boundary of the housing 112, the limits of motion of components 304a, 306a, and 308a, the range of motion of components 304a, 306a, and 308a where the possibility of collision is below a threshold, the filter wheel, collimator, and shutter. 、 and / or may affect the position and / or orientation of components 304a, 306a, 308a , and / or movable It may contain any of the other elements.

[0038] The exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 can access the current positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and / or the work positioner 110 and, based on these positions, determine a first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and / or the work positioner 110. To determine the current arrangement 302 (e.g., the positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the work positioner 110), the exemplary scanning system 100 may include one or more position sensors 122 that determine the positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the work positioner 110 and communicate these positions to the scanner positioning control system 200 (e.g., via a PLC 202). The scanner positioning control system 200 can store a three-dimensional coordinate system that includes a range of possible positions for each of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the work positioner 110. Using position information received from position sensors 122, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines the positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the work positioner 110, and / or any other components, within the coordinate system or reference frame defined by the interface 300.

[0039] For example, the X-ray emitter 104 can be controlled using a linear actuator. The scanner positioning control system 200 can store a calibrated position range of the X-ray emitter 104 corresponding to a coordinate system. One or more position sensors 122 can output numerical values ​​of the position of the X-ray emitter 104 along the length of the linear actuator's range, thereby allowing the scanner positioning control system 200 to convert the detected position of the X-ray emitter into a coordinate system within the interface 300. By storing similar position ranges for the coordinate system, the scanner positioning control system 200 can determine the positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the work positioner 110, convert their positions, and present the current arrangement 302 to the interface 300.

[0040] The detected position can be used to determine and display secondary information such as the projection on the reference plane 314, the projection of X-rays and / or the workpiece on the X-ray detector component 308a, the focal length of the X-ray detector, the magnification level (e.g., zoom), the blurriness parameter, and / or any other information that can be derived from the current positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, and the workpiece positioner 110.

[0041] While the above example refers to linear actuators, any other type(s) of actuator(s) or manipulator(s) can be used to physically position and / or manipulate the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, workpiece positioner 110, workpiece, and / or any other components. For example, actuator(s) 116, 118, 120 may include 6-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulators, rotary actuators (e.g., direct rotation, worm gear rotation, etc.), and / or any other type of actuator.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an exemplary interface 400 that may be used to implement the scanner positioning control system 200, and includes a first visual representation 402 of the current arrangement 402 of one or more components of the X-ray scanning system 100, a second visual representation 404 of an updated arrangement representing a change to the current arrangement 402 of one or more components, and an exemplary guide graphic 406 that may be used to define changes in the position and / or orientation of the work positioner 110.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 4, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays the current position of the work positioner component 408a and the updated position of the work positioner component 408b based on the change in the position of the work positioner component 408b. Near the updated work positioner component 408b, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays a guide graphic 406, enabling the user to easily identify permitted modifications to the position and orientation of the work positioner component 408b. The guide graphic 406 in the example in Figure 4 shows translational guides (e.g., X, Y, and Z directions) and rotational graphics (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the work positioner component 408b in the plane).

[0044] Figure 5 shows an exemplary interface 500 that may be used to implement the scanner positioning control system 200, showing a first visual representation 502 of the current arrangement of one or more components of the X-ray scanning system, a second visual representation 504 of an updated arrangement 504 of one or more components, and an exemplary trajectory 506 between the first and second arrangements.

[0045] The exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 can identify the trajectories followed by the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, the work positioner 110, and / or any other components within the interface 500 between the current arrangement 502 and the updated arrangement 504. The trajectory 506 can be implemented while moving components from the current arrangement 502 to the updated arrangement 504 and / or during the scanning operation. The scanner positioning control system 200 outputs a visual representation of the trajectory 506 on the interface 500, thereby allowing the operator to more easily determine whether a desired trajectory is implemented and to more easily identify whether collisions may occur between components following the trajectory 506.

[0046] In some examples, the scanner positioning control system 200 allows the operator to adjust all or part of the trajectory and / or calculate the trajectory 506 by requiring the use of different pathfinding techniques by the scanner positioning control system 200.

[0047] In particular, if the trajectory 506 is not linear, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 can adapt the control of actuators 116, 118, and 120 to implement the desired trajectory. For example, instead of commanding the updated position to be implemented by the PLC 202, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may break down the operation into a number of segmented operations for implementation in the X-ray scanning system 100.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the scanner positioning control system 200 may include a sequence of intermediate positions that occur in time between the current position 502 and the updated position 504, and / or a sequence of states including the current position 502 and multiple updated positions. Such a sequence of intermediate positions and / or positions may be useful for an operator to visualize and control a complex sequence of component positions, which may include multiple movement directions and / or rotation directions, different components moving at different times, and / or any other changes.

[0049] Figure 6 shows an exemplary interface 600 that may be used to implement the scanner positioning control system 200, and shows a first visual representation 602 of the current arrangement of one or more components of the X-ray scanning system 100, including a robotic manipulator 604 for implementing the work positioner 110, and a second visual representation 606 of an updated arrangement 606 of one or more components. As in the example above, the interface 600 can display the trajectory of the robotic manipulator 604, the range of motion of the robotic manipulator 604, the projection of the position of the robotic manipulator 604 onto one or more reference planes, and / or a sequence of intermediate and / or arrangements including the robotic manipulator 604.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the scanner positioning control system 200 may display the origin or configuration of the robot manipulator 604 on the interface 600 to allow the operator to have a reference point for determining the position of the robot manipulator 604. Similar to the current configuration 602 and / or updated configuration 606, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may display a projection of the origin configuration onto one or more reference planes. The original configuration may further include the workpiece held and manipulated by the robot manipulator 604.

[0051] In some examples, the scanner positioning control system 200 can determine and display the range of motion limits 608 of one or more joints of a 6DOF robot manipulator. In some examples, the scanner positioning control system 200 can allow an operator to manipulate the range of motion limits 608, thereby constraining the movement of the robot manipulator 604 when implementing a change from the current arrangement 602 to an updated arrangement 606.

[0052] If the scanner positioning control system 200 determines that the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, the work positioner 110, and / or any other component exceeds the range of motion limit (e.g., range of motion limit 608) due to motion associated with the change from the current arrangement 602 to the updated arrangement 606, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may attempt to calculate an alternative trajectory from the current arrangement 602 to the updated arrangement 606 that does not exceed the range of motion limit 608, and / or notify the operator that the range of motion limit 608 has been exceeded.

[0053] When performing an inspection, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 can store positioning information associated with the acquired scan image. The stored positioning information may include information similar to that used to generate and display the current arrangement. The positioning information can then be used to visually represent, for example, on a display 208, the arrangement of the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, work positioner 110, workpiece 108, and / or any other components as the image was acquired. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 may store and retrieve recipes containing arrangement sequences for the scanning process, which may also be visualized in a similar manner to the current arrangement, updated arrangement, and / or arrangement sequences disclosed herein.

[0054] Figure 7 is a flowchart representing exemplary machine-readable instructions 700 that may be executed by the exemplary scanner positioning control system 200 of Figure 2 to perform digital X-ray imaging. The exemplary instructions 700 may be executed by an exemplary processor(s) 204 and / or stored as instructions in memory 206 and / or other storage devices(s).

[0055] In block 702, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines the current arrangement, including the position(s) of the radiation source (e.g., X-ray emitter 104), radiation detector (e.g., X-ray detector 106), work positioner (e.g., work positioner 110), and / or the part under test (e.g., workpiece 108). For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 can receive or access position measurements from the position(s) of

[0056] In block 704, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays a visual representation of the current arrangement (e.g., current arrangement 302 in Figure 3), including the current positions of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, the workpiece positioner 110, and / or the workpiece 108. For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may display components 304a, 306a, and 308a within the interface 300 via the display 208.

[0057] In block 706, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines whether an input has been received to change the position(s) of the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, the workpiece positioner 110, and / or the workpiece 108. For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may receive one or more inputs from input device(s) 212 to move components 304a, 306a, and 308a within interface 300. Additionally or alternatively, the input(s) may change the updated positions (e.g., updated components 306b, 308b) that have not yet been implemented, rather than acting on the current positions of components 304a, 306a, and 308a.

[0058] When an input is received to change the position(s)

[0059] In block 710, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines updated focus, updated magnification, and / or updated blurriness parameters based on the determined changes (one or more) to the current position.

[0060] In block 712, the scanner positioning control system 200 displays a visual representation of the updated arrangement (e.g., updated arrangement 310) including the changed positions (one or more) of the updated components 306b, 308b, etc.

[0061] After displaying a visual representation of the updated arrangement (block 712), and / or if no input has been received to change the position(s) (block 706), in block 714, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines whether to implement the update(s) for the current arrangement 302. For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may determine whether a command to implement a changed position(s) has been received via input device(s) 212. If the update is not implemented (block 712), control returns to block 706 and waits for the change to the current arrangement and / or the updated arrangement.

[0062] If an update is implemented (block 712), in block 716, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines the trajectories of the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, work positioner 110, and / or workpiece 108 from the current arrangement 302 to the updated arrangement 310. For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may determine one or more paths spanning between the component positions of the current arrangement 302 (for example, based on determined positions) and the component positions of the updated arrangement 310 (for example, based on commanded positions), as well as operational paths stored by the scanner positioning control system 200.

[0063] In block 718, the scanner positioning control system 200 determines whether a collision is predicted based on the determined trajectory. For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may monitor the trajectory for potential collisions involving the X-ray emitter 104, the X-ray detector 106, the workpiece positioner 110, the workpiece 108, the housing, the door, and / or any other components within the system 100.

[0064] If a collision is predicted (block 718), in block 720, the scanner positioning control system 200 generates a potential collision warning and does not implement a position update. In some other examples, the scanner positioning control system 200 may attempt to calculate alternative trajectories and / or sequences of operations to implement the updated position. The control returns to block 706, allowing the operator to provide input(s) to modify the updated position to avoid a collision.

[0065] If no collision is predicted (block 718), in block 722, the scanner positioning control system 200 controls the scanner positioning system (e.g., actuators 116-120, PLC 202) to physically move the X-ray emitter 104, X-ray detector 106, and / or work positioner 110 based on the change(s). For example, the scanner positioning control system 200 may directly control the actuators(s) 116-120, control the actuators(s) 116-120 via the PLC 202, and / or provide the updated position to the PLC 202 so that the PLC 202 can implement the change. The control returns to block 702 to calculate and display the new current placement.

[0066] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system 800 that can be used to implement the scanner positioning control system 200 of Figure 2. The exemplary computing system 800 can be implemented using a personal computer, server, smartphone, laptop computer, workstation, tablet computer, and / or any other type of computing device.

[0067] The illustrative computing system 800 in Figure 8 includes a processor 802. The illustrative processor 802 can be any general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) from any manufacturer. In some other examples, the processor 802 may include one or more dedicated processing units such as a RISC processor with an ARM core, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, and / or a system-on-chip (SoC). The processor 802 executes machine-readable instructions 804, which can be stored locally in the processor (e.g., in the included cache or SoC), in random-access memory 806 (or other volatile memory), in read-only memory 808 (or other non-volatile memory such as flash memory), and / or in a mass storage device 810. The illustrative mass storage device 810 can be a hard drive, a solid-state storage device, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and / or any other mass data storage device.

[0068] Bus 812 enables communication between processor 802, RAM 806, ROM 808, mass storage device 810, network interface 814, and / or input / output interface 816.

[0069] The illustrated network interface 814 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software to connect the computing system 800 to a communication network 818 such as the Internet. For example, the network interface 814 may include IEEE 802.X compliant wireless and / or wired communication hardware for transmitting and / or receiving communication information.

[0070] The illustrative I / O interface 816 in Figure 8 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software that connects one or more input / output devices 820 to the processor 802 to provide input to the processor 802 and / or provide output from the processor 802. For example, the I / O interface 816 may include a graphics processing unit for interface with a display device, a universal serial bus port for interface with one or more USB-compliant devices, FireWire®, a fieldbus, and / or any other type of interface. The illustrative I / O device(s) 820 may include a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, pointing device, microphone, audio speaker, optical media drive, multitouch touchscreen, gesture recognition interface, display device(s) 118, 212, magnetic media drive, and / or any other type of input and / or output device.

[0071] The illustrated computing system 800 can access non-transient machine-readable media 822 via I / O interface 816 and / or I / O device(s) 820. Examples of machine-readable media 822 in Figure 8 include optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile / video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray® discs, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks), portable storage media (e.g., portable flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, etc.), and / or any other type of removable and / or fixed machine-readable media.

[0072] The exemplary wireless interfaces, protocols, and / or standards that Network Interface(s) 814 and / or I / O Interface(s) 816 support and / or can use include: wireless personal area network (WPAN) protocols such as Bluetooth® (IEEE 802.15); near field communication (NFC) standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11); cellular standards such as 2G / 2G+ (e.g., GSM / GPRS / EDGE and IS-95 or cdmaOne) and / or 2G / 2G+ (e.g., CDMA2000, UMTS, and HSPA); 4G standards such as WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) and LTE; and ultra-wideband (UWB). Examples of wired interfaces, protocols, and / or standards that network interfaces 814 and / or I / O interfaces 816 can support and / or use for purposes such as communicating with display devices 212 include Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Cable Television and / or Internet (ATSC, DVB-C, DOCSIS), and Universal Serial Bus (USB) based interfaces.

[0073] The processor 802, network interface(s) 814, and / or I / O interface(s) 816 can perform, for example, filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and / or digital-to-analog conversion, up-conversion / down-conversion of baseband signals, encoding / decoding, encryption / decryption, modulation / demodulation, and / or any other appropriate signal processing.

[0074] The computing system 800 may use one or more antennas for wireless communication and / or one or more wired ports for wired communication. The antenna(s) may be any type of antenna suitable for frequency, power level, diversity, and / or other parameters required for the wireless interface and / or protocol used for communication (e.g., directional antenna, omnidirectional antenna, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna, etc.). The ports(s) may include any type of connector suitable for communication via wired interfaces / protocols supported by the computing device system 800. For example, the ports(s) may include Ethernet over twisted pair ports, USB ports, HDMI® ports, passive optical network (PON) ports, and / or any other suitable ports for interface to wired or optical cables.

[0075] The method and system can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The method and / or system can be implemented centrally in at least one computing system, or distributedly, with different elements distributed across several interconnected computing systems. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to perform the method described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software may include a general-purpose computing system, along with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the method described herein. Another typical embodiment may include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments may include a non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.) that stores one or more lines of machine-executable code, thereby causing a machine to perform a process such as that described herein. As used herein, the term “non-temporary machine-readable medium” includes all types of machine-readable storage media and is defined to exclude propagated signals.

[0076] As used herein, the terms “circuit” and “circuits” mean physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can constitute the hardware, that the hardware can execute, and / or that can otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may include a first “circuit” when executing one or more first lines of code, and a second “circuit” when executing one or more second lines of code. As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more items in the list linked by “and / or”. For example, “x and / or y” means any element in the set of three elements {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, “x, y and / or z” means “one or more of x, y and z.” As used herein, the term “exemplary” means to serve as an unrestricted example, case, or illustration. As used herein, the term “for example” begins a list of one or more unrestricted examples, cases, or illustrations. As used herein, whenever circuits include the hardware and code (if any) necessary to perform a certain function, the circuits are “operable” to perform that function, regardless of whether the performance of that function is disabled or not (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory trim, etc.).

[0077] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure to adapt the teachings of the Disclosure to specific circumstances or materials. Therefore, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, the Method and / or System includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure also includes the following aspects: [Aspect 1] A scanner positioning control system, The display and Processor and The system comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed, the processor receives the instructions. The display outputs a first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner. Identifying the changes made to the arrangement of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner, Based on the changes made to the arrangement, a second visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner is output via the display. Controlling the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the change, A scanner positioning control system that enables this operation. [Aspect 2] The scanner positioning control system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first visual representation includes at least one of the following: a projection of the current position of the radiation source onto a reference plane; a projection of the current position of the radiation detector onto the reference plane; a projection of the current position of the work positioner onto the reference plane; or a projection of a part positioned on the work positioner onto the radiation detector based on the current positions of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner. [Aspect 3] The scanner positioning control system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the second visual representation includes at least one of the following: a projection onto the reference plane of the changed position of the radiation source based on the change made to the arrangement; a projection onto the reference plane of the changed position of the radiation detector based on the change made to the arrangement; a projection onto the reference plane of the changed position of the work positioner based on the change made to the arrangement; or a projection onto the radiation detector of the part positioned on the work positioner based on the change made to the arrangement. [Aspect 4] The scanner positioning control system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instructions cause the processor to control the scanner positioning system by controlling the housing in which the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner are enclosed, the door of the housing, the boundary of the housing, the limits of motion of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner, the range of motion in which the probability of a collision involving at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner occurring is below a threshold, the filter wheel, the collimator, or the shutter. [Aspect 5] The scanner positioning control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to access the current positions of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner, and to determine the first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the positions. [Aspect 6] The scanner positioning control system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first visual representation includes at least one of a representation of the current focal point of radiation emitted by the radiation source, or a representation of an updated focal point based on the change made to the arrangement. [Aspect 7] The scanner positioning control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector following the change made to the arrangement. [Aspect 8] The computer-readable instruction is provided to the processor, Identifying the trajectory followed by at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner during a scanning operation, wherein the trajectory has an initial position of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner, and an end position of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner. Outputting a third visual representation including the start arrangement and the end arrangement via the display, During the scanning operation, the scanner positioning system is controlled to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the trajectory from the start position to the end position. A scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, which causes the following to occur. [Aspect 9] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 8, wherein the third visual representation visually represents at least one change in position or orientation of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner between the start arrangement and the end arrangement. [Aspect 10] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein the first visual representation and the second visual representation are three-dimensional representations. [Aspect 11] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine a range of motion of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner, and at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes a representation of the range. [Aspect 12] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 11, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine whether the motion associated with the change to the arrangement causes at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner to exceed the limits of the range of motion. [Aspect 13] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes a representation of a workpiece held on the workpiece positioner. [Aspect 14] The scanner positioning system according to Embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the first or second visual representations includes one or more vectors representing a robot arm, the origin of movement of the work positioner, or the change to the arrangement. [Aspect 15] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to output a third visual representation of the intermediate arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner via the display, based on the arrangement and the changes made to the arrangement. [Aspect 16] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes at least one of a housing, a housing door, a filter wheel, a radiation source collimator, or a radiation source shutter. [Aspect 17] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector in the arrangement. [Aspect 18] The scanner positioning system according to embodiment 1, further comprising a user input device, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to identify the changes made to the arrangement based on one or more inputs via the user input device. [Aspect 19] A scanner positioning system, The display and Processor and The system comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed, the processor receives the instructions. Based on the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner, a three-dimensional representation of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner is rendered. In response to a command to change the aforementioned arrangement, the changes to the aforementioned arrangement are rendered, Based on the rendered arrangement including the rendered changes, the position and orientation of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner are controlled. A scanner positioning system that performs this task. [Aspect 20] A scanner positioning control system, The display and Processor and The system comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed, the processor receives the instructions. The first visual representation of the first state of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner is output via the aforementioned display, Identifying changes made to the first state based on the modeled operation of the first visual representation, The output of a second visual representation of the second state of the radiation source via the display, wherein the radiation detector reflects the modeled operation. Controlling the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner to the position represented by the second state, A scanner positioning control system that enables this operation.

Claims

1. A scanner positioning control system, The display and Processor and The system comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed, the processor receives the instructions. The display outputs a first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner. Identifying the changes made to the arrangement of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner, Based on the changes made to the arrangement, a second visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner is output via the display. Controlling the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the change, Have them do it, The first visual representation is: Projection of the current position of the radiation source onto a reference plane; The projection of the current position of the radiation detector onto the reference plane, the projection of the current position of the work positioner onto the reference plane; or Projection of a part positioned on the work positioner onto the radiation detector, based on the current positions of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner. A scanner positioning control system comprising at least one of the following.

2. The second visual representation is: Projection of the changed position of the radiation source onto the reference plane, based on the change made to the arrangement; Projection of the changed position of the radiation detector onto the reference plane based on the change made to the arrangement; Projection of the changed position of the work positioner onto the reference plane based on the change made to the arrangement; or Projection of the part positioned on the work positioner onto the radiation detector, based on the changes made to the arrangement. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following:

3. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to access the current positions of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner, and to determine the first visual representation of the arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the current positions.

4. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first visual representation includes a representation of the current focal point of the radiation emitted by the radiation source.

5. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector following the change made to the arrangement.

6. The computer-readable instruction is provided to the processor, Identifying the trajectory followed by at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner during the change made to the arrangement, wherein the trajectory has an initial arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner, and an ending arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner. Outputting a third visual representation including the start arrangement and the end arrangement via the display, Controlling the scanner positioning system during the changes made to the arrangement to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner based on the trajectory from the start arrangement to the end arrangement, A scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, which causes the following to be performed.

7. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 6, wherein the third visual representation visually represents at least one change in position or orientation of at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner between the start position and the end position.

8. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first visual representation and the second visual representation are three-dimensional representations.

9. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine a range of motion for at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner, and at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes a representation of the range.

10. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 9, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine whether the motion associated with the change to the arrangement causes at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, or the work positioner to exceed the limits of the range of motion.

11. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes a representation of a workpiece held on the workpiece positioner.

12. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes one or more vectors representing a robot arm, the origin of movement of the work positioner, or the change to the arrangement.

13. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to output a third visual representation of the intermediate arrangement of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner via the display, based on the arrangement and the changes made to the arrangement.

14. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first visual representation or the second visual representation includes at least one of a housing, a housing door, a filter wheel, a radiation source collimator, or a radiation source shutter.

15. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to determine at least one of the magnification, blurriness parameter, or focal length of the radiation detector in the arrangement.

16. The scanner positioning control system according to claim 1, further comprising a user input device, wherein the computer-readable instruction causes the processor to identify the changes made to the arrangement based on one or more inputs via the user input device.

17. A scanner positioning control system, The display and Processor and The system comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed, the processor receives the instructions. The first visual representation of the first state of the radiation source, radiation detector, and work positioner is output via the aforementioned display, Identifying changes made to the first state based on the modeled operation of the first visual representation, The output of a second visual representation of the second state of the radiation source via the display, wherein the radiation detector reflects the modeled operation. Controlling the scanner positioning system to physically move at least one of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner to the position represented by the second state, Have them do it, The first visual representation is: Projection of the current position of the radiation source onto a reference plane; The projection of the current position of the radiation detector onto the reference plane, the projection of the current position of the work positioner onto the reference plane; or Projection of a part positioned on the work positioner onto the radiation detector, based on the current positions of the radiation source, the radiation detector, and the work positioner. A scanner positioning control system comprising at least one of the following.

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