Adaptive Spectrum Channel Grouping for Ionizing Radiation Material Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing objects using ionizing electromagnetic radiation, such as X-ray or gamma radiation, face limitations in accurately estimating material composition due to the need for grouping energy channels, which can lead to suboptimal reconstruction and noise optimization, especially in tomographic reconstructions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving irradiation of an object with ionizing electromagnetic radiation, followed by spectrum acquisition and adaptive clustering of channels based on a predetermined criterion, such as uniformity, to form grouping channels with equal values, allowing for improved estimation of material composition through coordinate determination in a selected basis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If energy channels are grouped using conventional fixed grouping methods, then the number of channels is reduced to optimize reconstruction, but the measurement precision and material estimation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic grouping by adapting the grouping strategy to each specific spectrum shape. The method analyzes the spectral characteristics and dynamically determines grouping channels and boundaries tailored to each spectrum, rather than using fixed predetermined grouping. This dynamic adaptation preserves measurement precision while maintaining reconstruction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the grouping parameters (number of grouping channels, energy boundaries) based on the spectral shape characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to the specific spectrum being analyzed, the method optimizes both reconstruction efficiency and material estimation accuracy for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the number of energy channels is reduced through grouping, then noise distribution is optimized, but the precision of material composition estimation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise distributionVSAvoidmaterial composition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the spectrum differently. Instead of uniform grouping, the method identifies spectrally informative regions and applies targeted grouping that preserves local spectral characteristics critical for material estimation while optimizing noise distribution in other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The method dynamically adjusts grouping parameters based on spectral shape to optimize the balance between noise distribution and material composition precision. By changing grouping parameters adaptively, it preserves the information needed for accurate material estimation while achieving optimal noise characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If fixed grouping channels are used for all spectra, then processing is simplified, but the adaptability to different spectrum shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidspectrum shape adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by analyzing each spectrum's shape characteristics and automatically adjusting the grouping strategy accordingly. The method adapts to different spectrum shapes (such as those with K-edges or Compton edges) by dynamically determining optimal grouping channels, maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method employs self-service through automated spectral analysis and adaptive grouping determination. The system independently analyzes each spectrum's characteristics and automatically configures the optimal grouping parameters without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining processing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the precision of material estimation and reconstruction quality by dynamically adjusting channel grouping according to the spectrum's shape, leading to improved noise distribution and more accurate characterization of the object's material composition.

Implementation Method 1

irradiation of the object using a radiation source, said source emitting ionizing electromagnetic radiation propagating towards the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonizing electromagnetic radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

obtaining a spectrum of radiation transmitted by the object using a radiation detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

each term of which represents an attenuation of ionizing electromagnetic radiation in an energy range associated with each grouping channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric attenuation: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

relative proportion of photoelectric attenuation or Compton scattering in said energy range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompton scattering: Compton Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3563142B1Method for processing a spectrum of radiation transmitted by an object
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3563142B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3563142B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1E
  • EP3563142B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D

AI summary

The invention is a method for processing a spectrum of an ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The processed spectrum comprises several channels, each channel representing an energy band. The processing consists of taking into account a criterion, referred to as a grouping criterion, and grouping the channels of the spectrum according to this criterion, so as to form a grouping spectrum. The method then includes a determining coordinates of the grouping spectrum in a base, the base being formed by base vectors that are representative of an attenuation in a material.