Adjustable Radiation Phase Contrast Imaging Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation phase contrast imaging devices using Talbot interference have limited flexibility in imaging due to fixed parameters such as slit intervals, grating distances, and detector configurations, making it difficult to adjust for various imaging purposes and resulting in a narrow range of applicable enlargement ratios.

Innovation Solution

A radiation phase contrast imaging device with a multi-slit and grating configuration that allows for adjustable slit and grating pitch changes, enabling flexible positioning and configuration to accommodate different imaging needs by changing the arrangement pitches of the slits and grating structures, thereby adjusting the enlargement ratio of the self-image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the parameters (slit interval, grating distance, detector configuration) are fixed to capture the self-image, then the device can achieve clear imaging at specific enlargement ratios, but the device lacks flexibility and cannot accommodate various imaging purposes with different magnification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging flexibilityVSAvoidself-image capture precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the grating structure adjustable. Specifically, the grating can be moved along the optical axis to change the distance between the grating and the detector, and the grating pitch can be adjusted. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different imaging requirements while maintaining the ability to capture clear self-images at various enlargement ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of key parameters including the grating-detector distance, grating pitch, and slit interval. These parameter changes enable the system to optimize the enlargement ratio for different imaging purposes. The detector pitch remains fixed, but the other parameters can be varied to achieve the desired imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detector pitch is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but the enlargement ratio range is limited and cannot be adjusted for different imaging needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenlargement ratio adjustmentVSAvoiddetector configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the detector pitch adjustable (which would increase complexity), the patent applies dynamics by making the grating position and pitch adjustable. This allows the enlargement ratio to be changed while keeping the detector configuration fixed, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters on the grating side (grating-detector distance and grating pitch) rather than changing the detector pitch. This approach achieves enlargement ratio adjustment while maintaining a fixed, simpler detector configuration. The relationship between these parameters and the enlargement ratio is governed by the Talbot effect physics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the slit interval and grating pitch are optimized for a specific enlargement ratio, then clear self-image capture is achieved, but the device cannot accommodate imaging purposes requiring different magnifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-image clarityVSAvoidimaging purpose coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the grating pitch and grating-detector distance dynamic and adjustable. This allows the system to optimize the self-image clarity for different enlargement ratios by adjusting these parameters accordingly. The multi-slit configuration also remains adjustable to maintain optimal conditions across different imaging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the system with universal adjustability, where a single device configuration can serve multiple imaging purposes by adjusting the grating position, grating pitch, and slit interval. This multi-functionality allows the same device to capture clear self-images at various enlargement ratios without requiring multiple specialized configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows for a wider range of imaging purposes by enabling the device to change the enlargement ratio of the self-image, ensuring clear imaging across various magnifications without the need to alter the detector pitch, thus enhancing the device's flexibility and imaging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A radiation phase contrast imaging device that images an internal structure of an object by using a phase contrast of a radiation that is transmitted through the object... Such a device images an internal structure of an object by using Talbot interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTalbot interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

When a radiation is emitted to the phase grating 55, a self-image of the phase grating 55 appears at a position distant from the phase grating 55 by a specified distance (Talbot distance)... This self-image is an image that looks like a shadow of the phase grating 55 reflected. However, it is to be noted that the self-image is an interference fringe generated by radiation interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-image formation through interference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

a detector configured to detect a self-image of the grating or a shadow produced through absorption by the grating, the detector including detection elements arranged longitudinally and latitudinally, the detection elements detecting the radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3520697B1Radiation phase-contrast imaging device
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3520697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520697B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3520697B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An X-ray phase contrast imaging device of the present invention can change an arrangement pitch of slits related to a multi-slit 3b and an arrangement pitch of phase shift sections 5a related to a phase grating 5. A positional relationship among the multi-slit 3b, the phase grating 5, and an FPD 4 is determined based on the arrangement pitch of the slits related to the multi-slit 3b, the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections 5a related to the phase grating 5, and an arrangement pitch of detection elements related to the FPD 4. Among these arrangement pitches, by changing the arrangement pitch of the slits and the arrangement pitch of the phase shift sections 5a, the present invention can change the positional relationship among the multi-slit 3b, the phase grating 5, and the FPD 4.