Adjustable Turning Axis for Dental X-ray CT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray CT imaging, the X-ray generator and detector may contact the subject due to varying positions of the imaging region, which is not considered in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT imaging apparatus with a turning support that opposes an X-ray generator and detector, a turning drive mechanism that moves the mechanical turning axis, and a controller that adjusts the position of the mechanical turning axis based on the set position of the X-ray CT imaging region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the X-ray generator and detector rotate around a fixed mechanical turning axis, then the device structure is simple and easy to control, but the imaging components may contact the subject when imaging different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mechanical turning axis movable instead of fixed. The turning axis moving mechanism dynamically adjusts the position of the mechanical turning axis in the radial direction based on the selected imaging region, allowing the X-ray generator and detector to rotate around different centers and avoid contact with the subject while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the turning axis position is adjusted for different imaging regions, then contact with the subject is prevented, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple predetermined turning axis positions corresponding to different imaging regions (anterior, posterior, left, right). When a specific imaging region is selected, the system directly moves the mechanical turning axis to the corresponding predetermined position without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby achieving high adaptability while keeping the control system relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If the X-ray generator and detector are positioned closer to the subject for better imaging quality, then imaging precision improves, but the risk of contact with the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different local configurations for different imaging regions. For each region (anterior, posterior, left, right), the system adjusts the turning axis position to optimize the imaging trajectory locally, enabling the imaging components to pass close to the subject for high precision while avoiding contact through region-specific path planning.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to prevent an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector that turn around a subject from contacting with the subject. An X-ray CT imaging apparatus includes a turning support that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector, a turning drive mechanism including a turning mechanism and a turning axis moving mechanism, an imaging region position setting unit that receives a setting of a position of an imaging region to a local part of a dental arch of a head, and a turning controller. The position of the mechanical turning axis X1 is controlled according to the position of the imaging region set by the imaging region position setting unit.