Integrated CT Phantom Layout for Automated Image Quality Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial CT scanning systems require comprehensive calibration and validation to ensure accurate three-dimensional representations, but traditional methods are time-consuming and prone to human error, often necessitating multiple test apparatuses and software, which can lead to errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated validation apparatus and computing system that automates the calibration and validation process, providing multiple validation metrics such as probing error, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio, reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple test objects and complex analysis software are used for comprehensive calibration and validation, then validation completeness and reliability are improved, but calibration time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test objects (sphere, cylinder, wire pairs, holes) into a single integrated calibration apparatus. This merging allows comprehensive validation of CT system parameters (dimensional accuracy, spatial resolution, contrast) in one unified setup, eliminating the need to use separate test objects sequentially, thus reducing calibration time while maintaining validation completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The single calibration apparatus is designed to serve multiple validation functions simultaneously. Different elements within the apparatus (sphere for dimensional accuracy, wire pairs for spatial resolution, holes for contrast) enable comprehensive CT system validation through one setup, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for multiple specialized test objects
2Reliability
If multiple test objects and manual analysis procedures are used, then comprehensive validation is achieved, but operator intervention increases leading to human errors and inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration apparatus is designed to be self-explanatory with clearly defined reference elements and known geometries that automatically provide validation data. The system enables automated analysis where the known dimensions and configurations of the test elements (sphere diameter, cylinder dimensions, wire pair spacing) serve as built-in reference standards, reducing the need for operator interpretation and minimizing human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and analysis procedures with automated computational methods. Instead of operators manually measuring and analyzing multiple test objects, the system uses known geometries of the integrated apparatus combined with automated image processing and validation algorithms to consistently evaluate CT system performance
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive calibration procedures are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system availability and test frequency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple validation functions into a single calibration apparatus, the patent enables comprehensive accuracy validation (dimensional, spatial resolution, contrast) to be performed in one quick procedure. This reduces the total calibration time required to achieve complete validation, thereby increasing system availability and allowing more frequent calibration tests
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate test objects are used for different validation metrics, then comprehensive coverage of validation standards is achieved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test objects into a single integrated apparatus containing sphere, cylinder, wire pairs, and holes in one structure. This unified design covers all major validation requirements (dimensional accuracy, spatial resolution, contrast) while simplifying the overall device complexity compared to using multiple separate test objects that would each need to be handled and positioned separately
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
The integrated system significantly reduces calibration and validation time, enhances accuracy, and increases system availability by minimizing human error and labor costs, ensuring consistent and reliable CT system performance.
Implementation Method 1
CT scanning involves irradiating a machine part with an electromagnetic radiation (e.g., X-ray) and detecting a portion of the radiation that is modified (e.g., transmitted, reflected, and the like) by the machine part
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (200) for calibrating or validating performance of a computed tomography (CT) scanner including a first element (210) having a first diameter (212), a second element (220) having a base structure (410) and a first set of test objects (420a-420v) that can be coupled to the base structure (410) and separated from one another by a first set of distances. The apparatus also includes a third element (230) having a second diameter (232) and a first length (234), a fourth element (240) having a first face (242a) and a second face (242b) parallel to one another with a first depth (242c) defined there between. The fourth element (240) can include: a first cavity (720) depressed a second depth (725) into the first face (705), a fifth element (800) including a plurality of wire pairs (810-834) and disposed within the first cavity (720), a second cavity (730) depressed into the first face (705) such that a third depth (735) is defined between a back wall (730a) of the second cavity and the second face (710), a sixth element (900A) including a first plurality of holes (905, 910, 915) and a first thickness (920), the sixth element (900A) disposed within the second cavity (730), and a seventh element (900B) including a second plurality of holes and a second thickness, the seventh element (900B) disposed on the first face (705). A center of the first element (210), the second element (220), the third element (230), and the fourth element (240), respectively, are aligned along a first axis.