X-ray CT Rotor Speed Synchronization for Scan Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray CT apparatuses, the rotational speed mismatch between positioning scans and main scans leads to unnecessary waiting time as the rotor must accelerate or decelerate to reach the required speed for the main scan, causing inefficiencies in the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus controls the rotor's rotational speed during the positioning scan to match the speed of the main scan, thereby reducing the time needed for the rotor to reach the desired speed for the main scan, using processing circuitry to manage the rotational speed and maintain consistent image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the rotor rotational speed is adjusted to match between positioning scan and main scan, then the waiting time is reduced and inspection efficiency is improved, but the control complexity of the rotor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by adjusting the rotor rotational speed during the positioning scan to match the main scan speed before the main scan begins. The processing circuitry calculates the required speed adjustment and implements it during the positioning scan, so that when the main scan starts, the rotor is already at the correct speed, eliminating waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the rotor rotational speed and comparing it with the target speed for the main scan. The processing circuitry adjusts the rotor speed based on this feedback during the positioning scan, ensuring that the speed matches the main scan requirement before the main scan begins.
2Productivity
If the rotor rotational speed is changed during positioning scan to match main scan speed, then inspection throughput is improved, but the stability of rotational speed control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the rotor rotational speed adjustable and variable during the positioning scan. The processing circuitry dynamically changes the rotor speed from the positioning scan speed to the main scan speed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining stability through controlled transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by modifying the rotor rotational speed parameter during the positioning scan. The processing circuitry changes the speed parameter from the positioning scan value to the main scan value, ensuring that the transition is smooth and the final speed matches the main scan requirement, thus improving throughput without compromising stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the positioning scan is performed with the rotor stopped or at different rotational speed, then positioning image acquisition is simplified, but the main scan cannot start until the rotor reaches the required speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-adjusting the rotor rotational speed during the positioning scan to match the main scan speed. This preliminary speed adjustment ensures that when the main scan begins, no additional waiting time is required for speed synchronization, thus eliminating the time loss while maintaining positioning scan simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the rotor speed adjustment during the positioning scan is seamless and continuous. The processing circuitry manages the speed transition so that the positioning scan can be completed and the main scan can start without interruption or waiting period, keeping the system continuously productive.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus comprises a gantry including an X-ray generator in a rotor, and processing circuitry configured to control rotation of the rotor during a first scan such that a value related to first rotational speed serving as rotational speed of the rotor at a time when the first scan is finished is brought close to a setting value related to second rotational speed serving as rotational speed of the rotor in a second scan, with respect to the first scan and the second scan performed after the first scan is performed.