CT System Functional Monitoring via Measurement Scatter Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring the functional status of computer tomographic systems are inefficient due to limitations in calibrating geometries, frequent interruptions for measurement, and non-specific monitoring of operating parameters, leading to potential early or late warnings of system malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that determines the functional status by calculating the scatter measure of measured variables from multiple CT measurements, comparing it to a reference scatter measure, and outputting information on the system's condition, allowing for demand-based monitoring and reducing interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dimensional standards are used for monitoring, then measurement reliability is improved, but system productivity deteriorates due to frequent interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing its own measurement data to detect functional deviations. The evaluation unit monitors measured values from workpieces and identifies trends indicating system degradation, eliminating the need for external dimensional standards and manual intervention. This self-monitoring approach maintains measurement reliability while avoiding interruptions to production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If measured variables specific to workpiece geometry are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes monitoring parameters based on the specific workpiece geometry and measurement task. Different measured variables are selected depending on the workpiece characteristics, allowing high measurement precision for each specific case while avoiding the need for a permanently complex system configuration. The evaluation unit adapts the monitoring strategy to match the actual measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3529600B1Method for monitoring the functional state of a system for computer-tomographic examination of workpieces
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 VOLUME GRAPHICS
  • EP3529600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3529600B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to computer implemented method for monitoring the functional state of a system (106) for the computer-tomographic examination of workpieces (104), wherein the computer-tomographic examination of a workpiece (104) comprises carrying out one or more computer-tomographic measurements on the workpiece (104). The measurements each result here in at least one measured value for at least one measurement variable. The method for monitoring the functional state comprises here firstly the selection of measured values for at least one measurement variable from at least two measurements on one or more workpieces (104). Subsequently, at least one degree of variation for the selected measured values of the at least one measurement variable as well as at least one reference degree of variation for measured values of the at least one measurement variable is determined. The functional state of the system (106) is then determined by comparing the at least one determined degree of variation with the at least one reference degree of variation for the at least one measurement variable.