Integrated CT Validation Phantom for Automated Metrology Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial CT scanning systems require comprehensive calibration and validation to ensure accurate three-dimensional representations, but traditional methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, often involving multiple test apparatuses and software, which can lead to errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, fully automated validation apparatus and computing system that performs multiple validation scans and provides metrics such as probing error, sphere distance error, modulation transfer function, and signal-to-noise ratio, reducing human intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple test objects and manual validation methods are used, then comprehensive validation coverage is achieved, but validation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test objects into a single integrated validation apparatus that contains all necessary test features (wire pairs, holes, spheres, cylinders, and other geometric shapes) in one unified structure. This allows comprehensive validation of CT scanner performance metrics including spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and geometric accuracy to be performed using one apparatus instead of multiple separate test objects, thereby reducing validation time while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The validation apparatus is designed as a universal multi-functional test object that can validate multiple performance metrics simultaneously. It includes diverse test features (wire pairs for spatial resolution, holes for contrast resolution, spheres and cylinders for geometric accuracy) that enable comprehensive validation of different CT scanner parameters in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized test objects
2Measurement precision
If skilled operators perform manual validation, then accurate measurement and assessment are achieved, but labor costs and operator dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation apparatus is designed to be self-explanatory and self-validating, with built-in test features that automatically provide measurable references for CT scanner validation. The apparatus includes precisely manufactured geometric features with known dimensions and relationships that enable automated measurement and assessment without requiring skilled operators to interpret complex test patterns or perform manual calculations, thereby reducing operator dependency while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator-based validation processes with automated computer-controlled measurement and analysis systems. The validation apparatus works in conjunction with automated software that performs measurements, calculates performance metrics, and generates validation reports, substituting human operators with automated computational systems that maintain high measurement accuracy while eliminating labor-intensive manual assessment
3Reliability
If comprehensive validation is performed, then system performance and safety are ensured, but system availability and test frequency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple validation functions into a single apparatus, the patent enables comprehensive system safety validation to be performed in one operation rather than requiring multiple separate tests. This reduces the total time needed for comprehensive validation, thereby increasing system availability while maintaining thorough safety checks
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 system significantly reduces calibration and validation time, enhances accuracy, and increases system availability by providing automated, efficient, and reliable performance validation, minimizing labor costs and ensuring consistent results.
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
AI summary
An apparatus for calibrating or validating performance of a computed tomography (CT) scanner including a first element having a first diameter, a second element having a base structure and a first set of test objects that can be coupled to the base structure and separated from one another by a first set of distances. The apparatus also includes a third element having a second diameter and a first length, a fourth element having a first face and a second face parallel to one another with a first depth defined there between. The fourth element can include: a first cavity depressed a second depth into the first face, a fifth element including a plurality of wire pairs and disposed within the first cavity, a second cavity depressed into the first face such that a third depth is defined between a back wall of the second cavity and the second face, a sixth element including a first plurality of holes and a first thickness, the sixth element disposed within the second cavity, and a seventh element including a second plurality of holes and a second thickness, the seventh element disposed on the first face. A center of the first element, the second element, the third element, and the fourth element, respectively, are be aligned along a first axis.