CT Detection Method Using Virtual Sub-Foci to Enhance Spatial Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The spatial resolution of existing CT systems is limited by the focus size of the X-ray source and detector dimensions, which restricts the ability to detect minor details and meet application requirements, especially in industrial CT systems where high energy X-rays are used.

Innovation Solution

A CT detection method that involves scanning an object with a high preset angle sampling value to obtain projection sampling data, processing this data to create virtual sub-foci equivalent to a large radiation source focus, and implementing image reconstruction using these virtual sub-foci, thereby improving spatial resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If a large focus size X-ray source is used to meet heat dissipation requirements, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large focus size X-ray source into multiple virtual sub-focuses through computational processing. By segmenting the projection data and treating each sub-focus separately, the system achieves spatial resolution equivalent to a smaller focus size while maintaining the heat dissipation capability of the larger physical source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces projection data processing as an intermediary between the large focus X-ray source and the final image reconstruction. This computational intermediary creates virtual sub-focuses that mediate between the physical constraints of the large source and the resolution requirements, enabling high-resolution imaging without changing the physical source size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If high energy X-rays are used in industrial CT systems, then penetration capability is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to larger focus size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration capabilityVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the projection data from the high energy X-ray source into multiple virtual sub-focuses. This segmentation allows the system to utilize the penetration capability of high energy X-rays while achieving spatial resolution through computational processing that mimics a smaller effective focus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the effective focus size parameter through computational processing rather than physical modification. By processing projection data to create virtual sub-focuses, the system effectively reduces the focus size parameter in the imaging process while maintaining the high energy characteristics of the actual X-ray source for penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional angle sampling is used, then scanning speed is maintained, but spatial resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of projection data to create virtual sub-focuses before final image reconstruction. This preliminary action of data processing enables the system to achieve high spatial resolution without requiring increased angle sampling density, thereby maintaining scanning speed while improving resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing angle sampling density with a computational approach of processing projection data to create virtual sub-focuses. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical adjustments to scanning parameters, maintaining scanning speed while achieving improved spatial resolution through data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method enhances spatial resolution, reduces limitations imposed by the X-ray source focus size, simplifies the scanning mode, and achieves higher ray utilization and image reconstruction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

scanning circumferentially an object to be detected by means of X-ray according to a preset angle sampling value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10175182B2CT detection method and CT device

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 GRANPECT

AI summary

A CT detection method is provided, comprising the steps of: (1) scanning circumferentially an object to be detected by means of X-ray according to a preset angle sampling value, which represents the number of sampling points in one circle, so as to obtain a group of projection sampling data in different projection angles, the preset angle sampling value being greater than 1000; (2) processing the projection sampling data so as to obtain projection data of a plurality of virtual sub-focuses equivalent to a large focus of radiation source in a CT system; and (3) implementing an image reconstruction according to the projection data of the plurality of virtual sub-focuses.