Deformable Mirror Tomographic Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT scanners face limitations in scanning geometry, leading to incomplete data collection and poor image resolution, especially in applications like cargo inspection, where high-energy X-rays are required, and they are not suitable for claustrophobic patients due to enclosed chambers. Additionally, existing systems struggle with non-destructive, high-resolution imaging of dense objects and contraband detection.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic imaging system utilizing a deformable mirror that reflects electromagnetic rays emitted by a source array and received by a detector array, allowing for various configurations to form tomographic images without requiring movement of the source and detector pairs, enabling efficient data collection and improved image reconstruction even with limited field-of-view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanners use translate/rotate, rotate/rotate, or stationary scan configurations, then projection data can be collected, but precise positioning and alignment of source-detector pairs is required and scanning angle is limited to less than 180 or 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical translation and rotation of source-detector pairs with a stationary source-detector configuration that uses an adjustable mirror to change the scanning angle. The mirror's angular adjustment substitutes for the mechanical movement of the entire source-detector assembly, eliminating complex positioning and alignment requirements while maintaining the ability to collect projection data at multiple angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mirror serves as an intermediary element between the stationary source-detector pair and the object being imaged. By adjusting the mirror's angle, the system redirects the X-ray beam to achieve different scanning angles without moving the source or detector, thus mediating the relationship between the fixed hardware and the variable imaging geometry.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high energy X-rays (2-12 MeV) are used to penetrate large, high density objects, then penetration capability is improved, but the system requires rotation of detector/source pair around the test object which is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the heavy detector/source pair with a stationary configuration that uses an adjustable mirror to achieve angular variation. This substitution eliminates the operational difficulty of rotating massive high-energy X-ray components while maintaining the ability to scan through dense objects at multiple angles for tomographic reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the function of angular variation from the source-detector assembly itself and assigns it to a separate adjustable mirror component. This segmentation allows the heavy source-detector pair to remain stationary while the lighter mirror handles the angular adjustment, making the system easier to operate.
3Device complexity
If simple 2D projection image systems are used for cargo inspection, then system complexity is reduced, but image resolution is insufficient and contraband goods cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic angular adjustment capability to a previously static system. By making the mirror angle adjustable, the system can dynamically vary the scanning angle to collect projection data from multiple perspectives, enabling tomographic reconstruction that provides cross-sectional views and significantly improves image resolution for detecting concealed contraband while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D tomographic imaging by adding the dimension of angular variation through mirror adjustment. This allows the system to collect projection data at multiple angles and reconstruct cross-sectional slices, providing depth information and significantly enhancing the ability to detect hidden objects within cargo containers.
4Measurement precision
If enclosed chamber CT scanners are used for medical imaging, then projection data can be collected, but claustrophobic patients and children experience discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of angular variation from the enclosed scanner chamber and implements it through an external adjustable mirror. This allows the removal of the confining chamber structure while maintaining the ability to collect projection data at multiple angles, thereby eliminating patient claustrophobia while preserving imaging capability.
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 system achieves high-resolution tomographic imaging with reduced alignment errors and faster data acquisition, suitable for both medical and security applications, including cancer therapy, and provides improved image reconstruction quality compared to conventional CT systems, while being patient-friendly and capable of detecting contraband in dense objects.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable mirror reflecting the rays emitted by the source array
Data Source
AI summary
A tomographic imaging system comprising a source array emitting rays, a deformable mirror reflecting the rays emitted by the source array, and a detector array receiving the electromagnetic rays emitted by the source array and reflected by the deformable mirror. An object can be positioned between the deformable mirror and the detector array and the deformable mirror can be deformed to a plurality of configurations to form a tomographic image of the object. The system can also be used in radiation therapy.