Wide-field Coherent Scatter Imaging Using Divergent X-ray Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiography systems require extensive scanning time and are not compatible with wide-field illumination, leading to inefficiencies in detecting coherently-scattered radiation, which limits the speed and accuracy of tissue type analysis in mammography.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a divergent source of partially monochromatic x-ray radiation for wide-field illumination, combined with a scatter-rejection grid to detect coherently-scattered radiation within a predetermined angle range, allowing for simultaneous illumination and analysis of large areas without restrictive collimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly collimated pencil beam is used to detect coherently-scattered radiation, then measurement precision of tissue type is improved, but scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the scattered radiation detection by using multiple detectors positioned at different angles to simultaneously detect coherent scatter from different regions. This allows parallel measurement of tissue types across the illuminated field, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining measurement precision through angularly-resolved detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional simultaneous detection by arranging detectors in an angular configuration. This dimensional change allows the system to capture coherent scatter information from multiple angles and positions at once, dramatically reducing scanning time while preserving tissue type detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a highly collimated pencil beam is used, then coherent scatter detection accuracy is improved, but the system is not compatible with wide-field radiographic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a multi-functional system that can operate with both collimated and wide-field x-ray sources. The angularly-resolved detector array is designed to work with conventional wide-field radiographic systems while maintaining the coherent scatter detection capability, making the system universally applicable to existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary detector array positioned between the x-ray source and the object or behind the object. This intermediary detection system enables coherent scatter measurement without requiring modification of the primary wide-field imaging system, bridging the gap between conventional radiography and advanced scatter detection.
3Productivity
If a wide field of x-ray radiation is used to illuminate the object, then productivity is improved, but coherent scatter detection becomes difficult without restrictive collimation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic detector configuration that can adapt to wide-field illumination. The angularly-resolved detectors are positioned to capture coherent scatter across the entire illuminated field simultaneously, allowing the system to maintain high productivity with wide-field sources without requiring complex mechanical collimation mechanisms.
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 approach significantly reduces scanning time and enhances the detection of tissue types by filtering out non-characteristic scattered radiation, providing more rapid and accurate imaging compatible with existing radiographic systems.
Implementation Method 1
providing wide-field illumination of an object with partially monochromatic x-ray radiation from a divergent source
Implementation Method 2
different tissue types characteristically produce coherent scatter at small diffraction angles
Implementation Method 3
x-rays are removed by absorption and by scattering, which redirects the paths of incident x-ray beams
Implementation Method 4
detecting coherently-scattered radiation, which comprises the x-ray radiation diffracted by the object within the predetermined range of angles defined about the characteristic angle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for detecting a material in an object to be analyzed in a radiographic imaging system. The method includes providing wide-field illumination of an object with partially monochromatic x-ray radiation from a divergent source without restrictively collimating the x-ray radiation. The x-ray radiation scattered by the object outside of a predetermined range of angles defined about a characteristic angle is rejected. The characteristic angle is a scattering angle about which a material of the object coherently scatters the incident x-ray radiation. In addition, the method includes the step of detecting coherently-scattered radiation, which is the x-ray radiation diffracted by the object within the predetermined range of angles defined about the characteristic angle.