Dual-Energy X-Ray Detector Offset Layout for Higher Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-energy X-ray detectors require twice the number of detector elements for desired spatial resolution, leading to increased system costs and degraded signal-to-noise ratio, and reducing transport speed or increasing readout frequency worsens throughput or noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A dual-energy X-ray detector with offset detector elements and virtual data calculation to enhance spatial resolution without increasing detector elements or reducing transport speed, using effective offsets and virtual data to improve image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of detector elements is increased to achieve higher spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but system cost increases and signal-to-noise ratio degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual detector elements by copying and interpolating data from adjacent real detector elements. Instead of physically adding more detector elements, the system generates synthetic detector readings through mathematical interpolation algorithms that estimate what the signal would be at intermediate positions, thereby achieving higher spatial resolution without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer detector array to a multi-layer stacked detector configuration. By stacking multiple detector layers at different positions and combining their readings through interpolation, the system effectively adds a dimensional aspect to data acquisition, enabling virtual detector elements at intermediate positions without physically populating every possible location
2Measurement precision
If the transport speed is reduced to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses data copying and interpolation from adjacent detector elements to synthesize high-resolution information without requiring slower transport. By creating virtual detector readings through mathematical operations on existing data, the system achieves fine spatial detail while maintaining high transport speeds and throughput
3Measurement precision
If the readout frequency is increased to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates virtual detector elements by copying and interpolating data from existing high-quality detector readings. This approach achieves higher spatial resolution without requiring increased readout frequency, thereby maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio of the original measurements while obtaining fine spatial detail through computational methods
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
Achieves higher spatial resolution with maintained throughput and signal-to-noise ratio, reducing system costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Discrimination of materials by dual-energy X-ray radiography
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a dual-energy X-ray detector having a first detector line with first detector elements and a second detector line with second detector elements arranged parallel thereto, the detector lines being arranged parallel to one another in the line direction and being arranged one behind the other in the direction of the X-ray beams to be detected in such a manner that the projection of the first and the second detector lines in the direction of one of the X-ray beams to be detected, which passes through the surface center of gravity of a reference detector element of the first or the second detector line, are overlappingly offset from each other by an effective offset (Δx; Δy). Further disclosed is an X-ray inspection apparatus including such a detector and methods for processing detector data provided by means of the detector.