Dual-Source Scanning Radiation Detection for High-Quality Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning-based radiation detection methods are time-consuming and prone to reduced image quality due to object movement during scanning, limiting the ability to achieve high-quality two-dimensional imaging with good signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, and image contrast.
Innovation Solution
A dual-source scanning-based apparatus with multiple direction-sensitive line detectors alternately pointing towards radiation sources, allowing for high temporal resolution and efficient scanning across an object to record two-dimensional images with improved spatial and elemental composition analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scanning-based detection is used to perform two-dimensional imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but scanning time increases and image quality deteriorates due to object movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the imaging process into multiple energy measurements taken simultaneously during a single scan. Multiple line detectors record radiation at different energies at the same spatial positions, eliminating the need for multiple sequential scans. This segmentation of energy measurements from temporal sequencing resolves the contradiction between comprehensive imaging capability and scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic alternation between different radiation sources emitting different energies. The sources are activated in alternating periods during the scan, allowing simultaneous collection of multiple energy data sets. This periodic action enables multi-energy imaging without extending the overall scanning duration, addressing both imaging versatility and time efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanning-based detection is used to perform two-dimensional imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to object movement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement process into simultaneous multi-energy detections at fixed detector positions, the invention eliminates motion-induced quality degradation. Each detector element captures complete multi-energy information at its specific location without requiring object or detector movement, thereby maintaining high image quality while achieving two-dimensional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary alignment of multiple line detectors at different positions before scanning begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that all detectors are properly positioned to capture radiation from different energies simultaneously, eliminating the need for movement during acquisition and preserving image quality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources are used for dual-energy detection, then elemental composition analysis is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple radiation sources and multiple line detectors into a single integrated scanning system. The sources are positioned at different locations but activated alternately, while detectors are arranged to receive radiation from either source. This merging approach enables dual-energy detection and elemental analysis without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the components share common support and control structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The line detectors are designed with universal capability to detect radiation from multiple different energy sources. Each detector can record radiation regardless of which source is active, making the detection system multi-functional. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated detectors for each energy source, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining precise elemental composition analysis 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
Enables the production of high-quality two-dimensional images with excellent signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, and image contrast, while providing fast and reliable dual-energy radiation detection and elemental composition analysis.
Implementation Method 1
at least two radiation sources arranged in a plane, in which a scanning direction lies, for creating ionizing radiation
Implementation Method 2
two-dimensional image of radiation as transmitted through the object
Implementation Method 3
two-dimensional image of radiation as transmitted through the object at each of the different energies... two attenuation mechanisms photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering
Implementation Method 4
two attenuation mechanisms photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A dual-source scanning-based radiation detecting apparatus comprises at least two radiation sources (11a-b) provided for emitting ionizing radiation; direction sensitive line detectors (16a) arranged in an array; and a device (17-19, 21-22) for scanning the line detectors (16a) in a scanning direction (x) across an object to be examined, wherein the line detectors in the array are pointing towards the radiation sources; and the device for scanning is arranged for keeping the line detectors aligned with the radiation sources during scanning to enable each of the line detectors to record multiple line images of the object. In accordance with the invention the line detectors (16a) in the array are direction sensitive and are alternately pointing towards different ones of the radiation sources; and the radiation sources are arranged in a plane, in which the scanning direction (x) lies.