Grating Device for Phase Contrast Imaging of Moving Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase contrast and dark-field imaging technologies are limited in their ability to accurately image moving objects, such as those in the coronary or pulmonary systems, as they assume a stationary object, which is not accurate for dynamic subjects like the heart or lungs during imaging.
Innovation Solution
A grating device comprising a grating unit, an actuation unit, and a control unit that detects motion and positions the grating unit in different sampling positions relative to a movable object, allowing for phase contrast and dark-field imaging of moving objects by synchronizing the grating positions with the object's motion, such as cardiac or respiratory cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary object assumption is used for phase contrast imaging, then the imaging setup is simple and assumes the object does not move, but this assumption is inaccurate for moving objects like heart or lungs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the previously stationary grating unit dynamic by enabling its motion in the beam direction. The grating unit is positioned to move along with the moving object (heart or lungs) during imaging, allowing the system to track and capture phase information of moving objects accurately. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the imaging system to moving targets while maintaining reasonable system complexity through coordinated motion control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grating unit is positioned in different sampling positions to capture phase shift at various positions, then phase contrast imaging can be performed, but this requires the object to be stationary which limits application to moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the grating unit at multiple sampling positions along the beam direction before imaging begins. The system is configured with the grating unit capable of moving to predetermined positions corresponding to different phases of the cardiac or respiratory cycle. This allows the imaging process to capture phase information efficiently without requiring real-time adjustment during object motion, thus reducing imaging time while expanding adaptability to moving objects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sampling positions are used for phase retrieval, then accurate phase contrast images can be reconstructed, but the process becomes too slow for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by synchronizing the grating unit's motion with the periodic nature of cardiac or respiratory cycles. The grating unit moves to different sampling positions in coordination with the rhythmic motion of the object, capturing phase information at corresponding phases across multiple cycles. This periodic synchronization allows accurate phase measurement to be achieved efficiently, maintaining measurement precision while improving imaging productivity for moving objects by leveraging their natural periodic motion patterns.
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 accurate phase contrast and dark-field imaging of moving objects by compensating for motion, expanding the application area of these imaging techniques to dynamic subjects like the heart and lungs, and allowing for phase-retrieval and image reconstruction across multiple cardiac cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a phase grating is placed behind the object to generate an interference pattern of intensity maxima and minima when the object is irradiated with (coherent) X-rays
Implementation Method 2
Any phase shift in the X-ray waves that is introduced by the object causes some characteristic displacement in the interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grating device for phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging of a movable object, an interferometer unit, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging system, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging method, a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The grating device comprises a grating unit, an actuation unit, a motion detecting unit, and a control unit. The actuation unit is configured to position the grating unit in different sampling positions relative to the moveable object. The motion detecting unit is configured to detect a motion of the movable object. The detected motion of the moveable object may be a repetitive motion. The control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to position the grating unit in the different sampling positions based on the detected motion of the movable object.