Grating Rotation Mechanism for X-ray Dark Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses struggle to image internal structures without changing the subject's orientation relative to the grating, leading to difficulties in comparing contrast images due to varying orientations in multiple images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a grating rotation mechanism that rotates multiple gratings in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, allowing for the generation of dark field images at various angles without altering the subject's orientation, and an image processor that synthesizes these images to produce comprehensive scattering images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the subject orientation is changed to image internal structures with different scattering directions, then the imaging completeness is improved, but the device complexity and operation complexity increase due to requiring multiple image captures and orientation matching
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the subject to capture images in different orientations, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the grating while keeping the subject fixed. This allows capturing scattering information from multiple directions without moving the subject, thereby improving imaging completeness while reducing operational complexity and eliminating the need for orientation matching between images
Solution Approach 2:
The grating rotation mechanism enables a single imaging setup to capture scattering information from multiple directions by rotating the grating to different angles. This multi-functional capability allows comprehensive internal structure imaging without requiring multiple separate imaging systems or subject repositioning, thus improving adaptability while maintaining system simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are captured by changing subject orientation, then the internal structure imaging coverage is improved, but the time consumption increases due to multiple positioning and capturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the subject stationary and rotating the grating instead. This eliminates the time-consuming steps of repositioning and reorienting the subject between captures, while still achieving comprehensive internal structure imaging through multiple grating angle measurements, thus reducing imaging time while maintaining full coverage
3Measurement precision
If the subject orientation is changed to capture different scattering directions, then the imaging detail is improved, but the image processing complexity increases due to orientation matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the grating while keeping the subject fixed, the patent eliminates the need for complex orientation matching between images. The grating rotation angle provides a known reference frame, simplifying the image processing and synthesis steps while still capturing detailed scattering information from multiple directions, thus reducing image processing complexity while maintaining high imaging detail
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 detailed imaging of internal structures without requiring subject reorientation, simplifies image comparison, and enhances image quality by reducing positional errors during grating translation.
Implementation Method 1
a first grating for forming a self-image by X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source
Implementation Method 2
a second grating for causing interference with the self-image of the first grating
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source
Implementation Method 4
a grating rotation mechanism configured to rotate each of the plurality of gratings in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis direction of the X-rays
Implementation Method 5
the dark field image denotes a visibility image obtained by a visibility change based on small-angle scattering of an object
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with a plurality of gratings including an X-ray source and a first grating, a detector, a grating rotation mechanism for rotating a plurality of gratings respectively, and an image processor for generating at least a dark field image. The image processor is configured to generate a dark field image captured by arranging the grating at a plurality of angles in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction.