Industrial CT Path Compensation for Focal Point Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial CT scanners experience inaccuracies due to focal point shifts caused by thermal expansion and other factors, leading to deviations in the path of object movement, which affect the accuracy of generated images over time, necessitating cumbersome recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically compensating for focal point shifts by capturing x-ray images at a single position, using a computing device to determine and apply compensation based on path data and image analysis, allowing for routine calibration to maintain image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the object is moved closer to or further away from the X-ray emitter to increase magnification, then the image accuracy is improved, but the path of object movement changes over time due to focal point shift, degrading image accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs routine calibration by capturing calibration images and automatically determining compensation values based on the actual path deviations caused by focal point shifts. These compensation values are fed back into the reconstruction process to correct the geometric inaccuracies, maintaining image accuracy despite changes in the object movement path over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts reconstruction parameters by determining compensation values that account for focal point shift and path deviations. These compensation parameters are applied to the projection images during reconstruction, allowing the system to adapt to changing geometric conditions and maintain accurate images without requiring manual recalibration
2Measurement precision
If routine calibration is performed to correct for focal point shift, then image accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to automatically determine compensation values without requiring manual intervention or complex external calibration equipment. The system uses the calibration images and object position data to self-determine the necessary corrections, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration routines at predetermined intervals or when focal point shift is detected, proactively correcting for path deviations before they significantly impact image quality. This preliminary calibration action prevents accuracy degradation without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual scanning process
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 routine calibration to correct for system changes, extending the life of the CT scanner and ensuring accurate and clear scans, while enhancing image resolution and magnification.
Implementation Method 1
a source emits signals, including, but not limited to, X-ray, radio frequency, or sonar signals, toward the object to be scanned. The emitted signals interact with the object and generate a response signal that can be received by at least one detector
Implementation Method 2
a manipulator unit configured to rotate an object about a rotational axis and move the object through a plurality of positions along a path
Implementation Method 3
The X-rays passing through the object are attenuated, and the resulting irradiance distribution is detected by the detector
Implementation Method 4
using a computing device to determine and apply compensation based on path data and image analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A computed tomography (CT) system including a scanning unit having an x-ray emitter, a detector arranged to receive x-rays emitted from the x-ray emitter during a scanning operation, and a manipulating unit arranged to rotate an object about a rotational axis and move the object through a plurality of positions along a path, defined by the rotational axis, in between the x-ray emitter and the detector. The CT system can also include a computing device, including a memory storing computer-executable instructions and at least one data processor. The processor is arranged to execute the instructions, which cause the processor to perform operations including: receiving, from the scanning unit, first data characterizing the path, and receiving, from the scanning unit, second data characterizing the one or more x-ray images of the object at at least one position of the plurality of positions, determining a compensation to be applied to the second data based on the first data, reconstructing an image of the object based on the first data, the second data, and the compensation, and providing the reconstructed image.