Matrix X-ray Imaging Device Reducing Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray radiography devices are bulky and prone to image distortion due to the large size and configuration of X-ray generators and detectors, which increases manufacturing costs and limits their application in smaller targets.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray radiography device features a matrix arrangement of X-ray emitting elements, such as carbon nanotube cathodes, emitting X-rays in a pixel matrix configuration, and a corresponding matrix of detecting elements that map one-to-one or one-to-many to the emitting elements, allowing for focused X-ray transmission and detection without the need for extensive physical movement of the source or detector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional X-ray generators and detectors are used with large size configuration, then the device can achieve basic imaging function, but the device size becomes bulky and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the X-ray source and detector into multiple discrete elements arranged in matrix arrays. Each element can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution imaging through precise spatial arrangement rather than requiring large overall device dimensions. The segmented structure enables compact configuration while maintaining imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional single-point or single-line X-ray sources to two-dimensional matrix arrays of X-ray emitting elements. This dimensional expansion allows parallel imaging from multiple positions simultaneously, achieving high resolution without increasing the physical footprint of the device in any single dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If conventional single-point X-ray sources are used, then the device structure is simple, but image distortion occurs due to large source-to-detector distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidsource-detector configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the X-ray source into multiple elements distributed across a matrix, the patent reduces the effective source-to-detector distance for each individual element. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the image with minimal distortion, and the combined data from all elements produces a high-accuracy reconstructed image without requiring a complex mechanical positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for mechanical movement and positioning of a single large source with a static matrix array of multiple small elements. Instead of moving a single source to multiple positions, the system uses multiple fixed sources that can be activated selectively, eliminating complex mechanical driving mechanisms while achieving the same imaging geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple X-ray sources are arranged in matrix configuration, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but the driving mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal control architecture where all X-ray emitting elements and detecting elements in the matrix are managed through a common addressing and control system. Each element can be independently activated or read out through standardized control signals, allowing the system to handle multiple elements with a single type of control mechanism rather than requiring specialized control circuitry for each element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration minimizes the source-to-detector distance, reduces image distortion, and enables the creation of high-resolution 2D and 3D images without increasing the device's size, simplifying the driving mechanism and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of X-ray emitting elements, the X-ray emitting elements being arranged in a pixel matrix and respectively emitting X-rays to a part or the entirety of a target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

X-rays decrease according to an X-ray attenuation coefficient of a target that is placed within X-ray beam paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3103394B1X-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 VATECH CO LTD
  • EP3103394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3103394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5a
  • EP3103394B1 patent drawingFigure 5b~7a

AI summary

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device and, particularly, to an X-ray imaging device which is formed by pixelating a plurality of X-ray emitting elements for respectively emitting X-rays toward an object to be photographed and a plurality of X-ray detecting elements for respectively detecting X-rays passing through the object to be photographed, on the same or different flat surfaces or curved surfaces in a matrix.