Modular CT Scanner Stationary Source-Detector Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray scanning systems face challenges in reducing the time required for tomographic inspections and improving imaging quality, particularly due to motion-induced artefacts from the source-detector assembly, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of scanned images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray scanner system with multiple source points arranged in a plane perpendicular to the scan direction, an array of detectors offset from the source points, and a conveyor system that allows for high-speed object movement while maintaining high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the generation of three-dimensional images with equal spatial resolution in all dimensions and a high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the source-detector assembly is rotated to acquire tomographic projection sets, then imaging coverage is improved, but motion-induced artefacts increase and imaging quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple stationary source-detector pairs arranged in different angular positions around the object. Each pair independently acquires projection data without mechanical rotation, eliminating motion-induced artefacts while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage through the distributed arrangement of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the source-detector assembly to achieve angular diversity, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the assembly stationary and arranging multiple source-detector pairs at fixed angular positions. This eliminates the need for rotation while maintaining the ability to acquire tomographic data from multiple angles.
2Productivity
If conveyor speed is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple source-detector pairs are pre-positioned at different angular locations before the object enters the imaging zone. This preliminary arrangement allows simultaneous acquisition of projections from multiple angles as the object moves through the system, enabling high-speed scanning without sacrificing resolution because all necessary data is captured during a single pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary multi-pair configuration enables continuous acquisition of projection data as the object moves along the conveyor, without interruption for mechanical rotation or repositioning. This continuous data collection maintains high signal-to-noise ratio even at elevated conveyor speeds, preserving image quality while maximizing throughput.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation of source-detector assembly is used, then angular coverage is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent stationary source-detector pairs, each fixed at a specific angular position. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex rotating mechanism, replacing it with simpler stationary components that collectively provide comprehensive angular coverage through their distributed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by eliminating mechanical rotation entirely. Instead of one rotating assembly that must maintain precise angular positioning, the system uses multiple stationary assemblies at fixed positions, thereby simplifying the mechanical design while achieving the same angular coverage 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
The system achieves high-resolution three-dimensional imaging with a conveyor speed of 0.25 m/s to 1.0 m/s, corresponding to 800 to 3000 items per hour, with equal spatial resolution in all dimensions and a reconstructed image signal-to-noise ratio of 50 or better, reducing artefacts and improving imaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from a plurality of source points through an imaging volume
Implementation Method 2
an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.