Movable Collimator Apertures for X-ray Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collimation strategies for distributed arrays of X-ray sources, particularly those using carbon nanotube cathodes, face challenges in effectively bounding and directing radiation energy due to dimensional constraints and crosstalk, making it difficult to achieve clear radiation field definition and reduce scattering.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus with a movable collimator member having multiple apertures that can be translated between positions to selectively define radiation fields for subsets of X-ray sources, allowing for precise collimation and energy shaping, and a control processor to manage the energization of each source for optimal imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed array of X-ray sources is used for tomosynthesis imaging, then depth information and imaging versatility are improved, but radiation scattering and crosstalk between sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation system is divided into multiple independent collimator members, each associated with a specific X-ray source in the distributed array. Each collimator member can be independently adjusted to define radiation fields for individual sources, preventing cross-contamination and scattering between adjacent sources while maintaining the versatility of the distributed array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Collimator members are introduced as intermediary components between the distributed X-ray sources and the imaging detector. These collimators act as mediators that shape and direct radiation from each source, blocking scattered radiation and preventing crosstalk between sources, thereby enabling the distributed array to function effectively without the harmful effects of radiation scattering.
2Measurement precision
If collimator members are positioned close to distributed X-ray sources, then radiation field definition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collimator members are combined into a single integrated collimation assembly that can be positioned to serve multiple distributed X-ray sources simultaneously. This merged structure reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining precise radiation field definition for each source through the coordinated arrangement of collimator elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimation system is designed with universal collimator members that can be positioned and configured to work with any X-ray source in the distributed array. Each collimator member can serve multiple functions by being repositioned to collimate radiation from different sources, reducing the need for source-specific collimators and thereby simplifying the device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple collimator members are used for each X-ray source, then radiation field control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator members are designed to be reusable across multiple sources rather than being discarded after use with a single source. Each collimator member can be repositioned and reused to collimate radiation from different X-ray sources in the distributed array, reducing the total number of collimators needed and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining precise radiation field control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing multiple different collimator members with varying specifications for each source, the system uses identical or standardized collimator members whose parameters (position, orientation) are changed to adapt to different sources. This standardization simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs while maintaining the precision needed for radiation field control through parameter adjustment rather than manufacturing variation.
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 solution enables improved collimation and radiation field control, enhancing image quality by reducing crosstalk and scattering, and allowing for effective use of distributed X-ray sources in tomosynthesis and projection radiography.
Implementation Method 1
A radiographic imaging apparatus with a movable collimator member having multiple apertures that can be translated between positions to selectively define radiation fields for subsets of X-ray sources, allowing for precise collimation and energy shaping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A radiographic imaging apparatus having a detector, a radiation source array, and a control processor is configurable to individually energize the radiation sources. A collimator having a number of apertures is movable to either a first or second position in a path of the radiation source array. In one position, the apertures are aligned with a first subset of the radiation sources. In another position, the apertures are aligned with a second subset of the radiation sources. The second subset of the radiation sources define substantially the same radiation field that is defined by the first subset of the radiation sources. A transport apparatus translates the collimator member between at least the first and second positions according to an electronic instruction.