Moving Pulsed X-Ray Source Array for Ultrafast 3D Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital tomosynthesis systems using a single X-ray source and detector are slow, requiring long acquisition times and difficult real-time reconstruction due to mechanical limitations, leading to discomfort for patients and reduced image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion, allowing simultaneous movement around an object at a constant speed, with each source triggered independently to stay relatively still during exposure, enabling rapid data acquisition and real-time image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single X-ray source is used to acquire data projections, then the system structure is simple, but the acquisition time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single X-ray source into multiple X-ray sources (at least two) that operate in parallel. Each source is mounted on an independent motor stage that can be positioned and triggered separately, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple data projections, thereby reducing total acquisition time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple X-ray sources and their control systems into a single integrated imaging system. The motor stages, X-ray sources, and control unit work together as a coordinated system, merging what would otherwise be separate systems into one unified platform that achieves faster imaging without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If the X-ray source travels a large sweep angle to acquire sufficient data projections, then the 3D resolution improves, but the acquisition time increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The total sweep angle is divided into multiple smaller segments, with each X-ray source responsible for acquiring data over a portion of the total angle. For example, if five sources are used, each source traverses approximately one-fifth of the total sweep angle, collectively achieving the full angular coverage needed for high 3D resolution while reducing the time each source must travel
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-source sequential angular traversal to a multi-source parallel angular traversal. By adding the dimension of multiple sources operating simultaneously, the system achieves the same total angular coverage (e.g., 50 degrees) in much less time, as multiple sources cover different angular segments concurrently rather than sequentially
3Ease of operation
If the X-ray source moves slowly to allow patient comfort, then the acquisition time is reduced, but the sweep angle coverage becomes insufficient for good 3D resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The required total sweep angle is segmented across multiple X-ray sources, allowing each source to traverse a smaller angular distance at a comfortable speed for the patient. The collective coverage of all sources achieves the full angular range needed for high 3D resolution without requiring any single source to move excessively fast or cover too large an angle alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite imaging capability by combining data from multiple X-ray sources, each contributing a portion of the total angular coverage. This composite approach allows the system to achieve the equivalent of a large sweep angle coverage while each individual source operates over a smaller, more comfortable range, maintaining 3D resolution through the combined dataset
4Device complexity
If a single X-ray source is used, then the device complexity is low, but real-time reconstruction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple X-ray sources are positioned and prepared in advance at predetermined locations along the arc rail, with each source pre-configured to acquire data at specific angular positions. This preliminary arrangement allows data acquisition to proceed rapidly without sequential positioning delays, enabling the collected data to be processed for real-time reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple X-ray sources operate continuously and simultaneously to acquire data projections, eliminating the stop-and-go nature of single-source systems. This continuous parallel data acquisition from multiple sources provides sufficient data volume and temporal density to support real-time image reconstruction, transforming the discontinuous single-source process into a continuous multi-source operation
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 ultrafast 3D radiography with reduced travel distance for each source, allowing wider sweep angles in shorter times, improving image resolution and reducing misdiagnosis rates through more data projections, and enabling 4D imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of X-ray sources each moved by a secondary motor stage
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion to perform high efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The multiple X-ray sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray source can also move rapidly around its static position in a small distance. When an X-ray source has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the X-ray source and X- ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that source stay momentarily standstill. It results in much reduced source travel distance for each X-ray source. 3D scan can cover much wider sweep angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real-time.