Multi-Source Static CT System for High-Speed Security Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT systems for security inspection face challenges with scanning speed, high costs due to expensive and unreliable high-speed slip rings, and inaccuracies leading to false or missed alarms, requiring manual intervention and prolonged examination times.
Innovation Solution
A multi-source static CT system with distributed X-ray sources and adaptive scanning parameters, allowing for multi-plane and sparse-view scanning modes, which adjusts energy and intensity based on analysis results to enhance image quality and identification accuracy without the need for a high-speed slip ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed slip ring is used to achieve high scanning speed, then scanning speed is improved, but device cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the high-speed slip ring component from the CT system, replacing it with a stationary X-ray source configuration. This eliminates the need for high-speed rotating connections while maintaining scanning capability through multiple fixed sources arranged in different directions, thereby resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single X-ray source into multiple distributed sources (at least three) positioned at different spatial locations and angles. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive object scanning without requiring high-speed rotation, as each source contributes data from its specific viewpoint, thus improving scanning efficiency without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanning is used to achieve comprehensive object inspection, then inspection accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases due to secondary scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scanning using multiple distributed X-ray sources to acquire comprehensive projection data from different angles simultaneously. This preliminary action provides sufficient information for accurate reconstruction without requiring subsequent secondary scanning, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning by coordinating multiple X-ray sources to operate simultaneously or in rapid sequence, ensuring that useful scanning action continues without interruption. This eliminates the need to stop and perform secondary scanning on suspicious objects, as the multi-source configuration already provides comprehensive coverage and high-quality data from the outset.
3Productivity
If automatic identification function is used to improve inspection efficiency, then processing speed is improved, but false alarm and missing alarm rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the reconstruction algorithm iteratively processes projection data from multiple sources, comparing expected and actual measurements to refine the image reconstruction. This feedback loop enhances the reliability of automatic identification by improving image quality and reducing artifacts, thereby decreasing false alarm and missing alarm rates while maintaining high inspection efficiency.
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 approach accelerates the scanning process, improves identification accuracy, reduces labor and time costs, and enhances image quality by integrating high-accuracy scanning into a single flow, making it suitable for high-throughput security inspections in public places.
Implementation Method 1
the carbon-nanotube X-ray tube does not require high temperature for generating rays. Instead, it generates cathode rays based on principle of discharging of carbon-nanotube tip, and uses the cathode rays to strike a target to generate X rays
Implementation Method 2
uses the cathode rays to strike a target to generate X rays
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A CT system and method thereof are discloses. The system includes: a conveyor mechanism (110); a first scanning stage (A) configured to scan the object and generate a first digital signal; a second scanning stage (B) spaced from the first scanning stage at a preset distance in a direction of the object's movement; a processing device (130) configured to reconstruct a CT image of the object at a first image quality based on the first digital signal, and analyze the CT image; and a control device (140) configured to adjust a scanning parameter of the second scanning stage based on an analysis result of the processing device to cause the second scanning stage to output a second digital signal. The processing device reconstructs a CT image of the object at a second image quality higher than the first image quality at least based on the second digital signal. The system takes full advantage of the distributed ray sources which replace the normal slip ring technology.