Multi-Source X-Ray Imaging With Rotating Shutter for 3D Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems for meat processing are costly, complex, and introduce inaccuracies due to swinging carcasses or variations in velocity, especially when generating 3D coordinate data, and require expensive equipment or stabilization methods.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system with multiple X-ray sources and a rotating shutter that alternately illuminates a detector from different perspectives, allowing fast and accurate generation of 3D data without the need for expensive equipment or stabilization, using a single detector and avoiding X-ray source switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single X-ray source and detector are used in a double pass system, then cost is reduced, but imaging time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple X-ray sources positioned at different angles around the object, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple projection images. This segmentation of the imaging task eliminates the need for sequential double-pass imaging, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while dramatically increasing productivity by capturing all necessary views in a single pass through the system.
2Productivity
If multiple X-ray sources and detectors are used, then imaging speed increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple X-ray sources that all illuminate a single detector, creating a universal imaging platform where the detector serves multiple functions by receiving data from various angles simultaneously. This multi-functional approach increases imaging speed without proportionally increasing complexity, as the detector hardware remains unified rather than requiring multiple separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple X-ray sources around a single detector, merging their functions into one coordinated imaging system. The sources are synchronized to illuminate the object from different perspectives simultaneously, and their signals are integrated by the single detector. This merging approach achieves high-speed multi-angle imaging while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent source-detector pairs.
3Productivity
If objects are conveyed through the imaging system, then productivity increases, but object movement causes artefacts and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple X-ray sources in advance around the imaging path, pre-configuring their angles and synchronization timing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as objects move through the system, all necessary projection views are captured simultaneously without requiring precise motion control or stabilization during exposure, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling continuous high-speed throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic imaging system where multiple X-ray sources are synchronized to operate in coordination with the conveyor motion. The sources alternate or simultaneously illuminate the moving object from different angles, and the detector captures all projections in rapid succession. This dynamic approach accommodates object movement while maintaining image quality and 3D reconstruction accuracy.
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 provides rapid, cost-effective, and accurate 3D imaging of carcasses with reduced errors and artefacts, enabling high throughput without expensive stabilization equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Imaging an object using X-rays allows non-invasive imaging of the internal components or elements of that object
Implementation Method 2
a shutter in a transmission plane between each X-ray source and detector, wherein the shutter controls the transmission of X-rays from each X-ray source through the transmission plane to the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray detector; a plurality of X-ray sources configured to illuminate the detector from different perspectives; a shutter in a transmission plane between each X-ray source controlling transmission of X-rays from each X-ray source to the detector; and a processor configured to receive and process X-ray data from the detector. The shutter may be configured to illuminate the detector alternately with each X-ray source. The processor may determine 3D information about an object from the processed X-ray data. Also provided are methods for processing X-ray data and different embodiments of shutters to alternately illuminate X-ray detectors.