Multi-Beam Cephalometric X-Ray Imaging in Compact Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cephalometric x-ray imaging requires a large source-to-detector distance, necessitating a significant physical space and limiting the applicability of such systems to settings with sufficient room, and existing methods struggle to efficiently capture comprehensive craniofacial images without moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam x-ray source system employing an array of individual x-ray sources and corresponding detector areas, which projects x-rays during distinct time periods and combines images using a weighting process to generate a combined cephalometric x-ray image, allowing for quasi-parallel geometry and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large source-to-detector distance is used in conventional cephalometric x-ray imaging, then the imaging quality is improved, but the space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single x-ray source into multiple individual x-ray sources arranged in an array. Each source in the array can be independently controlled to emit x-rays at different time periods. This segmentation allows the system to achieve parallel beam geometry (quasi-parallel) with a reduced source-to-detector distance, eliminating the need for large physical spaces while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating individual x-ray sources in the array at distinct time periods. Each source is activated in sequence, projecting x-rays through the object to the detector. This time-multiplexed approach allows multiple sources to function effectively as if they were all active simultaneously, achieving the desired imaging quality with compact dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple individual x-ray sources are used in an array, then the source-to-detector distance can be reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual x-ray sources into a unified array structure that functions as a single integrated system. The sources are arranged in a regular pattern and controlled collectively, allowing the system to achieve compact dimensions while managing complexity through unified control and processing of the array as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses detector areas that correspond to individual x-ray sources, creating a mapping or copying relationship between sources and detector regions. This correspondence simplifies the control and processing of the multi-source system by establishing direct relationships between each source and its corresponding detector area, reducing the complexity of managing multiple independent systems.
3Measurement precision
If x-rays are projected during distinct time periods from individual sources, then image quality is improved, but the imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by sequentially activating x-ray sources in the array without interruption. Each source is activated in rapid succession during distinct time periods, with the detector continuously recording the projections. This continuous operation ensures that imaging is performed efficiently without unnecessary delays, maintaining high image quality while minimizing total imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by activating individual x-ray sources in a systematic sequence at distinct time periods. This structured timing allows for optimized exposure of each source, ensuring that each contributes maximally to the final image quality while the overall process remains efficient and time-managed.
4Measurement precision
If a weighting process is used to combine images, then image quality is improved by compensating for duplication, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a weighting process that acts as a feedback mechanism to optimize image combination. By assigning different weights to images from different sources based on their quality and overlap, the system automatically compensates for duplicated information and enhances the final image quality. This feedback-based approach manages processing complexity through systematic and algorithmic weight assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the weights assigned to different images in the combination process. This parameter adjustment allows for optimized image fusion, where the contribution of each image is tuned to achieve the best possible quality while compensating for duplications. The systematic variation of weight parameters provides a controlled method to manage processing complexity.
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 high-quality cephalometric imaging without the need for large source-to-detector distances, facilitating compact setups and efficient capture of craniofacial structures with reduced space requirements and improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
projecting through the object, during a plurality of distinct time periods, x-rays from individual x-ray sources
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to generating cephalometric x-ray images by placing a source array including a plurality of individual x-ray sources, at a first location of one side of an object to be irradiated, placing a detector including a plurality of detector areas corresponding to the plurality of individual x-ray sources at another location on another side of the object opposite the first side, and projecting through the object, during a plurality of distinct time periods, x-rays from individual x-ray sources corresponding to the distinct time periods, and combining images generated by the projections to generate a combined cephalometric x-ray image.