Narrow Sensor X-ray Imaging Device for Low-Dose 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT imaging requires large, expensive sensors to capture three-dimensional images, leading to high radiation doses and increased costs due to the need for sensors with areas much larger than those used in panoramic imaging, and involves complex multi-axis drive systems for field of view manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging device utilizing a narrow-width sensor and low-dose X-ray exposure, with a single fixed rotating axis, allowing for expansion or shaping of the field of view without additional physical rotating axes, and enabling both three-dimensional and panoramic imaging by adjusting the sensor's position and the X-ray beam's direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-area sensor is used to capture three-dimensional X-ray images, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the sensor cost and radiation dose increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple one-dimensional projection measurements taken at different angles around the subject. Instead of using a large-area sensor to capture all directions simultaneously, the system uses a narrow sensor to sequentially measure different angular sections, reconstructing the three-dimensional image from these segmented measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of both the narrow sensor and the X-ray source along a circular trajectory. The sensor and source rotate together around the subject, allowing a small sensor to dynamically access different spatial positions and capture projections from multiple angles, effectively achieving three-dimensional imaging capability without requiring a large sensor area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-axis drive system is used to manipulate the field of view, then the imaging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement functions of the sensor and X-ray source into a single coordinated rotational motion around a common axis. Both components move together along the same circular trajectory, eliminating the need for separate multi-axis drive systems while maintaining the ability to manipulate the field of view through angular positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circular trajectory serves multiple functions: it enables three-dimensional imaging by capturing projections from multiple angles, allows panoramic imaging by adjusting the angular range, and provides flexible field of view selection. This universal motion path replaces the need for complex multi-axis manipulation systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If an expensive large-area sensor is used for X-ray CT imaging, then the three-dimensional imaging quality is improved, but the imaging cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the narrow sensor's measurement data by rotating the sensor-source system around the subject. Each angular position provides a copied projection of the subject from a different viewpoint, and these copied measurements are reconstructed into a three-dimensional image, achieving high-quality imaging with a low-cost narrow sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the imaging system by varying the angular position of the sensor and source around the subject. By changing the angular parameter rather than increasing sensor area, the system achieves three-dimensional imaging capability while using a cost-effective narrow sensor.
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 accurate three-dimensional X-ray imaging of desired sizes and shapes with reduced radiation dose and lower costs, while allowing for free-form field of view selection and panoramic imaging without the need for complex multi-axis systems.
Implementation Method 1
X-rays are attenuated according to an X-ray attenuation coefficient, such as photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the like, of a substance placed in a path of the X-rays.
Implementation Method 2
X-rays are attenuated according to an X-ray attenuation coefficient, such as photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the like, of a substance placed in a path of the X-rays.
Implementation Method 3
X-rays are attenuated according to an X-ray attenuation coefficient, such as photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the like, of a substance placed in a path of the X-rays.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an X-ray imaging device which can provide an accurate and intuitive X-ray image of a desired part of a subject to be captured by means of a narrow-width sensor and low-dose X-ray exposure. An X-ray imaging device, according to the present invention, comprises: a generator unit and a sensor unit which face each other while having an area to be captured therebetween; a gantry for rotating the generator unit and the sensor unit, which are facing each other, about a rotating axis between the generator unit and the sensor unit; one or more sensors, provided on the sensor unit, for detecting an X-ray; a sensor operating unit, provided on the sensor unit, for moving the sensors to the direction of the rotation trajectory or the tangent line of the rotation trajectory of the sensor unit during the rotation of the generator unit and the sensor unit about the rotating axis; and an image processing apparatus for producing a 3D X-ray image of the entire area of the area to be captured by means of the detection result of the sensor.