Oblique Camera Mirror Arrangement for X-Ray Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices for scintillator screens face challenges in effectively shielding cameras from high-energy X-rays, leading to radiation damage and limited usability at higher X-ray energies due to the thickness limitations of absorber materials in mirror arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging cameras at an angle relative to the scintillator screen, with each camera recording a portion of the screen via a single mirror, allowing for the use of thicker absorber materials without increasing the device's size, and incorporating radiation protection glasses to absorb X-rays while allowing visible light to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thicker absorber materials are used to shield cameras from high-energy X-rays, then radiation protection is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel mirror arrangement (DE 103 01 941) where cameras are positioned laterally to an oblique arrangement where cameras are positioned behind the scintillator at an angle. This dimensional change in camera positioning allows thick absorber materials to be placed directly in the X-ray beam path between the scintillator and cameras, achieving superior radiation shielding without increasing lateral device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent camera modules, each with its own absorber material and mirror. This segmentation allows each camera module to be independently optimized with adequate shielding thickness while maintaining a compact overall device structure through modular arrangement.
2Volume of moving object
If absorber material thickness is limited due to spatial constraints, then device compactness is maintained, but radiation shielding effectiveness decreases at high X-ray energies
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning cameras from lateral to oblique/behind-positioning, the patent creates space for thicker absorber materials in the Z-direction (beam path) without increasing X-Y footprint. This dimensional reconfiguration enables adequate radiation shielding for high-energy X-rays while maintaining device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thick absorber materials as intermediary elements positioned between the scintillator and cameras in the oblique arrangement. These intermediaries effectively block high-energy X-rays before they can reach the cameras, solving the radiation shielding problem without requiring the cameras themselves to be larger or more distant.
3Length of stationary object
If cameras are arranged parallel to the scintillator screen, then optical path length is reduced, but radiation shielding becomes ineffective at high energies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the camera arrangement from parallel to oblique/behind positioning, fundamentally altering the spatial relationship between cameras and scintillator. This dimensional change allows absorber materials to be effectively positioned in the optical path while maintaining reasonable optical path lengths, achieving both compactness and radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into individual camera modules positioned obliquely behind the scintillator, each module can have its optical path optimized independently. The oblique positioning allows sufficient absorber material thickness in the radiation path while keeping the optical path length manageable for each segmented camera unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors are used to image the scintillator, then camera positioning flexibility is improved, but secondary scattered radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the parallel mirror arrangement that causes secondary scattered radiation. By transitioning to an oblique camera positioning system, the design removes the problematic mirror configuration while retaining camera positioning flexibility through the oblique angular arrangement and modular camera modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of oblique positioning into a benefit by using the angular arrangement to naturally position cameras behind thick absorber materials. The oblique angle, which initially seems to complicate the optical path, actually enables superior radiation shielding by allowing absorber placement directly in the beam path, turning a potential disadvantage into a radiation protection advantage.
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 configuration enhances radiation shielding, enabling the use of the imaging device at higher X-ray energies by allowing thicker absorber materials and reducing secondary scattered radiation, thus protecting cameras from damage and improving imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the X-rays are first converted into visible light by a scintillator
Implementation Method 2
the non-absorbed X-ray quanta can be absorbed by the underlying semiconductor layer
Implementation Method 3
the visible light emanating from the scintillator is deflected via a V-shaped mirror arrangement
Implementation Method 4
a special glass is arranged in the optical beam path, which is transparent to visible light but strongly absorbs X-rays
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an image capturing device comprising a screen, a plurality of mirrors and a plurality of cameras. The plurality of mirrors and the plurality of cameras are arranged such that the plurality of cameras capture, via respectively the plurality of mirrors, one section of the screen, wherein the plurality of cameras is arranged obliquely in relation to the screen.