3D X-Ray Reconstruction Using Overlapping Source Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray imaging systems face limitations in generating high-resolution three-dimensional images due to restricted source and detector geometries caused by the need to avoid spatiotemporal x-ray overlap, which increases power requirements and image capture time, and are not flexible enough to accommodate varying distances between sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
An iterative method and system that activates multiple x-ray sources to emit beams that spatially and temporally overlap at a detector, using compressed sensing algorithms to reconstruct three-dimensional images by estimating attenuation coefficients and optimizing image acquisition speed, quality, and ROI coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple vacuum-tube sources are placed at fixed locations around an object to minimize image capture time, then image capture time is reduced, but the system becomes impractical due to high cost and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single large vacuum tube into multiple smaller x-ray sources arranged in an array. Each source in the array can be independently controlled and activated, allowing multiple viewing angles to be captured simultaneously or sequentially without requiring multiple complete vacuum tube assemblies. This segmentation reduces overall system bulk and cost while maintaining the ability to capture images from multiple angles quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
A single distributed source array can serve multiple functions: it can generate x-rays from multiple locations simultaneously, accommodate various imaging geometries, and adjust the number of active sources based on imaging requirements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vacuum tube sources at each location, reducing system complexity while maintaining fast capture capability.
2Area of stationary object
If a large source-to-object distance is used in traditional x-ray systems to cover sufficient area, then adequate coverage is achieved, but power requirements and system weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the x-ray source into a distributed array of smaller sources, the system can achieve adequate coverage area with shorter source-to-object distances. Multiple sources positioned closer to the object can collectively cover the required area without requiring each individual source to be positioned far away, thereby reducing power requirements and system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point source to a distributed array of sources across a two-dimensional plane. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve area coverage through spatial distribution of multiple closer sources rather than relying on a single distant source, reducing the need for high power supplies and heavy cooling systems.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical gantry is used to move a single x-ray source to multiple locations for 3D imaging, then three-dimensional image reconstruction is enabled, but system size and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical gantry system with a segmented array of fixed x-ray sources. Instead of moving a single source through space using a large gantry, multiple stationary sources are arranged in a distributed pattern, allowing 3D imaging to be performed from multiple fixed locations simultaneously or sequentially without requiring mechanical movement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical gantry system with a statically arranged distributed source array. The mechanical movement function is replaced by having multiple sources at fixed positions that can be selectively activated, eliminating the need for large, expensive mechanical positioning equipment while achieving the same 3D imaging capability.
4Measurement precision
If the source size is reduced to accommodate more viewing angles, then more directions can be imaged for high-resolution 3D images, but the number of sources that can be practically accommodated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments a single large vacuum tube into numerous smaller x-ray sources within a distributed array. This segmentation enables the accommodation of many more sources (and thus more viewing angles) than would be possible with complete vacuum tube assemblies, while each individual source remains small enough to allow dense packing in the array for high-resolution 3D imaging.
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 allows for more flexible imaging geometries, reduces image capture time, and enables accurate three-dimensional image reconstruction from overlapping x-rays, improving image quality and robustness against source and detector positioning constraints.
Implementation Method 1
activating two or more sources to emit x-ray beams such that the x-ray beams are delivered to a region of interest (ROI) and spatially and temporally overlap at an at least one pixel of a detector; detecting the intensity of the x-ray beams (130) incident upon the pixel of the detector (140)
Implementation Method 2
using said compressed sensing algorithm to estimate an attenuation coefficient attributable to each said voxel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An x-ray imaging system and method for reconstructing three-dimensional images of a region of interest from spatially and temporally overlapping x-rays using novel reconstruction techniques.