Portable X-ray Fluorescence Visualizer for Elemental Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray fluorescence visualization and imaging technologies are limited in their ability to provide detailed elemental, chemical, and biological material information, particularly in remote or resource-constrained areas, due to high costs, complexity, and limited accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of a portable, low-power X-ray fluorescence visualizer, imager, or information provider that uses X-ray fluorescence enhancing additives, taggants, or contrast agents to visualize and image elements, chemicals, and biological materials within the body, offering polychromatic imaging and improved diagnostic capabilities without the need for invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray fluorescence imaging systems are used, then detailed elemental and chemical information can be obtained, but the systems are expensive, complex, and inaccessible in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the X-ray fluorescence imaging function into separate modular components: a portable X-ray source, a detector assembly, and a processing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision for elemental analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational modeling and simulation to create virtual copies of the imaging process, allowing detailed elemental information to be extracted through software algorithms rather than requiring complex hardware. This enables high measurement precision through computational rather than purely physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional X-ray fluorescence systems are deployed, then comprehensive imaging capabilities are achieved, but accessibility in remote or resource-constrained areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential X-ray fluorescence imaging function from complex conventional systems, creating a portable device that can be operated in remote areas. The core capability is isolated and simplified, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain detailed elemental and chemical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable X-ray fluorescence system is designed to perform multiple functions: elemental analysis, chemical composition mapping, and biological material visualization. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified portable platform, making comprehensive imaging capabilities accessible in remote areas without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Measurement precision
If detailed polychromatic imaging is performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or pulsed X-ray irradiation rather than continuous exposure, allowing detailed polychromatic imaging to be performed while minimizing total radiation dose. The periodic activation enables the detector to capture fluorescence signals at different energy levels without requiring continuous high-dose exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameters of the X-ray source dynamically to optimize fluorescence signal detection at different energy levels. By adjusting irradiation parameters rather than using fixed high-dose protocols, the system achieves detailed diagnostic information with reduced radiation exposure.
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 solution enables cost-effective, portable, and efficient visualization and imaging of elements and biological materials, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and accessibility in remote areas, reducing radiation exposure, and improving medical care by providing rich, detailed information for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least some X-rays being fluoresced from the matter of the at least the portion of the individual by passing through to or within the at least one X-ray fluorescence range to at least one prescribed substantial X-ray fluorescence depth
Implementation Method 2
an at least one X-ray fluorescence receiving portion configured to receive the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect relates to inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon at a X-ray fluorescence event within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an at least one individual responsive to an at least some input energy being applied to the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the at least one individual. The aspect can relate to detecting the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon, wherein the inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon and the detecting the at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon is configured to be performed at least partially with at least one device which is configured to be transported portably by a person.