Scanning Imaging System Encoder Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning imaging systems, particularly Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Tomography (CT) systems, face challenges in accurately aligning data images due to system errors, leading to rough alignment of DR and CT data images.
Innovation Solution
A scanning imaging system is designed with a transportation apparatus, an encoder, an encoding counter module, and a controller to establish a correspondence relationship between data positions collected by DR and CT imaging systems, using a correction value to ensure accurate alignment by adjusting the starting position of the second imaging system based on the distance and count values from the encoder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data alignment between DR and CT imaging systems is performed using conventional methods, then the alignment process is simple, but the alignment precision is low resulting in rough alignment of images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary device attached to the transportation apparatus. This encoder generates position signals that serve as a common reference for both DR and CT imaging systems, enabling precise alignment without complex direct coordination between the two imaging systems. The encoder acts as a mediator that translates physical position into measurable signals for synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously receives position signals from the encoder and adjusts the timing and positioning of data collection from both DR and CT systems accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that despite variations in transportation speed or positioning, the images remain accurately aligned through real-time corrections.
2Measurement precision
If the second imaging system starts data collection immediately, then the data collection process is continuous, but the alignment between DR and CT data is inaccurate due to system errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the second imaging system's data collection start point based on encoder position signals and the known distance L. Before actual data collection begins, the controller adjusts timing and positioning parameters to compensate for system errors, ensuring that when data collection starts, the alignment is already optimized rather than corrected afterward.
3Reliability
If the distance L between ray beams is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates when transportation position varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static fixed distance L into a dynamic parameter that is continuously adjusted based on real-time encoder position feedback. The controller dynamically modifies the timing and positioning of data collection from both imaging systems according to the actual transportation position, allowing the system to maintain accurate alignment despite variations in object position or transportation speed while keeping the physical distance L fixed.
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
The system achieves accurate alignment of DR and CT data images by using a correction value to synchronize the data collection positions, ensuring precise alignment and complete data collection for the inspected object.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder configured to output a signal whenever the transportation apparatus travels a predetermined distance D
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging system comprising a first ray generator and first detectors; a second imaging system arranged on the downstream of the first imaging system in the transportation direction, the second imaging system comprising a second ray generator and second detectors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a scanning imaging system, comprising a transportation apparatus (40), a first imaging system (10), and a second imaging system (20). A distance between a ray beam (14) from a first ray generator (11) of the first imaging system (10) and a ray beam (24) from a second ray generator (21) of the second imaging system (20) in the transportation direction is roughly L. A controller (33) is configured to acquire, based on a count value of an encoding counter module (32), a correspondence relationship between data in a position of the inspected object (A) in the transportation direction which is collected by the first imaging system (10) and data in the position of the inspected object (A) in the transportation direction which is collected by the second imaging system (20), wherein a difference between a count value of the encoder (30) corresponding to the data in the position which is collected by the first imaging system (10) and a count value of the encoder (30) corresponding to the data in the position which is collected by the second imaging system (20) is roughly L/D. The present disclosure can achieve alignment of the DR data image and the CT data image in a simple manner.