Scanning X-ray Source Multi-Target Imaging Without Motion Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging systems, such as tomosynthesis, inversive geometry, and CT imaging systems, face challenges in obtaining images at multiple projection angles due to mechanical motion artifacts generated when using mobile X-ray sources, which affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
A scanning-type X-ray source is designed with a vacuum cavity, a cathode, anode target structures, a grid for electron beam control, a focusing electrode, and a deflection coil to precisely direct the electron beam and generate X-rays, reducing mechanical motion artifacts and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile X-ray source is used to obtain images at multiple projection angles, then the imaging system can acquire projection images at different angles, but mechanical motion artifacts are generated that affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single mobile X-ray source into multiple static X-ray sources arranged in an array. Each source is fixed in position and generates X-rays at a specific projection angle. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical movement while achieving multi-angle imaging capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving a single X-ray source to change projection angles, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple stationary sources fixed at different angles. The system selects which source to activate based on the required projection angle, transforming a dynamic single-source system into a static multi-source system, thus eliminating motion artifacts while maintaining imaging versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile X-ray source is rotated or translated to obtain images at multiple projection angles, then different projection angles can be achieved, but mechanical motion artifacts are easily generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion mechanism from the X-ray source system. By removing the rotation and translation mechanisms, the system eliminates the source of mechanical motion artifacts. Multiple static sources are positioned to provide the necessary projection angles without requiring any moving parts, thus taking out the harmful mechanical motion while preserving the multi-angle imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system (rotating/translating X-ray source) with an electrical control system. Instead of physically moving the X-ray source through mechanics, the system electrically controls which of multiple static sources is activated. This substitution eliminates mechanical motion artifacts while achieving the same projection angle coverage through electronic selection of active sources.
3Reliability
If multiple X-ray sources are evenly distributed on a ray source ring in a static CT system, then images at multiple projection angles can be obtained without mechanical motion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control into a static multi-source system. While the sources themselves are fixed in position, the system dynamically selects which source to activate based on the required projection angle and imaging sequence. This dynamic electrical control allows the static physical structure to adapt flexibly to different imaging requirements, achieving reliable multi-angle imaging without the complexity of permanent mechanical motion systems.
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 scanning-type X-ray source enhances image quality by minimizing mechanical motion artifacts, offering higher power and heat capacity, smaller volume, and higher focus density while efficiently obtaining images at multiple projection angles.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode and a plurality of anode target structures are disposed inside the vacuum cavity
Implementation Method 2
generates X-rays from bombarding sides of the target surface
Implementation Method 3
a location that is close to the grid and that is on the periphery of the vacuum cavity is provided with a deflection coil
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a scanning-type X-ray source and an imaging system therefor. The scanning-type X-ray source comprises a vacuum cavity (1), wherein a cathode (2) and a plurality of anode target structures (3) are arranged in the vacuum cavity (1); a gate electrode (4) is arranged in a position, close to the cathode (2), in the vacuum cavity (1); a focusing electrode (5) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), in the vacuum cavity (1); and a deflection coil (6) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), at the outer periphery of the vacuum cavity (1). The scanning-type X-ray source generates electron beams by using cathode (2), controls the powering-on/off of the electron beams by the gate electrode (4), and the deflection coil (6) controls the direction of motion of the electron beams, so as to complete the switching between multiple focuses.