Scatter Correction Aperture Plate for CT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) imaging techniques face limitations due to radiation-matter interaction artifacts, particularly beam hardening and scatter radiation, which reduce image quality and accuracy in industrial metrology applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a scatter rejecting aperture plate with discrete apertures or slit collimators positioned between the object and detector in a CT system to acquire partial scatter-free images, which are combined to generate a scatter-free image for effective scatter correction, and can be used to train neural networks or adjust point spread functions for improved image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scatter rejecting aperture plate with multiple positions is used to acquire partial scatter-free images, then scatter correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and acquisition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture plate is divided into multiple discrete apertures arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective acquisition of partial scatter-free images from different positions. Each aperture captures a specific region, and combining these segmented measurements provides comprehensive scatter correction without requiring the entire plate to be positioned simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to block all scattered radiation at once (which would require complete coverage), the system uses partial actions by acquiring images with the aperture plate at different positions. Each position provides partial scatter-free information, and combining these partial measurements achieves the desired correction accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If physics-based models are used to predict scatter content, then scatter estimation accuracy is improved, but computation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements by acquiring images with the aperture plate at multiple positions before final reconstruction. These preliminary scatter-free measurements are used to train neural networks or establish point spread functions, which then enable rapid scatter correction during actual imaging without repeated complex computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional physics-based computational models with neural networks trained on experimental data from aperture plate measurements. This substitution transforms complex real-time physics calculations into faster neural network inference, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If tighter manufacturing tolerances are enforced, then product quality is improved, but the need for repeated inspection and rework increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scatter correction system provides accurate feedback on internal features and defects by eliminating scatter artifacts that previously obscured details. This reliable feedback enables single-pass inspection with high confidence, reducing the need for repeated inspections and rework while maintaining tight quality tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing traditional scatter correction methods with neural network-based approaches trained on aperture plate data, the system achieves faster and more reliable defect detection. This substitution improves inspection efficiency and productivity while maintaining the ability to enforce tight manufacturing tolerances.
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 enhances image quality by reducing scatter-related artifacts, improving the accuracy and detectability of features in CT images, and reduces the time and complexity of scatter estimation, aligning with tighter manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
scatter radiation is a strong function of the imaging parameters such as the object under imaging, beam spectrum used, geometrical distances, and the surrounding medium
Implementation Method 2
a significant fraction of scattered x-rays can be blocked by the aperture plate
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for scatter correction of x-ray images are provided. A scatter image of an object can be corrected using partial-scatter free images acquired using an aperture plate. The plate is positioned between an object and a radiation detector and includes apertures in a grid. The original x-rays pass through the apertures and scattered x-rays can be blocked by the aperture plate. The aperture plate can be moved to different positions, allowing partial scatter-free images to be acquired at each position of the aperture plate. A full scatter-free image can be generated by combining partial scatter-free images. The scatter and scatter-free images can be further used to train scatter correction models.