Slit-Guided Imaging Unit With 1× Lens Optics for Radiological Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation detection apparatuses suffer from reduced resolution and low sensitivity due to radiation expansion through opening portions and long working distances, leading to increased irradiation range and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
An imaging unit with a slit member and a 1× lens configuration that narrows the irradiation region on the scintillator input surface, combined with a line scan sensor, to improve resolution and sensitivity by guiding radiation through a slit and forming scintillation light into an image, while reducing scattered radiation influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation passes through an opening portion in conventional detectors, then the radiation can reach the wavelength conversion member, but the irradiation range expands and resolution reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation detection function into separate components: a collimator with multiple slit members segments the radiation beam into discrete paths, allowing only specific angular ranges to reach the wavelength conversion member. This segmentation maintains a compact irradiation range while preserving measurement precision by eliminating scattered radiation from other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator acts as an intermediary component between the radiation source and the wavelength conversion member. It mediates the radiation path by selectively transmitting only radiation within specific angular ranges through its slit members, thereby controlling the irradiation range without compromising the ability to detect radiation with high resolution.
2Reliability
If a long working distance is used in conventional detectors, then the detector can be positioned away from the object, but sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of radiation transmission by using collimators with slits oriented at different angles. This allows the system to maintain a short working distance while selectively detecting radiation from specific directions, thereby improving sensitivity without requiring the detector to be positioned close to the object in all directions simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If the irradiation range on the scintillator is widened, then more radiation can be detected, but resolution deteriorates due to scattered radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator segments the radiation detection into multiple angular channels using separate slit members. Each slit member detects radiation from a specific angular range, allowing the system to maintain high resolution for each segment while collectively detecting radiation from a wider overall range through the combined output of multiple segmented detectors.
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 solution enhances resolution and sensitivity by restricting the irradiation region and shortening the working distance, allowing for improved image capturing and reduced scattered radiation impact.
Implementation Method 1
converts the transmitted radiation into fluorescence (visible light) using a wavelength conversion member
Implementation Method 2
a 1× lens placed between the scintillator and the line scan sensor and configured to form the scintillation light output from the input surface into an image on the imaging surface
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes a housing having an entrance window that allows radiation transmitted through an object to pass through, a scintillator having an input surface to which radiation passing through the entrance window is input, and a line scan sensor having an imaging surface that captures an image of scintillation light output from the input surface. The imaging unit further includes a slit member placed between the entrance window and the scintillator and configured to guide radiation passing through the entrance window toward the input surface and a 1×lens placed between the scintillator and the line scan sensor and configured to form scintillation light output from the input surface into an image on the imaging surface of the line scan sensor.