Spiral CT with Synchronous X-Ray Arrays for Large-Object Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-slice spiral CT devices are inadequate for inspecting large objects like air containers due to size constraints, requiring larger inspection spaces and complex structures, and face challenges in maintaining stability and penetration power.

Innovation Solution

A spiral CT device with a movable inspection station and multiple X-ray sources disposed on a rotational supporting apparatus, using fan-shaped beams with minimal overlap, combined with a processor for three-dimensional image reconstruction, and employing compressive sensing for overlapping data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional multi-slice spiral CT technology is used for large objects like air containers, then the detection area increases, but the system size and inspection space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoidinspection space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection task into multiple energy levels by using dual-energy X-ray sources. The first X-ray source operates at a lower energy level (first energy range) and the second X-ray source operates at a higher energy level (second energy range). This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact size while achieving comprehensive detection capability for large objects through multi-energy imaging rather than simply increasing physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If fan angle is increased to cover larger inspection space, then detection coverage improves, but dosage inconsistency among fan-shaped X-ray beams worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection space coverageVSAvoiddosage consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the energy parameter of X-ray beams by using two different energy ranges. The first X-ray source produces beams in a first energy range with a first fan angle, while the second X-ray source produces beams in a second energy range with a second fan angle. This parameter change allows each source to operate within optimal dosage ranges, maintaining consistency while collectively covering a larger inspection space through multi-energy complementary imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If X-ray source penetration power is increased for large objects, then detection capability improves, but system complexity and stability problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the penetration task by using two X-ray sources with different energy levels rather than one high-power source. The first source handles lower energy penetration while the second source handles higher energy penetration. This segmentation reduces the burden on each individual source, simplifying their respective structures and improving stability while maintaining overall detection capability for large objects through combined multi-energy imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient inspection of large objects with high quality and reduced system size, ensuring short inspection times and improved detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first plurality of X-ray sources (130-1, 130-2) disposed on the rotational supporting apparatus (120) and configured to provide fan-shaped X-ray beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a first plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses (140-1, 140-2) corresponding to the plurality of X-ray sources (130) and configured to receive the X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3553569B1Spiral CT device and three-dimensional image reconstruction method
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3553569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a spiral Computed Tomography (CT) device and a three-dimensional image reconstruction method. The spiral CT device includes: an inspection station configured to carry an object to be inspected, the inspection station defining an inspection space which is located above the inspection station and is used for accommodating the object to be inspected; a rotational supporting apparatus which is disposed around the inspection space in a plane parallel to a first direction and is rotatable around the inspection space in a detection state; a plurality of X-ray sources located on the rotational supporting apparatus and configured to transmit X-rays to pass through the inspection space; and a plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses in one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of X-ray sources, the plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses being located on the rotational supporting apparatus opposite to the plurality of X-ray sources respectively and configured to collect the X-rays passing through the inspection space, wherein the plurality of X-ray sources and the plurality of X-ray receiving apparatuses are rotational synchronously with the rotational supporting apparatus.