Static CT Ring Layout for Wider Coverage and Fewer Cone Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static real-time CT imaging systems face limitations in scanning coverage due to blank regions between field of views (FOVs) in single axial scans, and they struggle with cone-beam artifacts and scattering effects, which affect imaging precision and speed.
Innovation Solution
A static real-time CT imaging system with two annular multi-focal X-ray source rings and a shared detector ring, where X-ray sources and detectors are arranged in a staggered manner, and a beam collimator adjusts beam coverage, combined with a scan timing sequence controller to optimize exposure and acquisition sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single ray source ring is used in static real-time CT imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning coverage has blank regions between field of views
Solution Approach 1:
The single ray source ring is segmented into two separate ray source rings (left and right), each independently positioned relative to the detector ring. This segmentation allows each ray source ring to cover a specific angular range, and their combined coverage eliminates the blank regions that would exist with a single ray source ring, thereby expanding the total scanning coverage without requiring mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane (one-dimensional angular coverage) ray source arrangement to a multi-plane (two-dimensional angular coverage) arrangement by positioning ray source rings on both sides of the detector ring. This dimensional expansion in the angular space allows simultaneous coverage of previously blank regions while maintaining the static configuration.
2Measurement precision
If the X-ray source and detector are arranged in a non-staggered manner, then the device complexity is reduced, but cone-beam artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ray sources and detectors are arranged in an asymmetric staggered configuration where ray sources are positioned at different angular positions relative to their corresponding detectors. This asymmetric staggering optimizes the beam geometry to reduce cone-beam artifacts by ensuring more uniform angular sampling, thereby improving imaging precision while maintaining a static device structure.
3Speed
If mechanical rotation is used to increase scanning coverage, then the scanning speed is limited by centrifugal force, but without rotation the scanning coverage has blank regions
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with a static multi-ring configuration where multiple ray source rings are positioned at different angular locations. This substitution eliminates centrifugal force limitations and mechanical wear associated with rotation, while the multiple static rings collectively provide complete angular coverage without blank regions, achieving both high scanning speed and complete coverage.
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
Enlarges scan coverage range, reduces cone-beam artifacts, and enables scattering correction, thereby improving imaging precision and speed without mechanical rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray detector receives X-rays transmitted through a current layer, converts the X-rays into an electrical signal by a photoelectric converter
Implementation Method 2
A beam collimator is arranged between the X-ray sources and the X-ray detectors, to limit ray beam coverage ranges of the X-ray sources
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention are a static real-time CT imaging system and imaging method. The system comprises two ray source rings and a detector ring; on a Z axis, the left ray source ring and the right ray source ring are arranged on the left side and the right side of the detector ring; the left ray source ring and the right ray source ring are respectively annular multi-focus X-ray sources having a plurality of X-ray sources and are uniformly provided with a same number of focuses; the detector ring consists of a plurality of X-ray detectors arranged in a ring, and on the Z axis, the plurality of X-ray detectors jointly form a left detector sub-ring, a middle detector sub-ring and a right detector sub-ring; an X-ray source of the left ray source ring is placed between any two adjacent X-ray detectors of the left detector sub-ring; an X-ray source of the right ray source ring is placed between any two adjacent X-ray detectors of the right detector sub-ring; any two adjacent X-ray detectors of the middle detector sub-ring are in close contact. The use of the present invention can achieve a wider Z-direction coverage range, and effectively suppress cone-angle artifacts.