Static Security CT System Using N-Stage Image Chain Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing static CT systems face challenges in imaging accuracy and speed, and the high maintenance costs associated with slip ring dependency, which are not adequately addressed by current designs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-energy static security CT system utilizing N-stage image chain structures composed of multi-focus X-ray sources and detector assemblies, enabling non-rotation imaging with higher time resolution and energy levels, reducing maintenance costs and improving equipment stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spiral CT system with slip ring is used, then imaging function is achieved, but maintenance cost increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the slip ring component entirely from the CT system, transitioning from a rotating architecture to a static one. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the source of maintenance issues and reliability problems while preserving the core imaging function through alternative means (multiple fixed X-ray sources arranged in a circle)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a static arrangement of multiple X-ray sources. Instead of mechanically rotating a single source around the object, the system uses multiple fixed sources that can be selectively activated, substituting mechanical motion with electronic control and achieving the same imaging goal without the mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If static CT system is used, then maintenance cost reduces, but imaging accuracy and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging speedVSAvoidimaging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using several fixed X-ray sources instead of a single rotating source. Each source contributes a portion of the projection data, and their combined information achieves high imaging accuracy and speed while maintaining the static architecture's low maintenance advantage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the capabilities of multiple fixed X-ray sources to achieve the imaging performance previously only attainable through rotation. By merging the projection data from multiple sources positioned at different angles, the system achieves both high accuracy and high speed without mechanical movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multi-energy imaging is implemented, then recognition rate of prohibited goods improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition rateVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each X-ray source position capable of multiple functions by implementing multi-energy imaging capability. Each source can emit X-rays at different energy levels, allowing the system to gather both structural and material composition information, thereby improving prohibited goods recognition without requiring additional dedicated hardware for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves improved recognition rates of prohibited goods and enhanced baggage inspection speed while minimizing maintenance costs through non-rotation imaging and multi-energy capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of single-stage image chain units composed of multi-focus X-ray sources and detector assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3872535B1Multi-energy static security CT system and imaging method
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NANOVISION TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO LTD
  • EP3872535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872535B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872535B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A multi-energy static security CT system comprises at least one N-stage image chain structure (5) and a baggage conveying belt (4) provided at an inner side at the bottom of the N-stage image chain structure (5). The N-stage image chain structure (5) and the baggage conveying belt (4) are fixed at a pre-configured positions by means of a machine frame (8). The N-stage image chain structures (5) are sequentially arranged in a forward direction of a baggage channel, and adjacent N-stage image chain structures (5) are offset relative to each other. By exposing radiation sources in the N-stage image chain structure (5) at different times, the static security CT system generates an image having a higher temporal resolution and more energy spectrum levels than an image generated by a spiral CT system, thereby improving the identification rate of prohibited goods and increasing baggage inspection speed. Also provided is an imaging method implemented by means of the static security CT system.