Stationary 3D X-ray Tomography with Multi-Detector Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional (3D) x-ray imaging technologies, such as CT scans, face challenges including high radiation dosage, time-consuming processes, lack of portability, low resolution in non-rotational systems, and significant scatter interference, which limits their application in medical and industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact 3D x-ray imaging system using a two-dimensional detector that minimizes unknown pixels and movement, allowing for ultrafast image construction and reduced radiation exposure, by separating primary x-rays from scatter and employing a calibration method for 3D reconstruction, enabling quantitative imaging and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational CT is used to achieve high-resolution 3D imaging, then image quality is improved, but radiation dosage and scanning time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process by using multiple stationary 2D detectors positioned at different angles around the object, each capturing projections simultaneously or sequentially without requiring rotation. This divides the rotational scanning task into parallel stationary measurements, eliminating scanning time while maintaining 3D reconstruction capability through computational tomography algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by strategically positioning multiple 2D detectors in three-dimensional space around the object. The spatial arrangement of detectors in different dimensions enables reconstruction of complete 3D information from multiple simultaneous 2D projections, achieving 3D imaging without mechanical rotation.
2Measurement precision
If rotational CT is used to achieve high-resolution 3D imaging, then image quality is improved, but radiation dosage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented across multiple stationary detectors that simultaneously capture projections from different angles. This parallel acquisition eliminates the need for repeated exposure during rotation, reducing cumulative radiation dosage while maintaining the angular diversity needed for high-resolution 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous angular coverage through simultaneous multi-detector measurements rather than sequential rotational scanning. All necessary projection data is captured in a single stationary configuration, eliminating redundant exposures and minimizing radiation dosage while maintaining continuous 3D imaging capability.
3Ease of operation
If non-rotating tomography with multiple 2D detectors is used to reduce scanning time and radiation, then portability is improved, but image resolution and quantitative information deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the multi-detector configuration, including detector positions, angles, and distances from the object. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient angular diversity and projection quality for high-resolution 3D reconstruction while maintaining a compact, portable stationary configuration without requiring rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary multi-detector system performs multiple functions simultaneously: capturing projections from multiple angles, enabling 3D reconstruction, and providing quantitative imaging capability. This universal approach eliminates the need for rotational mechanisms while maintaining image quality, making the system portable and suitable for various applications including medical, industrial, and security imaging.
4Measurement precision
If Anti Scatter Grid is used to reduce scatter interference, then image quality is improved, but visibility of low contrast details is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes scatter radiation from the detected signal using computational methods. By modeling and subtracting scatter contributions from the total detected radiation, the system recovers the primary beam information with high accuracy, improving image quality while preserving low-contrast detail visibility that would otherwise be lost with physical scatter grids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational scatter correction algorithms as an intermediary processing step between detection and image reconstruction. These algorithms act as a virtual mediator that separates primary and scatter components, allowing scatter reduction without the physical constraints of Anti Scatter Grids that degrade low-contrast visibility.
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 provides high-resolution, quantitative 3D imaging with reduced radiation and time, enhancing portability and applicability in various medical and industrial settings, including real-time measurements and material characterization.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source (e.g., a stationary or movable x-ray source or an array of stationary x-ray sources)
Implementation Method 2
a two dimensional (2D) detector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray tomography system which can generate a qualitative 3D image of a region of interest using a an x-ray source, the x-ray source configured to emit x-ray radiation at the region of interest. The x-ray radiation or the x-ray source or the relative position of the x ray source configured to be moved in a two dimensional plane. An x-ray detector including a plurality of detector elements arranged in a two dimensional plane opposite the x-ray source, the x-ray detector configured to detect x-ray radiation after attenuation by the subject and provide an indication of the detected x-rays. And a processor configured to receive the indication of the detected x-rays and resolve the detected x-ray radiation into a three dimensional image. The three dimensional image is qualitative in nature.