Stereoscopic X-ray Imaging with Linear Detector Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiography systems using linear detectors produce 2D images that lack depth information and suffer from severe overlapping of projections, making object recognition and identification challenging.

Innovation Solution

A stereoscopic imaging system employing a single X-ray source and multiple linear detector arrays for 3D reconstruction, which calculates and fuses depth information from transmission images captured at different angles to present objects in a stereoscopic manner, facilitating better image analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a single X-ray source and pair of linear detector arrays are used for stereoscopic imaging, then depth information is recovered and 3D representation is achieved, but device complexity increases compared to conventional 2D radiography systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D planar detection to 3D volumetric imaging by introducing multiple linear detector arrays positioned at different spatial locations. This dimensional expansion enables depth information recovery through stereoscopic triangulation, where corresponding points on objects are matched across multiple detector views to calculate depth coordinates, effectively adding the third dimension to traditional radiography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent linear detector arrays, each capturing projection data from a specific viewpoint. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of multi-angle transmission images, which are then integrated through 3D reconstruction algorithms to form a complete volumetric representation, distributing the imaging function across multiple specialized detection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple linear detector arrays are used to capture transmission images at different angles, then 3D reconstruction accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple linear detector arrays at optimized angular configurations before image acquisition. This pre-arrangement enables simultaneous capture of multi-angle projections during a single object traversal, eliminating the need for sequential angular scanning and reducing measurement time while maintaining 3D reconstruction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging process maintains continuity by having the object move continuously through the radiation field while multiple detectors simultaneously record transmission data at different angles. This continuous acquisition approach eliminates idle time between measurements and ensures uninterrupted data collection, improving efficiency without sacrificing reconstruction precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively recovers lost depth information, enabling more accurate and vivid 3D representation of objects, enhancing inspection capabilities by providing a stereoscopic view of scanned objects, such as containers, without the need for complex scanning devices or long measurement times.

Implementation Method 1

a ray source, a plurality of linear detector arrays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

configured to detect a strength value of a respective one of the ray fanbeams penetrating an object under inspection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2869094B1Stereoscopic imaging systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2869094B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2869094B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2869094B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a stereoscopic imaging system and method. The system includes: a ray source configured to emit a plurality of ray fanbeams; a plurality of columns of detectors, wherein each column of detectors is arranged at a preset angle with respect to the ray source, and configured to detect a strength value of a respective one of the ray fanbeams penetrating an object under inspection and form a respective transmission image, when the object moves along a direction intersecting with the ray fanbeams; and a reconstruction apparatus configured to use any two of the formed transmission images as a binocular image, calculate depth information of the object on the transmission images, superpose and fuse the calculated depth information to obtain 3D information, and perform 3D reconstruction. Through 3D reconstruction using transmission images collected by a plurality of columns of linear detectors at certain angles, the lost depth information in the transmission images can be recovered so that the detected object is presented in a stereoscopic manner from different view angles. This facilitates better image analysis.