X-ray Tomograph Parasitic Movement Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray tomography systems face challenges in accurately measuring and correcting parasitic displacements of samples due to environmental temperature variations, leading to suboptimal three-dimensional image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tracking element with X-ray opaque balls attached to a frame and arm assembly made from materials with controlled thermal expansion, which compensates for temperature-induced movements, allowing precise measurement of sample displacements by analyzing shifts in ball images across radiographs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear approximation method is used to correct parasitic displacements, then the correction process is simple, but the quality of the three-dimensional image remains suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
A tracking element comprising multiple balls is introduced as an intermediary reference object. This tracking element is fixed to the support structure and serves as a mediator to measure and correct parasitic displacements. By tracking the positions of these balls in radiographs, the system can accurately determine support movements and apply appropriate corrections to sample images, resolving the contradiction between simple correction methods and high image quality.
2Quantity of substance
If the acquisition time is extended to capture sufficient radiographs, then the completeness of three-dimensional reconstruction is improved, but parasitic displacements due to temperature variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the positions of tracking element balls in each radiograph. These position measurements provide real-time information about support displacements caused by temperature variations. The feedback loop enables dynamic correction of sample images based on actual measured displacements, allowing extended acquisition times without compromising sample stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization methods with an optical measurement and computational correction system. Instead of physically preventing support movements through mechanical means, the system uses X-ray imaging to track ball positions and applies mathematical corrections to the sample images, substituting mechanical rigidity with optical precision and computational processing.
3Measurement precision
If a tracking element with balls is used to measure parasitic displacements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking element uses simple spherical balls as reference markers, which are easy to manufacture and detect. These balls create distinct, easily identifiable images in radiographs, providing accurate displacement measurements without requiring complex tracking structures. The simplicity of the ball geometry facilitates both manufacturing and image processing, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
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
This solution enables accurate correction of parasitic displacements, significantly improving the quality of three-dimensional images by isolating temperature-induced errors and ensuring the positions of the balls remain invariant, thus enhancing the precision of the reconstructed images.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking element 17, also called a pattern, comprising a frame 19 carrying balls 21 opaque to X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for measuring parasitic movements in a sample (5) to be analysed in an X-ray tomography apparatus, the device comprising: a source (1) emitting an X-ray beam (6) to a detector (3), the sample, carried by a support (13), being traversed by the beam; and a sight (17) carrying at least three balls (21) that are opaque to X-rays, the sight being attached to said support such that, on the detector, images (25) of the balls are around an image (16) of the sample, the shape and the materials of the sight being chosen such that the positions of the balls relative to the support are insensitive to temperature variations.