Tomographic Imaging with Discrete Illumination Rays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tomographic imaging requires an inordinate number of measurements to achieve adequate resolution, and existing methods, such as compressive sampling, are limited by the need for continuous illumination patterns that increase noise and radiation exposure, making it difficult to reduce the number of measurements while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of discrete, non-continuous illumination rays and coded apertures to modulate radiation, allowing for reduced measurements and improved signal-to-noise ratio, along with detector subsampling to achieve comparable image quality with fewer measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous illumination patterns are used in compressive sampling, then measurement coverage is improved, but noise increases and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using discrete, non-continuous illumination rays instead of continuous illumination patterns. The illumination is delivered in periodic pulses or discrete bursts at specific time intervals, which reduces the total radiation exposure and noise while maintaining adequate measurement coverage through compressive sampling techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous illumination pattern into discrete, separate illumination rays or pulses. By dividing the illumination into distinct temporal or spatial segments, the system achieves measurement coverage equivalent to continuous illumination while reducing the cumulative noise and radiation dose through compressive sampling reconstruction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of measurements is reduced, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process (compressive sampling reconstruction algorithm) that mediates between the reduced set of measurements and the desired image quality. This intermediary processing recovers high-quality images from fewer measurements by exploiting signal sparsity and redundancy, thereby reducing radiation exposure without sacrificing image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of measurement quantity from conventional sufficient sampling to reduced sampling suitable for compressive sensing. By altering this fundamental parameter and applying appropriate reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves both reduced radiation exposure and maintained image quality through mathematical optimization rather than traditional sampling approaches.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If discrete illumination rays are used instead of continuous patterns, then noise is reduced and radiation dosage is reduced, but measurement completeness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical continuous illumination system with a computational approach. Instead of using continuous physical illumination patterns, the system uses discrete illumination rays combined with compressive sampling algorithms to recover complete measurement information, substituting physical continuity with computational reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the discrete illumination system universal by demonstrating that the same compressed sensing framework can recover complete measurement information equivalent to continuous illumination. The discrete ray system, when combined with appropriate reconstruction algorithms, achieves multi-functionality by providing both reduced radiation dosage and complete measurement 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
This approach reduces illumination dosage, sensor requirements, and enables molecular structure identification through scatter imaging, while maintaining or improving image quality, and allowing for reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
As each ray passes through the object, it is attenuated based on the structure of the object along its respective path
Implementation Method 2
A detector array positioned at a second location detects the illumination rays
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for forming tomographic images of an object using discrete, non-continuous illumination rays is disclosed. In some embodiments, coded apertures, collimation filters, or reference structures are used to filter the set of illumination rays from a two- or three-dimensional radiation signal, wherein the set of illumination rays are then used to interrogate the object. In some embodiments, the object is interrogated with a set of illumination rays that is continuous and a sparse array of detectors is used to sub-sample the illumination rays after they have passed through the object.