Tomographic Imaging Scanning Trajectory for Fast Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tomographic imaging techniques are limited by slow acquisition times, which hinder the efficient generation of high-resolution images, especially in nano CT applications where faster data collection is necessary without compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
A novel scanning trajectory using a plurality of spaced apart line segments that intersect a virtual reference surface, allowing for continuous relative motion and reducing the time required for data acquisition by minimizing the distance between intersection points within segments and increasing the spacing between segments, thereby reducing overall motion time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional circular or helical scan trajectories are used, then complete coverage of viewing directions is achieved, but acquisition time is excessive (15 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The scan trajectory is divided into multiple discrete line segments arranged in a radial pattern around the specimen. Instead of continuous circular or helical motion, the source moves along segmented linear paths at different angular positions, allowing optimized sampling geometry that reduces total acquisition time while maintaining complete viewing direction coverage.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between intersection points within segments is minimized, then data quality is maintained, but motion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different spatial regions of the scan trajectory are assigned different sampling densities. Within each line segment, intersection points are closely spaced to ensure high data quality and complete sampling. Between segments, larger gaps are acceptable since the radial arrangement ensures comprehensive viewing direction coverage. This local differentiation of sampling density optimizes both data quality and acquisition speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous motion trajectory is used, then smooth imaging is achieved, but coverage of viewing directions is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The scan trajectory transitions from a single-plane circular path to a three-dimensional radial arrangement of multiple line segments at different angular positions around the specimen. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve complete spherical coverage of viewing directions while maintaining stable, high-quality imaging through optimized sampling geometry at each segment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of investigating a specimen using tomographic imaging, comprising the steps of providing a specimen and a source, directing a beam of radiation from said source to said specimen, and detecting a flux of radiation transmitted through said specimen. The method further comprises the steps of moving at least one of said specimen and said source for providing relative motion of the source with respect to the specimen; and imaging the specimen along a series of different viewing axes, which intersect a virtual reference surface that surrounds the specimen and is substantially centered thereon, wherein said combined steps of moving and imaging generate a sampling geometry on said virtual reference surface. As defined herein, the steps of moving and imaging are coordinated in such a way that said sampling geometry comprises a plurality of spaced apart line segments.