X-Ray CT Imaging Axis Adjustment for Subject Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT imaging systems do not account for the varying sizes of subjects, leading to a risk of the X-ray generator and detector contacting the subject during rotation.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT imaging apparatus with a turning support, drive mechanism, and controller that adjusts the position and motion of the X-ray generator and detector based on the subject's physique to prevent contact, using a turning axis moving mechanism and subject physique setting unit to synchronize motion and control the turning axis position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the X-ray generator and detector are rotated around the subject without considering subject size, then the imaging system can be simplified, but the risk of contact between the imaging components and the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the turning axis position based on subject size. The turning axis moving mechanism allows the axis to be repositioned along the optical axis direction, enabling the system to adapt its geometry dynamically. This dynamic configuration ensures that the X-ray generator and detector maintain an appropriate orbit radius relative to the subject, preventing contact while accommodating various subject sizes without requiring a completely different imaging system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the imaging configuration by adjusting the turning axis position. By modifying the distance between the turning axis and the subject (orbit radius), the system optimizes the imaging trajectory for different subject sizes. This parameter adjustment allows the same imaging system to safely image both small and large subjects by changing the orbital parameters rather than maintaining a fixed geometry.
2Device complexity
If the turning axis position is fixed, then the mechanism is simpler, but it cannot accommodate subjects of various sizes without risk of contact
Solution Approach 1:
The turning axis moving mechanism transforms the static turning axis into a dynamic one that can be repositioned. The mechanism includes a moving mechanism that allows the turning axis to move in the optical axis direction, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different subject sizes. This dynamic capability enables the same mechanism to serve multiple subject size requirements without contact issues.
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling the turning axis to move and be repositioned, the imaging system achieves multi-functionality. The same imaging apparatus can accommodate subjects of various sizes by adjusting the turning axis position, making the system universal rather than size-specific. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized systems for different subject sizes.
3Measurement precision
If the X-ray generator and detector orbit closer to the subject, then imaging resolution improves, but the risk of contact with larger subjects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the orbital parameters (radius and position) by adjusting the turning axis location. For each subject size, the system calculates and sets an appropriate orbit radius that maximizes imaging resolution while maintaining a safe distance from the subject. This parameter optimization ensures that the X-ray generator and detector operate at the closest safe distance to the subject, achieving the best possible resolution without contact risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the controller that receives information about subject size and automatically adjusts the turning axis position and orbit parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the imaging components maintain the optimal distance from the subject based on real-time or pre-set subject size information, dynamically balancing resolution requirements with contact prevention.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to prevent an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector that turn around a subject from contacting with the subject. An X-ray CT imaging apparatus includes a turning support, a turning drive mechanism, a subject physique setting unit, and a turning controller. The turning support supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector such that the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other with the subject sandwiched therebetween. The turning drive mechanism includes a turning mechanism that turns the turning support about a mechanical turning axis and a turning axis moving mechanism that moves the mechanical turning axis. Position control of the turning axis X1 is performed according to a size of a physique set by the subject physique setting unit.