X-Ray Line Sensor Collimator Alignment for Shadow-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray detectors using X-ray line sensors face issues with angular shifts causing X-rays to be blocked by the collimator, leading to degraded measurement signals and inability to acquire normal X-ray transmission images.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray detector system includes an X-ray line sensor with detection elements arranged horizontally, a collimator wider than the detection elements, and a driving control mechanism that moves and rotates the detector to align the emission direction with the collimator, allowing for angular adjustments to maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the collimator width is set comparable to the line sensor element width to improve spatial resolution, then image sharpness is improved, but angular misalignment causes X-rays to be blocked and produces shadows on the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the collimator width adjustable rather than fixed. The collimator width is set to be greater than the line sensor element width, creating a margin that accommodates angular misalignments. This dynamic adjustment of the collimator dimensions allows the system to maintain reliable image quality despite variations in alignment, while still achieving sufficient spatial resolution for the application.
2Measurement precision
If the collimator width is reduced to improve measurement precision, then spatial resolution is improved, but the system becomes highly sensitive to angular shifts and measurement signals are greatly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the collimator width parameter to be greater than the line sensor element width. This parameter adjustment creates a tolerance margin that allows the system to maintain spatial resolution while becoming less sensitive to angular shifts. The changed parameter enables the system to adapt to variations in alignment without degrading measurement signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collimator width is increased to tolerate angular shifts, then angular tolerance is improved, but spatial resolution and measurement precision are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by setting the collimator width to be greater than the line sensor element width, providing an excessive margin that accommodates angular misalignments. This excessive action in terms of collimator width prevents complete blocking of X-rays during angular shifts, while the design still maintains sufficient spatial resolution for the inspection application by not making the collimator excessively wide.
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 configuration enables the system to tolerate minor angular shifts, ensuring clear X-ray transmission images without shadows, even when angular misalignment occurs.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source that emits an X-ray(s), a detector that detects an X-ray(s) that transmit(s) through an image capture target subject body
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector that uses an X-ray line sensor causes a line sensor to execute scanning and controls a direction of such an X-ray detector toward a center of an X-ray source where a collimator is placed
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray image capture system includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector that includes an X-ray line sensor with X-ray detection elements that are arranged in a one-dimensional manner with respect to a horizontal direction and a collimator that is provided on an end part of the X-ray line sensor that faces the X-ray source, an X-ray introduction width of the collimator being greater than widths of the X-ray detection elements, a signal processing circuit that processes a measurement signal that is measured by the X-ray detector to produce an X-ray transmission image, and a driving control mechanism that moves the X-ray detector in upward and downward directions and rotates the X-ray detector around an axis in a pixel pitch direction of the X-ray line sensor in association with movement of the X-ray detector to tilt the X-ray detector with respect to a horizontal plane.