X-Ray Imaging Source Movement for Beam-Spread Resolution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increase in distance between the X-ray detection unit and the subject to prevent contact results in a magnification ratio increase, leading to decreased imaging resolution in X-ray imaging.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus with a drive mechanism that moves the support and X-ray generation source relative to the subject, adjusting the spread of the X-ray beam in the vertical direction, and includes an X-ray beam forming unit to adjust the beam's position and shielding, allowing for improved imaging resolution without increasing the distance between the detection unit and the subject.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distance between the X-ray detection unit and the subject is increased to prevent contact, then the X-ray detection unit can avoid contact with the subject, but the magnification ratio increases and imaging resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact preventionVSAvoidimaging resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The X-ray generation source is made movable relative to the X-ray detector along the apparatus vertical direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of the source position to change the X-ray beam spread. This enables the system to adapt the beam configuration according to the imaging target region size while maintaining optimal detection distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of X-ray beam spread by moving the generation source vertically. When the source is on the apparatus upper side, the beam spread increases; when on the lower side, the beam spread decreases. This parameter adjustment allows resolution improvement without changing the detection unit distance from the subject

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the distance between the X-ray detection unit and the subject is increased, then contact prevention is achieved, but the magnification ratio increases leading to decreased imaging resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between detection unit and subjectVSAvoidimaging resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the detection unit distance, the system changes the X-ray beam spread parameter by moving the generation source vertically. This alternative parameter adjustment achieves the desired effect without the harmful consequence of increased magnification ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the X-ray generation source position is adjusted to change beam spread, then imaging resolution can be improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoidsource moving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The X-ray generation source moving unit serves multiple functions: it adjusts the X-ray beam spread for different imaging target sizes and maintains optimal imaging geometry. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing resolution improvement capabilities without requiring separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The apparatus enhances imaging resolution by reducing the need to move the detection unit closer to the subject, maintaining high resolution in both small and large imaging target regions, and facilitating high-resolution X-ray CT imaging.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generation source generating an X-ray and an X-ray beam forming unit forming the X-ray into an X-ray beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector receiving and detecting the X-ray beam transmitted through the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4238501B1X-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • EP4238501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4238501B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray generation unit includes an X-ray generation source and an X-ray beam forming unit, and irradiates a head with an X-ray beam. An X-ray detection unit includes an X-ray detector that receives and detects the X-ray beam transmitted through the head. The support supports the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit. A drive mechanism moves the support such that the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit turn about an axis extending in a direction parallel to an apparatus vertical direction and around the head. An X-ray generation source moving unit moves the X-ray generation source in the apparatus vertical direction. The X-ray imaging apparatus increases a spread in the apparatus vertical direction of the X-ray beam when the X-ray generation source is located on an apparatus upper side, and decreases a spread in the apparatus vertical direction of the X-ray beam when the X-ray generation source is located on an apparatus lower side.