X-ray Image Pickup Device Aperture Alignment via Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image pickup devices face challenges in acquiring reconstruction images with high accuracy due to positional deviations between the rotation axis and the aperture center during image generation, which affect the integration of image intensity profiles and result in lower reconstruction image quality.
Innovation Solution
The image pickup device employs a vacuum suction ring to fix the subject and aperture at multiple points, ensuring precise alignment, and an image processing unit corrects the image intensity profiles by estimating and adjusting the aperture center's position, even when the rotation axis deviates, using methods like center estimation or reference profile integration to maintain accurate image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the subject and aperture are fixed using conventional single-point fixation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of aperture positioning deteriorate due to positional deviations during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is segmented into multiple independent vacuum suction rings positioned at different locations (e.g., first, second, and third suction rings). Each suction ring independently holds the aperture at a specific position, distributing the fixation function across multiple segments rather than relying on a single complex fixation point. This segmentation maintains positioning precision while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction rings serve multiple functions: they fix the aperture at precise positions, maintain alignment during rotation, and provide stable positioning throughout the imaging process. By making the fixation mechanism multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate alignment and positioning mechanisms, thereby managing overall device complexity while improving positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple vacuum suction rings are used to fix the aperture at multiple points, then the reliability of aperture positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vacuum suction rings that utilize pneumatic principles to fix the aperture. The vacuum suction mechanism provides reliable and stable positioning through atmospheric pressure differential, ensuring the aperture remains firmly held at the correct position during rotation. This pneumatic approach improves reliability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple compared to mechanical clamping or bonding systems.
3Ease of operation
If the rotation axis deviates from the aperture center, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing flexible mounting, but the measurement precision of image intensity profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an image processing unit that detects the actual position of the aperture center relative to the rotation axis and uses this feedback information to correct the coordinates of the image intensity profile. By continuously monitoring and adjusting for positional deviations, the system maintains measurement precision even when mounting flexibility allows for some misalignment. The feedback loop compensates for deviations without requiring perfect initial alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the coordinate parameters of the image intensity profile based on the detected aperture center position. By changing the coordinate system parameters through software correction rather than requiring fixed mechanical alignment, the patent maintains measurement precision while allowing flexible mounting operations. This parameter transformation approach decouples operational ease from measurement accuracy.
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 ensures high accuracy in image reconstruction by preventing positional deviations and maintaining correct integration of image intensity profiles, leading to improved image quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction ring that has a first surface to which the subject is capable of being fixed and a second surface to which the aperture is capable of being fixed and that fixes a position of the aperture with respect to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup device includes a disk with an aperture through which X-rays can transmit. The device includes a vacuum suction ring having an inner peripheral ring and an outer peripheral ring having different heights, which fixes a position of the aperture with respect to a subject. The device includes a rotation stage that holds the subject and the disk with an aperture fixed by the vacuum suction ring and can rotate at a desired angle about a rotation axis along a direction perpendicular to a surface of the subject, and a one-dimensional detector in which line-shaped pixels are disposed at a predetermined pixel pitch. An imaging mirror forms an image of X-rays transmitted through the subject and the aperture on the one-dimensional detector. A control analysis unit corrects coordinates of an image intensity profile and reconstructs an image of the subject from the image intensity profile after the correction.