X-ray Collimator Curved Edges Penumbra Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray collimators with angled edges cause unnecessary interference and partial blocking of X-rays, leading to image deterioration and inefficient use of the detector area, resulting in a penumbra effect that degrades the quality of X-ray images.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray collimator is designed with curved edges for its opening, specifically an arc shape tangent to a line connecting the X-ray light source and the point where the X-ray intensity is 40% to 60%, to reduce penumbra and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the collimator opening edges are configured in a vertically angled shape, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the X-rays are interfered or partially blocked at the angled edge portion, generating a penumbra that deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by changing the edge shape of the collimator opening from a vertically angled shape to a curved shape. This curvature allows X-rays to pass through more smoothly without being blocked or interfered with at the edges, thereby reducing penumbra generation and improving image quality while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
2Ease of manufacture
If the collimator opening edges are configured in a vertically angled shape, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detector area cannot be utilized sufficiently due to the broad penumbra
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring the collimator opening edges with a curved shape instead of a vertically angled shape, the patent reduces the width of the penumbra region. This allows a larger portion of the detector area to be effectively utilized for capturing clear X-ray images, thereby improving detector utilization without complicating the manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If the collimator opening edges are configured in a vertically angled shape, then the device structure is simple, but the quality of the X-ray image is likely to be deteriorated due to penumbra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a curved edge configuration for the collimator opening, which eliminates the X-ray interference and partial blocking that occur with vertically angled edges. This curvature design reduces penumbra formation and improves X-ray image quality while maintaining relatively simple device structure and manufacturing processes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an X-ray collimator which can control an irradiation area of the X-rays during X-ray imaging, and an X-ray imaging apparatus using the same, the apparatus comprising: an X-ray light source unit for radiating X-rays; an X-ray detection unit for detecting the X-rays; and a collimator which provides an opening for determining an irradiation area of the X-rays between the X-ray light source unit and the X-ray detection unit, wherein the opening has a first edge of an entrance side facing the X-ray light source unit and a second edge of an exit side facing the X-ray detection unit, and at least one of the first edge and the second edge has a curved shape.