X-ray CT Imaging Apparatus Offset Scan Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray CT imaging apparatuses face limitations in imaging larger regions of interest, as they often require expensive detectors and cannot efficiently perform offset scans or change magnification factors to cover broader areas.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT imaging apparatus incorporates a movement mechanism that allows the rotary shaft to revolve and move relative to the object in two dimensions, enabling offset scanning and changing the center of the X-ray cone beam's rotation to image larger regions by moving the X-ray generator and detector in a circular orbit, allowing for both general and offset CT imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the detection area of the X-ray detector is increased to image a wider area, then the imaging area is improved, but the cost of the detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detection center of the X-ray detector movable rather than fixed. The detector can shift its detection center position dynamically during the scanning process, allowing a smaller detector to cover a larger imaging area by adjusting its detection regions at different angles. This resolves the contradiction by enabling wide-area imaging with a smaller, less expensive detector through dynamic repositioning of the detection center.
2Area of stationary object
If the detection center is shifted to image a wider area with a smaller detector, then the imaging area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a rotary mechanism that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it rotates the X-ray generator and detector around the object for scanning, while also positioning the detector at different detection center positions to cover various regions. This multi-functional mechanism reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for scanning and detector repositioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray generator and detector are moved to change magnification factor, then the imaging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the magnification adjustment function with the existing rotary scanning mechanism. The movement mechanism that rotates the generator and detector for scanning is also used to adjust their positions for changing magnification factors. By merging these functions into a single mechanism, the patent achieves imaging flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution enables the imaging of larger regions of interest while maintaining constant distances between the X-ray generator, object, and detector, allowing for variable magnification and efficient data acquisition for reconstructing wider images, including panorama and cephalometric imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector interposing an object is rotated around the object relative to the object. During the rotation, the X-ray generator generates an X-ray cone beam having a cone or pyramid shape to irradiate the object in various directions, and the X-ray detector having a two-dimensional detection plane measures an intensity distribution of X-rays transmitting the object
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
In an X-ray CT imaging, an X-ray generator (11) and a two-dimensional X-ray detector (21) are opposed to each other between an object and are rotated by a rotary shaft (32) around the object. At least one of the rotary shaft supporter (61) and an object holder (40) includes a movement mechanism (42, 65) for moving a supporter (30) for the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector relative to the object. In offset scan CT imaging, the rotation of the supporter by the rotary shaft is performed simultaneously with the relative two-dimensional movement of the rotary shaft by the movement mechanism. In the relative two-dimensional movement, the position of the rotary shaft is moved according to the rotary angle of the supporter along a circular orbit around the center of a CT imaging region in a plane crossing the rotary shaft. Thus, it becomes possible to image a larger region of interest of the object.