X-ray Inspection Apparatus Using 2D Detector Segmentation for Large Object CT
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray inspection apparatuses face challenges in shortening inspection time for large objects due to prolonged acquisition and processing times for CT images, as they require multiple rotations and extensive computation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a two-dimensional X-ray detector and a rotation mechanism that alternately rotates and moves the detector relative to the object, acquiring X-ray images divided in specific directions and performing synthesis and division processing to reduce the number of rotations and enhance processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the line sensor moves slowly (0.1 to 0.2 mm descent per rotation) to acquire appropriate CT images, then the manufacturing precision of the CT image is improved, but the inspection time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection surface of the two-dimensional detector into multiple regions and acquires X-ray images by moving the detector to different positions. This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire inspection object with multiple partial images, reducing the need for multiple object rotations while maintaining image quality. The detector acquires images at different detector positions and synthesizes them into a complete CT dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movement in the detector position dimension (moving the detector to different positions on the detection surface) rather than relying solely on object rotation. By acquiring images at multiple detector positions and synthesizing them, the system achieves complete object coverage with fewer rotations, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining CT image quality.
2Measurement precision
If the inspection object is rotated multiple times to acquire complete X-ray images for large objects, then the measurement precision is improved, but the acquisition time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acquisition process into multiple detector positions rather than requiring multiple complete object rotations. The two-dimensional detector is moved to different positions on its detection surface, acquiring partial images that are then synthesized into complete X-ray images. This approach achieves full object coverage with fewer rotations, reducing acquisition time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by moving the detector to predetermined positions before acquiring X-ray images. By pre-positioning the detector at multiple locations on the detection surface and acquiring images in a systematic sequence, the system ensures complete object coverage is achieved efficiently, reducing the need for repeated rotations and minimizing acquisition time.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive computation is performed to generate CT images from multiple X-ray images, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-scale CT reconstruction computation into smaller processing units corresponding to different detector positions and image sets. By processing and synthesizing images from multiple detector positions separately and then combining them, the system reduces the computational burden of single large-scale reconstruction, thereby decreasing processing time while maintaining CT image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of X-ray images from different detector positions before final CT reconstruction. By pre-processing and organizing image data from multiple positions, the system prepares optimized input for the reconstruction algorithm, reducing the overall computation time required for high-quality CT image generation.
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 significantly reduces the acquisition time for X-ray images and CT image generation processing, thereby shortening the overall inspection time for large objects.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator (3) that generates X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
[Problem] To provide an X-ray inspection apparatus capable of shortening the time taken to acquire X-ray images necessary for generating CT images of an entire inspection object and the time taken in CT image generation processing for generating the CT images on the basis of the acquired X-ray images even when the inspection object is large. [Solution] In an X-ray inspection apparatus 1, X-ray images of an inspection object 2 divided in the horizontal direction at a predetermined position in the vertical direction are acquired for each fixed angle in the rotation direction of the inspection object 2 extending over 360° by a two-dimensional X-ray detector 4. Synthesis processing for synthesizing X-ray images acquired at the same angle in the rotation direction of the inspection object 2 among the X-ray images taken in from the two-dimensional X-ray detector 4 by joining the X-ray images together in the horizontal direction is executed for each fixed angle of the rotation direction of the inspection object 2. Division processing for dividing in the vertical direction the X-ray image that is synthesized by the synthesis processing into a plurality of strip X-ray images is executed. Thereafter, CT image generation processing for generating a CT image is executed by performing a computation based on the strip X-ray images for 360° that are at the same position in the vertical direction.