X-ray Focal Spot Stabilization via Segmented Emitter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray sources experience unintentional movement of the focal spot due to internal and external interactions, leading to image shake and decreased image quality in reconstructed images.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to spatially influence the focal spot of an X-ray source by producing a focal spot using an electron emitter with individually controllable segments, determining actual spatial values, comparing them to reference values, and controlling the emitter segments to converge towards the reference values, thereby stabilizing the focal spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray sources are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the focal spot moves unintentionally due to internal and external interactions, causing image shake and decreased image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The electron emitter is divided into multiple independently controllable emitter segments. Each segment can be individually adjusted to compensate for focal spot movement, allowing precise control over the electron beam distribution and focal spot position stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines actual values of spatial extent and/or position of the focal spot, compares them with reference values, and uses this feedback information to control the emitter segments. This closed-loop control ensures the focal spot converges to the desired position despite internal and external interactions
2Manufacturing precision
If the electron emitter uses individually controllable emitter segments, then the focal spot position can be stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electron emitter is divided into multiple independently controllable emitter segments. Each segment can be individually adjusted to compensate for focal spot movement, allowing precise control over the electron beam distribution and focal spot position stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines actual values of spatial extent and/or position of the focal spot, compares them with reference values, and uses this feedback information to control the emitter segments. This closed-loop control ensures the focal spot converges to the desired position despite internal and external interactions
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 method effectively compensates for unintentional movements caused by internal and external interactions, improving image quality by stabilizing the focal spot and ensuring it converges to the specified reference values.
Implementation Method 1
producing a focal spot on an anode by way of an electron emitter
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray source that generates X-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for spatially influencing a focal spot of an X-ray source that generates X-ray radiation, to an associated X-ray source, to an associated system and to an associated computer program product. The method according to at least one embodiment includes: producing a focal spot on an anode by way of an electron emitter including a plurality of emitter segments, individually controllable to emit electrons; determining at least one actual value of a spatial extent and/or of a position of the produced focal spot; comparing the at least one actual value with a specified reference value of the focal spot; and controlling the emitter segments based upon the comparison of the at least one actual value and the reference value such that the at least one actual value converges toward the reference value, thereby spatially influencing the focal spot of the X-ray source that generates X-ray radiation.