X-ray Imaging Using Monocular Movement Parallax
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current line-scan x-ray imaging systems produce limited two-dimensional shadowgraphs, making it difficult to interpret objects with heterogeneous x-ray transmissivity or multiple components, and full stereoscopic imaging is complex and not widely accepted due to strict geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using multiple linear detectors and a scanning arm to generate and display images from successive passes in multiple directions, exploiting monocular movement parallax and correcting for beam spreading distortion to produce three-dimensional cues without the need for stereoscopic viewing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional line-scan x-ray imaging is used, then the imaging process is simple, but the image quality is limited to two-dimensional shadowgraphs making interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from conventional two-dimensional shadowgraph imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. Multiple linear detectors are arranged at different positions and orientations to capture x-ray transmission data from multiple angles, enabling reconstruction of three-dimensional images that provide depth information and improved object interpretation capability
2Measurement precision
If full stereoscopic imaging is implemented, then three-dimensional depth information is provided, but the system becomes complex and requires special viewing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements three-dimensional imaging without full stereoscopic apparatus by using multiple linear detectors arranged at different spatial positions and orientations. The detectors capture transmission data from multiple angles simultaneously, and computer processing reconstructs three-dimensional volumetric images that provide depth information through isosurface rendering and cross-sectional displays, eliminating the need for special stereoscopic viewing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stereoscopic viewing systems with computer-based image processing and display techniques. Instead of requiring special optical apparatus and stereoscopic viewing mechanisms, the system uses computational algorithms to process multi-angle x-ray transmission data and generate three-dimensional visualizations that can be displayed on conventional monitors
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are added to improve three-dimensional imaging, then image interpretation capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the imaging task across multiple linear detectors positioned at different locations and orientations. Each detector captures transmission data from a specific angle, and the combined data from all detectors is processed to reconstruct comprehensive three-dimensional images, allowing complex objects to be imaged through distributed measurement
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 simplifies the imaging process, providing effective three-dimensional cues for interpreting complex objects with reduced distortion, allowing for improved resolution of object shape and composition without the complexity of stereoscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
imaging an object in three-dimensional space using incident high energy radiation scanning, for example with x-rays
Implementation Method 2
detected by a linear array detector for example comprising a linear photodiode array
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating and displaying an image of an object is described. Use is made of a radiation source and a series of at least two but preferably three or more linear detectors capable of detecting incident radiation after transmission through an object spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone there between; means to cause an object to move relative to and through the scanning zone in use in successive passes along at least two linear directions at an angle to each other;an image generation apparatus to generate for each successive pass at least a first image from the output of a first linear detector, a second image from the output of second linear detector, and a third image; an image display adapted successively to display at least the first, second and third such images and thus display the monocular movement parallax between the images. Each image is processed before display in such manner as to reduce distortion attributable to beam spreading in a direction perpendicular to a scan direction. The monocular movement parallax between the images is used to generate three dimensional cues visible to an observer.