X-ray Imaging Apparatus Position Adjustment for Ultrastructure Detail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses using Talbot Lau interferometers face challenges in capturing detailed ultrastructure images due to directional emphasis in X-ray diffusion, making it difficult to image entire structures when the grating orientation differs from the object's orientation, leading to inconsistent object shapes in generated images.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus with multiple gratings and an image processing unit that captures absorption and phase differential images in different orientations, allowing for position adjustment based on positional differences to align images accurately, regardless of grating orientation relative to the object, using a combination of absorption, dark field, and phase differential imaging techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the grating orientation is changed to capture X-ray diffusion in different directions, then the coverage of ultrastructure details is improved, but the object shape consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultrastructure detailsVSAvoidobject shape consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments by capturing images at different grating orientations (e.g., 0 degrees and 45 degrees). Each orientation captures different aspects of X-ray diffusion, and the results are segmented into separate images that are later combined to provide comprehensive ultrastructure information while managing shape variation through post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If multiple images are composed from different orientations, then the completeness of ultrastructure imaging is improved, but the position alignment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultrastructure completenessVSAvoidposition alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary that automatically performs position adjustment and composition of multiple images. This intermediary component calculates positional differences between images captured at different orientations and applies appropriate transformations to align them, thereby simplifying the overall system operation despite the complexity of multi-orientation composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the grating orientation is adjusted to match object orientation, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to different object orientations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different object orientations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic imaging system where the grating orientation can be adjusted to match different object orientations. The system adapts by capturing images at multiple predetermined orientations (e.g., 0, 45, 90, 135 degrees), allowing it to maintain high imaging accuracy regardless of the object's orientation by selecting or combining appropriate angular views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise position adjustment and detailed imaging of object structures by maintaining consistent object shapes across different orientations, effectively capturing X-ray diffusion directions and ultrastructure details.

Implementation Method 1

an absorption image, a phase differential image, and a dark field image are generated from nine images obtained by translating gratings at equal intervals by 1/9 period in the periodic direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

Talbot Lau interferometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

the 'dark field image' denotes a visibility image obtained by a change in visibility based on small-angle scattering of an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSmall-angle scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

an absorption image, a phase differential image, and a dark field image are generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3417782B1X-ray imaging apparatus and method of composing x-ray imaging images
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3417782B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417782B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3417782B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The X-ray imaging apparatus (100) is equipped with an image processing unit (5) for performing a position adjustment of a first dark field image (11) and a second dark field image (13) based on a positional difference amount between a first absorption image (10) of an object (T) and a second absorption image (12) of the object.