X-ray Inspection Apparatus Synchronization Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray inspection apparatuses face challenges in accurately generating composite X-ray images and CT images due to variations in the angle of the object being inspected relative to the X-ray detector during image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray inspection apparatus continuously acquires X-ray images by fixed periods while rotating the X-ray generator and detector at a fixed speed relative to the object. It uses a control unit with a motor driver, controller, start signal generation circuit, and generation circuit control unit to synchronize the X-ray image acquisition and motor start timing, ensuring consistent rotation speed and reducing angle variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the object is rotated at high speed to reduce inspection time, then productivity is improved, but variations in the angle of the object relative to the X-ray detector increase, deteriorating measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the optimal rotation speed and timing for image acquisition. The control unit determines the rotation speed beforehand to ensure that images are acquired at consistent angular intervals, and the motor is started at precisely calculated timings to maintain angle consistency throughout the inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the rotation state and adjusts the timing of image acquisition accordingly. The motor driver receives feedback signals to maintain precise rotation speed, ensuring that the object rotates at a consistent rate during image capture, thereby minimizing angle variations even at high rotation speeds.
2Reliability
If the motor start timing is delayed to allow system stabilization, then reliability is improved, but the total inspection time increases, worsening productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-warming the motor and stabilizing the rotation mechanism before the actual inspection begins. The control unit initiates motor pre-heating and rotation stabilization procedures in advance, ensuring that the system reaches optimal operating conditions before image acquisition starts, thereby eliminating the need for lengthy delays during the inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by overlapping the stabilization process with non-critical preparation tasks. While the motor is stabilizing and warming up, the control unit simultaneously performs image processing, prepares the detection system, and coordinates the sequencing of operations, ensuring that no time is wasted and the inspection process flows continuously without interruption.
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 allows for the generation of accurate composite X-ray images and CT images while reducing the time required for image acquisition and minimizing variations in the object's angle relative to the X-ray detector.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator that emits X-rays to an object to be inspected, an area sensor (two-dimensional X-ray detector) that is placed to be opposed to the X-ray generator across the object to be inspected
Data Source
AI summary
In an X-ray inspection apparatus, an X-ray detector starts to acquire an X-ray image before a motor is started and outputs a periodic acquisition timing signal of the X-ray image, a generation circuit control unit generates a motor start signal based on a first signal generated from the acquisition timing signal, and a start signal generation circuit generates and outputs a controller start signal to a controller at an output timing of the acquisition timing signal after receiving the motor start signal. A CT image is generated based on a plurality of the X-ray images that are acquired after a rotation speed of the motor reaches a fixed speed.