X-ray Phase Imaging Grating Position Switching and Focal Diameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray phase imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving sufficient resolution and suppressing artifacts when switching between X-ray phase contrast and absorption image acquisition, particularly for small objects like carbon fiber reinforced plastic, due to limitations in focal diameter and X-ray dose.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray phase imaging apparatus incorporates a position switching mechanism and a focal diameter changing unit, allowing for the relative movement of gratings and adjustment of the X-ray source's focal diameter to switch between retracted and detection positions, enabling suitable resolution and minimizing artifacts during image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal diameter of the X-ray source is reduced to improve resolution, then sufficient resolution can be obtained, but an artifact (virtual image) is generated due to multi-slit shadow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multi-slit structure movable relative to the X-ray source, allowing dynamic adjustment of the focal diameter without changing the physical structure of the X-ray source itself. The multi-slit can be positioned at different distances from the source to create variable effective focal diameters, resolving the contradiction between achieving small focal diameter for high resolution and avoiding artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focal diameter by adjusting the position of the multi-slit relative to the X-ray source rather than changing the source itself. By varying the distance between the multi-slit and source, the effective focal diameter is modified, enabling high resolution imaging without the artifacts that would result from using a physically small focal diameter source
2Measurement precision
If the focal diameter of the X-ray source is reduced to improve resolution, then sufficient resolution can be obtained, but the dose of the irradiated X-ray becomes small making it impossible to obtain absorption images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable multi-slit mechanism that can dynamically adjust the effective focal diameter. For phase contrast imaging requiring high resolution, the multi-slit is positioned close to the source creating a small effective focal diameter. For absorption imaging requiring higher dose, the multi-slit is repositioned to create a larger effective focal diameter, thereby increasing X-ray throughput and dose without sacrificing the capability for high-resolution imaging when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective focal diameter parameter by adjusting multi-slit position rather than using physically different X-ray sources. This allows the system to optimize the focal diameter parameter according to the imaging task: small for phase contrast to achieve resolution, large for absorption to ensure sufficient dose
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-slit is provided in the X-ray source to enable phase imaging, then phase contrast imaging can be performed, but sufficient resolution cannot be obtained due to large focal diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable multi-slit mechanism that can be dynamically positioned relative to the X-ray source. This allows the system to maintain the multi-slit structure needed for phase imaging versatility while adjusting its position to create an effectively small focal diameter when high resolution is required, thus resolving the contradiction between having phase imaging capability and achieving sufficient resolution
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 configuration allows for seamless switching between high-resolution X-ray phase contrast and absorption images while suppressing artifacts, ensuring suitable resolution and optimal X-ray dose for various object sizes and materials.
Implementation Method 1
an image signal generation system including an X-ray source (1) and an image signal detector (2) for detecting an image signal based on an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source (1)
Implementation Method 2
one or more gratings arranged between the X-ray source (1) and the image signal detector (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes a position switching mechanism for switching a relative position of one or more gratings between a retreated position which is an outside of a detection range on a detection surface of an image signal detector and a detection positon which is an inside of the detection range on the detection surface of the image signal detector and a focal diameter changing unit configured to change a focal diameter of the X-ray source in conjunction with switching of the relative position of the one or more gratings.