X-ray phase imaging system with multi-orientation grating groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray phase imaging systems require repositioning the subject or grating to change the grating orientation, which complicates the imaging process and prolongs the imaging time.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray phase imaging system with a moving mechanism that allows the subject to pass through multiple grating regions with different grating orientations, using a single detector and X-ray source, and an image processing unit to generate phase-contrast images from each region, enabling imaging without repositioning the subject or grating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging is performed by changing the orientation of the grating with respect to the subject, then the sensitivity and detail of internal structure imaging is improved, but the imaging process becomes more complex and the imaging time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity and detail of internal structure imagingVSAvoidimaging process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple grating groups (first grating group and second grating group), each with different extending directions. This allows simultaneous acquisition of phase-contrast images from multiple orientations without requiring sequential repositioning, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-orientation imaging to multi-orientation imaging by adding spatial dimensionality through multiple grating groups arranged in different directions. This enables comprehensive internal structure imaging without increasing procedural complexity, as all orientations are captured in a single imaging pass

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity and detail of internal structure imagingVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process maintains continuity by capturing phase-contrast images from multiple grating orientations simultaneously in a single pass. The moving mechanism continuously moves the subject through the imaging region while multiple gratings capture data from different orientations, eliminating time loss associated with repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grating groups with different orientations are used, then the ability to image internal structures from different orientations is improved, but the number of system components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to image internal structures from different orientationsVSAvoidnumber of system components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple grating groups are integrated into a single imaging system that processes all orientations universally. The detector and image processing unit handle data from all grating groups simultaneously, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing processing complexity. Each grating group serves a specific directional function while contributing to the overall versatile imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the imaging process, reduces imaging time, and enhances the sensitivity and detail of internal structure imaging by capturing phase-contrast images from different grating orientations without increasing the number of components.

Implementation Method 1

a first grating group including a plurality of gratings arranged along an optical axis direction of the X-rays between the X-ray source and the detector, an extending direction of each of the plurality of gratings being along a first direction; a second grating group including a plurality of gratings arranged along the optical axis direction of the X-rays between the X-ray source and the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11268916B2X-ray phase imaging system

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

This X-ray phase imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (1), a detector (2), a first grating group (3), a second grating group (4), a moving mechanism (5), and an image processing unit (6). The moving mechanism is configured to relatively move a subject (T) and the imaging system (9) such that the subject (T) passes through a first grating region (R1) and a second grating region (R2). The image processing unit is configured to generate a first phase-contrast image (14a) and a second phase-contrast image (14b).