X-ray Source Firing Pattern Optimization for CT Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray scanning systems using helical motion result in sub-optimal sampling of the projection space, leading to image artifacts due to limited sampling, and there is a need for an improved method to optimize the firing sequence of electron guns in multi-emitter X-ray sources for dynamic and high-throughput imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of a controller to configure X-ray sources in a non-sequential, rotationally invariant firing pattern that achieves a substantially even distribution of X-rays over a virtual cylinder surface around the object, allowing for non-helical source trajectories and uniform sampling of the projection space, eliminating the need for moving parts and reducing image artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If helical motion is used for X-ray scanning, then the system structure is simple, but the sampling of projection space is sub-optimal leading to image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using multiple electron guns that fire in a repeating sequence pattern. The firing pattern is designed to periodically illuminate different angular positions around the object, creating a systematic sampling approach that eliminates artifacts while maintaining manageable system complexity through the regularity of the periodic sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the X-ray source into multiple electron guns, each capable of independent firing. This segmentation allows the projection space to be sampled from multiple discrete angular positions simultaneously or in optimized sequences, improving sampling completeness and image quality without requiring continuous mechanical motion.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional sequential firing is used, then the control is simple, but the projection space sampling is limited causing image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a controller that can dynamically adjust the firing sequence of multiple electron guns based on the desired sampling pattern. The firing sequence is not fixed but can be optimized in real-time to achieve uniform angular distribution and complete projection space sampling, improving image quality while the controller manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the firing parameters (timing, sequence, intensity) of multiple electron guns to achieve optimal sampling distribution. By changing the temporal and spatial parameters of X-ray emission, the system achieves uniform projection space sampling that eliminates artifacts while the controller manages the parameter optimization.
3Productivity
If high throughput imaging is achieved, then the scan speed is fast, but the sampling adequacy may be compromised leading to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by having multiple electron guns fire in a continuous, overlapping sequence rather than waiting for one complete scan cycle. This continuous multi-source emission ensures that projection space is sampled adequately even at high scan speeds, maintaining image quality while achieving high throughput by eliminating idle time between measurements.
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 enables the generation of high-quality three-dimensional images with reduced data storage and computational processing requirements, minimizing image artifacts and allowing for faster scan times and higher throughput, even at high conveyor belt speeds.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source allows non-sequential motion of an X-ray beam about an object under inspection through the use of multiple grid controlled electron guns
Implementation Method 2
A collimated fan-beam of X-rays from the source passes through the object under inspection to a one-dimensional array of X-ray detectors
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.