Helical X-Ray Imaging Speed Control Based on Object Size

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT imaging systems face increased imaging time and unnecessary radiation exposure, particularly when dealing with objects of varying sizes, due to inefficient adjustment of pitch and relative speeds during spiral- or helical-type CT imaging.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus that optimizes the imaging mechanism based on the size of the object, adjusting the relative moving speed of the object and rotation speeds of the X-ray generation and sensing modules, and the inspection table to minimize radiation exposure and imaging time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If fan beam X-rays are rotated at high speed with small pitch to acquire X-ray image data, then imaging coverage is improved, but imaging time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pitch value variable rather than fixed. The control module dynamically adjusts the pitch based on the detected object size, selecting different pitch values for different object dimensions. This allows the system to optimize between imaging coverage and imaging time adaptively, resolving the contradiction between maintaining comprehensive coverage and reducing unnecessary imaging time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of pitch from a constant small value to a variable value that depends on object size. By detecting the object's dimensions and selecting appropriate pitch values from a plurality of predefined pitch values, the system transforms the imaging parameters to match the actual imaging needs, thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If fan beam X-rays are rotated at high speed with small pitch to acquire X-ray image data, then imaging coverage is improved, but radiation exposure is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the pitch parameter based on detected object size, selecting larger pitch values for smaller objects and smaller pitch values for larger objects. This dynamic adaptation ensures that radiation exposure is optimized for each specific imaging scenario, reducing unnecessary exposure while maintaining adequate imaging coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the pitch parameter from a fixed small value to a variable value selected from multiple predefined pitch values based on object size, the system optimizes the balance between imaging coverage and radiation exposure. This parameter adaptation allows the system to use larger pitch values (reducing radiation) when object size permits, while maintaining coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed pitch and rotation speeds are used in spiral- or helical-type CT imaging, then system complexity is reduced, but imaging efficiency is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by selecting from a plurality of predefined pitch values and rotation speeds based on detected object size. This approach maintains relative system simplicity by using predefined parameter sets while achieving adaptive optimization, thereby improving imaging efficiency without significantly increasing control mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback by detecting the object's size and using this information to select appropriate pitch and rotation speed parameters. This closed-loop control mechanism enables the system to adapt to different imaging scenarios automatically, improving imaging efficiency while keeping the control logic manageable through predefined parameter selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The apparatus effectively reduces radiation exposure and imaging time by optimizing the imaging process for the specific size of the object, ensuring efficient data acquisition and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The X-ray generation module 11 generates X-rays 14, and transmits the X-rays 14 through an object 15. The X-ray sensing module 12 detects the X-rays 14 passing through the object 15

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3960086B1X-ray imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VATECH CO LTD
  • EP3960086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3960086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3960086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Proposed is an X-ray imaging apparatus including an imaging body configured to include an X-ray generation module and an X-ray sensing module that face each other with an object in between and acquire X-ray image data, an image formation module configured to reconfigure an X-ray image of the object on the basis of the X-ray image data, a size information acquisition module configured to acquire size information on the object using the X-ray image, and a control module configured to rotate the X-ray generation module and the X-ray sensing module about a rotation axis between the X-ray generation module and the X-ray sensing module and relatively move the object along a direction of the rotation axis with respect to the X-ray generation module and the X-ray sensing module when capturing the X-ray image, wherein the control module controls a relative moving speed of the object on the basis of the size information.