X-ray Tomograph Scattered Radiation Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray computed tomography images are impaired due to the inclusion of scattered radiation, which cannot be distinguished from primary radiation using integrating, non-energy-resolving detectors, leading to suboptimal image quality in industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray computer tomograph system that measures the intensity of unattenuated primary X-ray radiation and scattered radiation separately, allowing for the calculation of a scattered radiation correction factor to correct pixel-by-pixel measurements, thereby eliminating the influence of scattered radiation and improving image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If integrating, non-energy-resolving X-ray detectors are used to measure X-ray intensity, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but scattered radiation cannot be distinguished from primary radiation, leading to impaired image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector complexityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is segmented into three distinct intensity measurements: I0 (unattenuated primary radiation), I1 (radiation behind object containing both primary and scattered components), and I2 (scattered radiation component). This segmentation allows the system to separately quantify and correct scattered radiation effects while using simple integrating detectors, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If scattered radiation correction is implemented using multiple intensity measurements, then image quality is improved, but the measurement process and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary calculation process is introduced that uses the measured intensities I0, I1, and I2 to compute a scattered radiation correction factor F = (I1 - I2)/I0. This mathematical intermediary allows the system to correct scattered radiation effects without requiring complex hardware modifications, thus improving image quality while maintaining relative simplicity in the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution significantly enhances image quality by accurately correcting for scattered radiation, providing a reliable standardization variable and precise attenuation values, leading to improved reconstruction of X-ray images.

Implementation Method 1

An X-ray source 3 and an associated X-ray detector 4 for examining an object 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the photons of the secondary X-ray radiation have arisen in a scattering process in the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

an essential step in X-ray computed tomography is the standardization of the intensity of the X-rays, which are measured behind the object to be examined using an X-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2247946B1X-ray computer tomograph and method for analyzing an object by means of x-ray computer tomography
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2247946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2247946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2247946B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In an X-ray computer tomograph (1) and a method for analyzing an object (2) by means of X-ray computer tomography, in order to improve the image quality a first intensity of the x-ray radiation (6) between an X-ray source (3) and the object (2) is measured by way of a first intensity measuring device (13), and a second intensity of the X-ray radiation (6) between the object (2) and an X-ray detector (4) outside of a projection region (10) of the object (2) is measured by way of a second intensity measuring device (15). A scattered radiation correction factor may be calculated for scattered radiation reduction by means of the intensities measured.