X-ray Tomography Dynamic Detector Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray CT imaging techniques face challenges in acquiring high-resolution images without increasing the exposure dose or causing mechanical interference, such as detector contact with the subject or generator collision with peripheral members, due to the need to adjust X-ray output and detector position.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray tomography apparatus that includes a turning drive unit and a movement drive unit to adjust the relative positions of the X-ray generator and detector with respect to the tomographic layer of interest, allowing for controlled changes in magnification factor to reduce blurring and prevent mechanical interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the magnification factor is increased to improve the resolving power of the X-ray detector, then the resolution of the X-ray projection image is improved, but the blurring caused by the focal plane increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution of X-ray projection imageVSAvoidblurring of X-ray projection image
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the magnification factor during the X-ray imaging process by adjusting the relative positions of the X-ray generator and detector. The magnification factor is modified according to the incident angle of the X-ray beam, allowing optimal resolution at different imaging angles while compensating for focal plane blurring effects through computational correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the X-ray detector is brought close to the subject to decrease the magnification factor, then the blurring is reduced, but the turning radius of the X-ray detector decreases causing contact with the subject

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblurring of X-ray projection imageVSAvoidmechanical interference of X-ray detector
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the X-ray detector's position and the turning radius during the imaging process. The detector's distance from the subject and the rotation radius are continuously optimized based on the imaging angle and magnification factor requirements, allowing the system to maintain optimal imaging conditions without mechanical contact with the subject

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the X-ray generator is moved away from the subject to decrease the magnification factor, then the blurring is reduced, but the turning radius of the X-ray generator increases causing collision with peripheral members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblurring of X-ray projection imageVSAvoidmechanical interference of X-ray generator
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the X-ray generator's position and turning radius during imaging. The generator's distance from the subject and rotation path are optimized in real-time based on the required magnification factor and imaging angle, enabling the system to reduce blurring while avoiding collision with peripheral equipment through coordinated motion control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves improved resolution of X-ray projection images by minimizing magnification factor and preventing mechanical interference, while maintaining safe operation and reducing exposure dose.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator that emits an X-ray beam; an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission and transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3586751B1X-ray tomography device and x-ray tomography method
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • EP3586751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3586751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3586751B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a technique of acquiring a high-resolution X-ray projection image without interfering with turning of an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector. By turning an X-ray generator 42 and an X-ray detector 52 around a head of a subject M1, an imaging region ROI is irradiated with an X-ray beam BX1 from a plurality of directions to obtain an X-ray projection image. When a center axis X-ray CBX1 of the X-ray beam BX1 passing through a turning center axis RA1 is orthogonal to a tomographic layer of interest LOI, the X-ray detector 52 is caused to approach the tomographic layer of interest LOI while the X-ray generator 42 is moved away from the tomographic layer of interest LOI as compared to when the center axis X-ray CBX1 is not orthogonal to a tomographic layer of interest LOI.