X-ray Imaging with Variable Zoom Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging systems have a fixed field-of-view determined by the x-ray tube's focal spot and collimating structures, limiting their ability to image objects outside a specific range of distances, resulting in resolution loss for objects farther away and exclusion of objects closer than the design distance.
Innovation Solution
The field-of-view is varied by repositioning the source of radiation relative to the apertures, allowing for control of areal resolution through translational movement and adjustment of aperture sizes, enabling zooming in or out and maintaining flux across the zooming range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed collimating aperture and stationary x-ray source are used, then the system structure is simple, but the field-of-view is fixed and cannot adapt to objects at various distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the collimating aperture movable relative to the x-ray source along the beam path. The aperture can be positioned at different distances from the source to dynamically adjust the field-of-view. This allows the system to adapt to objects at various distances without requiring multiple fixed apertures or complex mechanical structures, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the field-of-view is increased to image distant objects, then the resolution is maintained, but the flux of radiation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the position of the collimating aperture along the beam path to change the field-of-view parameter. By moving the aperture closer to or farther from the source, the system can control the angular size of the beam and thus the field-of-view. This allows optimization of the balance between field-of-view size and radiation flux, resolving the contradiction between resolution and flux.
3Manufacturing precision
If the x-ray source is moved relative to the aperture to vary the field-of-view, then the areal resolution is controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle by implementing a movable collimating aperture that can be positioned at different locations along the beam path relative to the x-ray source. This dynamic positioning allows continuous adjustment of the field-of-view and areal resolution. The mechanism is relatively simple compared to moving the entire source, achieving resolution control without excessive system complexity.
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 allows for flexible imaging of objects at various distances, maintaining image quality and resolution by adjusting the field-of-view and flux, overcoming the limitations of fixed FOV systems.
Implementation Method 1
A translator is provided for repositioning the source relative to the first aperture transversely with respect to the path of emitted radiation
Implementation Method 2
the angular field of view A of the x-ray beam is conventionally determined by the angular extent P of an x-ray beam 14 emergent from x-ray source 10, in combination with any subsequent collimating structure 12
Implementation Method 3
penetrating radiation characterized by a relatively wide-angle pattern that emerges from an x-ray generator such as an x-ray tube
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system based on penetrating radiation in which the field of view of a scan may be varied. First and second primary limiting apertures are provided for interposition between a source of penetrating radiation and an inspected object. This allows for significantly increasing the flux of penetrating radiation on this narrowed region of interest, thereby advantageously improving detectability. The relative position of the source with respect to either the first or the second aperture may be varied, in a direction either along, or transverse to, a normal to the aperture.