X-ray System Trajectory Control via Virtual Reality Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray and CT systems face challenges in non-destructive testing of large components with complex geometries, as manual operation often results in poor image quality and insufficient data for 3D reconstruction due to complex trajectory planning and foreign object artifacts in holders.
Innovation Solution
A method using virtual reality or augmented reality input means to intuitively control X-ray systems, allowing users to manually set positions and receive feedback on data quality, eliminating the need for complex trajectory planning and enabling efficient 3D reconstruction with a robot-assisted system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robot-assisted systems are used to provide necessary degrees of freedom for complex geometries, then the capability to inspect complex components is improved, but the operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual reality input devices to create a virtual copy of the physical manipulator and its trajectory. The user interacts with the virtual representation, and the system automatically translates these virtual movements into corresponding physical movements of the robot, eliminating the need for the user to directly control complex robotic mechanisms while maintaining full inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual reality input device serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex robot control system. This intermediary layer simplifies the interaction by providing intuitive virtual controls while the system handles the complex trajectory planning and robotic actuation in the background.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is simplified to enable easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but sufficient data acquisition for 3D reconstruction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying the virtual representation of the manipulator's position and the corresponding X-ray image quality. This feedback mechanism guides the user in acquiring sufficient data for 3D reconstruction by showing the immediate effect of their virtual trajectory commands on the measurement quality, allowing them to adjust their approach as needed.
3Measurement precision
If complex trajectory planning is implemented to ensure sufficient data for 3D reconstruction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and executes the trajectory based on the user's virtual input without requiring manual programming of complex paths. The virtual reality interface and automated trajectory generation work together to service the data acquisition process, handling the trajectory planning complexity internally while keeping the user's interaction simple and intuitive.
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 simplifies the operation of X-ray systems, allowing for effective 3D reconstruction and defect detection in complex geometries without requiring extensive specialist knowledge, reducing unnecessary measurements and improving data acquisition efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source (12), and an X-ray detector (14)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A method for operating an X-ray system comprising the steps of "manually setting the first and a second position for the manipulator on a trajectory using virtual input means", "taking or simulating the image from the first and second position" and "displaying the two X-ray images".