3D X-ray Fluorescence Imaging via Circular Source Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detection systems lack the capability to effectively reconstruct three-dimensional images of objects and distribute chemical elements within them using characteristic X-rays, particularly when imaging portions of the human body.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize P radiation sources arranged in a circular pattern to emit characteristic X-rays from an object, captured by Q image sensors also arranged in a circular pattern, to reconstruct three-dimensional images and distributions, and superpose them for a comprehensive image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources and image sensors are used to capture images from different angles, then three-dimensional image reconstruction and chemical element distribution mapping become possible, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using P radiation sources and Q image sensors arranged in circular patterns. Each source-sensor pair captures images from a specific angle, and the complete three-dimensional information is reconstructed by combining all segmented views. This segmentation enables 3D imaging capability while managing system complexity through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by arranging radiation sources and image sensors in circular patterns around the object. This spatial dimensionality change allows reconstruction of three-dimensional images and chemical element distribution maps from multiple angular projections, achieving comprehensive 3D characterization.
2Loss of information
If multiple images are captured and processed to reconstruct three-dimensional images and element distributions, then the diagnostic information increases, but the data processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple projection images from different angles simultaneously using multiple image sensors. This preliminary data acquisition from P radiation sources and Q sensors is prepared in advance, enabling subsequent rapid three-dimensional reconstruction and chemical element distribution mapping without sequential image capture delays.
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
Enables precise three-dimensional imaging and distribution mapping of chemical elements within objects, such as the human body, using characteristic X-rays, improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
XRF is the emission of characteristic X-rays from the element that has been excited by, for example, exposure to high-energy X-rays or gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
the P radiation sources comprise respectively P metal target regions, and said directing the radiation to the object comprises bombarding the P metal target regions with electron beams
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method, comprising: causing emission of characteristic X-rays of a chemical element in an object by directing radiation to the object; capturing images of the object using the radiation that has transmitted through the object; capturing images of the chemical element in the object using the characteristic X-rays; reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the object based on the images of the object; determining a three-dimensional distribution of the chemical element in the object based on the images of the chemical element; and superposing the three-dimensional image of the object and the three-dimensional distribution of the chemical element in the object to form a superposed image of the object. The radiation directed to the object comes from multiple radiation sources. The images are captured with multiple image sensors. The radiation sources and the image sensors are stationary with respect to the object.