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Publication Number
US-11796711-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a motionless modular X-ray scanning architecture that uses a stationary computed tomography (CT) scanner configured to emit X-rays from a plurality of positions and a detector array around an imaging volume. The system supports high-throughput scanning by coordinating source-point activation to reconstruct two-dimensional projection images and three-dimensional reconstructed images.
The architecture includes an object conveyor that moves an object through the imaging volume while the CT scanner remains stationary. The disclosed approach maintains scan-direction resolution relative to orthogonal directions by adjusting scan-cycle frequency with conveyor speed to preserve resolution, and it targets small voxels together with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast (1/SNR), and dynamic range.
The motionless CT scanning system is described in a modular form with an inlet tunnel section, a scanning section housing, and an exit tunnel section. The inlet tunnel section and the exit tunnel section are configured to removably attach to the scanning section so that electrical connectors mate upon attachment, enabling a detachable modular configuration for the scanner system.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a modular X-ray scanning system with three removable sections that electrically couple via mating connectors upon attachment, and specifies a stationary CT scanner emitting X-rays from a plurality of positions. Additional claimed features include dedicated view select buttons, color image generation using dual-energy material discrimination and X-ray scatter data, and a conveyor movable between horizontal operational and vertical stowed positions.
Modular inlet tunnel with mating electrical connector
An inlet tunnel section defined by an inlet tunnel housing having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side comprises a first electrical connector.
Stationary CT scanning section with plurality of X-ray positions and mating connectors
A scanning section defined by a scanning section housing including a stationary computed tomography (CT) scanner configured to emit X-rays from a plurality of positions, wherein the third side comprises a second electrical connector and the fourth side comprises a third electrical connector.
Removably attach inlet tunnel to scanning section by connector mating
The inlet tunnel section is configured to removably attach to the scanning section such that, upon attachment, the first electrical connector mates to the second electrical connector.
Removably attach exit tunnel to scanning section by connector mating
An exit tunnel section defined by an exit tunnel housing having a fifth side and a sixth side, wherein the fifth side comprises a fourth electrical connector, and wherein the exit tunnel section is configured to removably attach to the scanning section such that, upon attachment, the third electrical connector mates to the fourth electrical connector.
Dedicated view select buttons for 2D projection image
A modular X-ray scanning system includes a plurality of dedicated view select buttons, wherein selecting a first of the plurality of dedicated view select buttons generates a 2D projection image.
Dedicated view select buttons for 3D interactive image
A modular X-ray scanning system includes a plurality of dedicated view select buttons, wherein selecting a second of the plurality of dedicated view select buttons generates a 3D interactive image.
Rocking 2D projection image view option
A modular X-ray scanning system includes dedicated view select buttons, wherein a third of the buttons generates a rocking 2D projection image when selected.
Image coloring buttons using dual-energy material discrimination and X-ray scatter data
An imaging color-button module where selecting one button causes a third of the image coloring buttons to generate a color image using dual-energy material discrimination and X-ray scatter data.
Movable conveyor between horizontal operational and vertical stowed positions
A modular X-ray scanning system in which the first conveyor is movable between a horizontal operational position and a vertical stowed position.
Across the independent modular architecture and its refinements, the document ties the removable inlet and exit tunnel sections to a stationary CT scanning section via mating electrical connectors, and further specifies operator-selected imaging outputs such as 2D projection images, 3D interactive images, and rocking 2D projection images, including color images based on dual-energy material discrimination and X-ray scatter data.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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