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Publication Number
US-12253648-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein is a high-energy x-ray imaging system including a stationary gantry, a conveyor assembly configured to convey an object to be imaged through the gantry, a plurality of linear accelerators, a detector array, and a control system. The linear accelerators are arranged in an array within the gantry and are configured to generate high-energy x-ray fan beams to be transmitted through the object. The detector array is positioned opposite the linear accelerators and is configured to collect the high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object. The control system is configured to energize the linear accelerators according to a predetermined control sequence to generate the high-energy x-ray fan beams, and construct a 3-D image of the object based on data received from the detector array and representative of the high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a high-energy x-ray imaging system having a stationary gantry and a conveyor assembly configured to convey an object to be imaged through the gantry. Within the gantry, a first plurality of linear accelerators is arranged in a first arcuate array spanning a first arc within a first plane, and a first detector array positioned opposite the first arcuate array collects the transmitted fan beams.
A second plurality of linear accelerators is arranged in a second arcuate array spanning a second arc in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and a second detector array positioned opposite the second arcuate array and within the second plane collects the second plurality of fan beams transmitted through the object. A control system energizes the first and second arrays according to a predetermined control sequence to generate the respective fan beams.
Based on data received from the first and second detector arrays representing the received fan beams transmitted through the object, the system reconstructs a 3-D image of the object using the multi-view fan-beam data to produce CT-like imaging. The document further describes dual/dual-energy and interlaced operation for atomic-number imaging, and an alternative two-plane architecture using imaging subassemblies with separated first and second arcuate arrays and first and second detector arrays to enable simultaneous imaging while avoiding detector interference.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim contains core coverage of a stationary, conveyor-based high-energy x-ray CT-like imaging system with two parallel arcuate arrays of linear accelerators and two corresponding detector arrays, where a control system energizes the linac arrays according to a predetermined control sequence and reconstructs a 3-D image from multi-view fan-beam data. Dependent claim coverage adds specific hardware constraints and operation details.
Stationary gantry with conveyor conveyance through the gantry
The system includes a stationary gantry and a conveyor assembly configured to convey an object to be imaged through the gantry.
Two parallel arcuate arrays of linear accelerators generating fan beams
A first plurality of linear accelerators arranged in a first arcuate array spanning a first arc within a first plane generate a first plurality of high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object, and a second plurality of linear accelerators arranged in a second arcuate array spanning a second arc in a second plane parallel to the first plane generate a second plurality of high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object.
First and second detector arrays collecting transmitted fan beams in corresponding planes
A first detector array positioned opposite the first array of linear accelerators and within the first plane collects the first plurality of high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object, and a second detector array positioned opposite the second array of linear accelerators and within the second plane collects the second plurality of high-energy x-ray fan beams transmitted through the object.
Predetermined energization sequence and 3-D reconstruction from multi-plane detector data
A control system energizes the first and second arrays according to a predetermined control sequence to generate the respective first and second plurality of high-energy x-ray fan beams, and reconstructs a 3-D image of the object based on data received from the first and second detector arrays.
Electron beam steering to multiple locations on an extended tungsten target
Each linear accelerator includes an electron beam steering element that steers an electron beam to multiple locations on an adjacent extended tungsten target to generate corresponding multiple high-energy x-ray fan beams.
Energy-sensitive detector in the detector array
The detector array includes an energy-sensitive detector.
Parallel plane separation constraint
The first plane and the second plane are separated by up to 60 centimeters.
Object rotation with initial scan and rescan for additional views
The system is configured to rotate the object after an initial scan and rescan the object at least once to produce additional views.
The inventive coverage centers on a stationary, conveyor-based system using two parallel arcuate linac arrays and two corresponding detector arrays, with a control system using a predetermined energization sequence to generate fan beams and reconstruct a 3-D image. Dependent refinements further define electron-beam steering with extended tungsten targets, an energy-sensitive detector, plane separation, and object rotation for additional views.
Stated Advantages
Enables compact imaging subassemblies while supporting multi-view, CT-like 3-D reconstruction using fan beams from two parallel planes.
Supports dual/dual-energy and interlaced operation for atomic-number imaging.
Describes increasing views per linac using electron-beam steering with extended tungsten targets.
Allows additional views by rotating the object after an initial scan.
Enables simultaneous imaging while avoiding detector interference.
Documented Applications
3-D CT-like imaging of an object using multi-view high-energy x-ray fan-beam data.
Atomic-number imaging using dual/dual-energy and interlaced operation.
Simultaneous imaging using a two-plane architecture with separated imaging subassemblies to avoid detector interference.
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