Significant advancements in imaging capabilities have occurred recently in CT (Computed Tomography) scan technology. Improved image resolution, larger image process receivers, along with the data capability of computers and control systems, enables CT scans to be more detailed and thus more useful for accurate diagnosis. But capitalizing on these improvements also demands more precise control of the imaging process.
The need for more precise control
Internal organs move with the respiration of the human body. Capturing larger areas with the new imagers can successfully account for such movement, but getting a high-resolution picture of the wrong area or at the wrong time isn’t useful. So to obtain the most helpful images one needs to position the imager at the right place and at the right time. The image reception is done in segments (called slices) and has seen increases from 4 to 16 and up to 128 slices. This 4-fold increase each time yields smaller more detailed data, but what does this mean for the control system? Image technology increases will require the control to be more precise. When the imaging components were limited to 4 slices, previous control was likely to have been completely adequate but blurring became evident as the picture data was more detailed, limiting the advancement.
In order to take advantage of a 16 time increase in data, the control system has to improve. Without control improvements, no net gain would occur. Advancements in image resolution are continuing to improve and resolution is increasing. The servo technology behind Kollmorgen’s AKD™ control schemes will be irreplaceable for these advancements.
A medical industry solution from Kollmorgen
The need for more precise control
Internal organs move with the respiration of the human body. Capturing larger areas with the new imagers can successfully account for such movement, but getting a high-resolution picture of the wrong area or at the wrong time isn’t useful. So to obtain the most helpful images one needs to position the imager at the right place and at the right time. The image reception is done in segments (called slices) and has seen increases from 4 to 16 and up to 128 slices. This 4-fold increase each time yields smaller more detailed data, but what does this mean for the control system? Image technology increases will require the control to be more precise. When the imaging components were limited to 4 slices, previous control was likely to have been completely adequate but blurring became evident as the picture data was more detailed, limiting the advancement.
In order to take advantage of a 16 time increase in data, the control system has to improve. Without control improvements, no net gain would occur. Advancements in image resolution are continuing to improve and resolution is increasing. The servo technology behind Kollmorgen’s AKD™ control schemes will be irreplaceable for these advancements.
Read the full whitepaper:
Closed Loop Control Matches Imaging Improvements in CT Scan Technology by Lee Stephens, Senior Motion Control Engineer
Tri-Phase Automation is a distributor of Kollmorgen products in Wisconsin. Contact Tri-Phase Automation
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