X-Ray Computed Tomography Device Calibration and Verification Apparatus

摘要

An apparatus for calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device has a plurality of objects formed from a material that is visible to x-rays, and a base at least in part fixedly supporting the plurality of objects so that each of the plurality of objects contacts at least one of the other objects. Each one of the plurality of objects: 1) is configured to receive x-rays without changing shape, 2) has substantially the same shape and size as the other objects, 3) has an attenuation value to x-rays (“object attenuation value”), and 4) is symmetrically shaped relative to its center point. Like the objects, the base also has an attenuation value to x-rays (the “base attenuation value”). The object attenuation value is greater than the base attenuation . Each of the plurality of objects is kinematically locked in place on the base.

主权项

1. A method of calibrating or verifying the dimensional accuracy of an x-ray computed tomography machine, the method comprising:
providing an x-ray computed tomography machine having calibration settings; using the x-ray computed tomography machine to image a gauge to produce a gauge reconstruction, the gauge comprising a base at least in part supporting three or more objects, each of the objects being kinematically secured on the base, each of the objects having a center, the distance between the centers of each object being known center distance values; measuring, in the gauge reconstruction, the distance between at least two pairs of objects to produce measured center distance values; comparing the measured center distance values against the known center distance values; and using the comparison to determine if there is a distance error in the gauge reconstruction.