SBIR-STTR Award

Computed Tomography Algorithms for Helical Scanned Data
Award last edited on: 7/21/2004

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Army
Total Award Amount
$883,031
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
A96-005
Principal Investigator
John Perry

Company Information

ENSCO Inc

3110 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, VA 22042
   (703) 321-9000
   info@ensco.com
   www.ensco.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 08
County: Fairfax

Phase I

Contract Number: DAAE30-97-C-0008
Start Date: 10/31/1996    Completed: 5/5/1997
Phase I year
1997
Phase I Amount
$139,933
The revolution in digital processor and memory technology is making it feasible to execute Computed Tomography, CT, at much higher rates. Use of multiple fixed sources eliminates the rate limitation of mechanical scanning. The final limit to accurate CT scanning of objects in rapid continuous motion is artifacts produced by different projection planes through the object. Methods of minimizing the effects of plane offsets are defined. They include interpolation between sequential scans and maximum likelihood weighting to maximize the consistency of the reconstruction. The improvement of these techniques over straightforward reconstruction of projections in differing planes will be quantified. An Algebraic Reconstruction Technique is used that can accommodate any source-detector geometry. X-rays are the most common method of noninvasive internal inspection. Rapid, economical, accurate CT scanning will greatly facilitate all types of X-ray inspection now used and make many more feasible. Some examples are parts and assembly inspection, inspection of injection molds, and composite materials for voids, and inspection of machines, plumbing and pressure vessels, and bulk materials for cracks, voids, or adulteration.

Phase II

Contract Number: DAAE30-97-C-1057
Start Date: 6/26/1997    Completed: 6/26/1999
Phase II year
1997
Phase II Amount
$743,098
The revolution in digital processor and memory technology is making it feasible to execute Computer Tomography (CT) at significantly higher rates. Use of multiple, fixed sources eliminates the rate limitation of mechanical scanning commonly used today. Compensation for motion, artifacts produced by different projection planes allows for accurate CT scanning. Methods of minimizing the effects of motion, and other inter-related noise sources, are defined. The integration of these corrections into current reconstruction procedures will allow for very precise and fast inspection and discrimination. Real-time implementation and structural fabrication of the system enclosure is also required. X-rays are the most common method of nondestructive internal inspection. Rapid, economical, and accurate CT scanning will greatly facilitate all types of X-ray inspection now used and make many more feasible. Some examples are parts and assembly inspection, agriculture, inspection of injection molds, composite-materials for voids, and the inspection of machines, plumbing and pressure vessels, and bulk materials for cracks, voids, etc.