TY - JOUR A1 - Alekseychuk, V. O. A1 - Kupsch, Andreas A1 - Plotzki, D. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Simulation-Assisted Augmentation of Missing Wedge and Region-of-Interest Computed Tomography Data N2 - This study reports a strategy to use sophisticated, realistic X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) simulations to reduce Missing Wedge (MW) and Region-of-Interest (RoI) artifacts in FBP (Filtered Back-Projection) reconstructions. A 3D model of the object is used to simulate the projections that include the missing information inside the MW and outside the RoI. Such information augments the experimental projections, thereby drastically improving the reconstruction results. An X-ray CT dataset of a selected object is modified to mimic various degrees of RoI and MW problems. The results are evaluated in comparison to a standard FBP reconstruction of the complete dataset. In all cases, the reconstruction quality is significantly improved. Small inclusions present in the scanned object are better localized and quantified. The proposed method has the potential to improve the results of any CT reconstruction algorithm. KW - Computed tomography KW - Missing wedge KW - Region of interest KW - Augmented data KW - CT simulation KW - aRTist PY - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-593799 UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2313-433X/10/1/11 SN - 2313-433X VL - 10 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-59379 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Borges de Oliveira, F. A1 - Reuter, T. A1 - Plotzki, David A1 - Wohlgemuth, F. A1 - Bartscher, M. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Kasperl, S. T1 - Assessment of 2D-based tests for the qualification of simulation software for dXCT N2 - The interest in using computer simulations of dimensional x-ray computed tomography (dXCT) for various metrological purposes—such as measurement planning, performance prediction, performance optimisation and, finally, measurement uncertainty estimation—is increasing along with the ever-growing demand for more reliable measurements with dXCT. However, before a piece of simulation software can be used for tasks related to coordinate metrology, it has to be ensured that it is able to simulate physical laws, characteristic effects and basic CT system functionalities correctly and with sufficient accuracy. In short, the software must be qualified for dimensional metrology tasks. As one part of such a qualification process, a method is presented here for determining conformity intervals of 2D tests (projection-based tests) based on 3D tests (testing based on dimensional evaluations in a reconstructed volume) for the assessment of dXCT simulation software. The method consists of varying relevant parameter values in order to verify their influence on 3D measurement results. The results of the 3D tests with varied parameter values are then transferred to the quantities tested in the 2D tests and used as the basis for determining conformity intervals. Two approaches are applied for determining whether or not a variation of a parameter value is significant: (a) statistical and (b) heuristic. Two examples are presented, each based on simulated images, which show the application of the two different approaches for determining conformity intervals for the results of the 2D tests. KW - dXCT KW - X-ray computed tomography KW - Simulation PY - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-573316 VL - 34 IS - 6 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - IOP Publishing AN - OPUS4-57331 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bellon, Carsten T1 - Virtual CT with aRTist N2 - The software aRTist is a simulation tool for the generation of realistic radiographs of virtual radiographic superstructures. With radiographic simulations, virtual component models can be scanned as in a computer tomograph. Industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables the non-destructive detection of internal and external surfaces as well as inhomogeneities of technical objects. Virtual CT offers new possibilities for the investigation of parameter influences of this complex testing and measuring technique. In addition to the option of switching physical effects on and off, scanning movements can also be tested before their technical realization. The virtual CT generates projection images from different directions for the subsequent reconstruction of a volume model of the examined object. The reconstruction of the simulated scans is carried out with the algorithms and programs for real scans. Tomographic scans consist of a large number of projections, which practically cannot be generated individually by the user of a simulation. The software offers various options for the automated simulation of tomographic scans. These range from standard CT to scans on free trajectories or with individual projection matrices. T2 - 12th Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography (iCT) 2023 CY - Fürth, Germany DA - 27.02.2023 KW - X-ray computed tomography KW - Simulation PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58919 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Reuter, T. A1 - Borges de Oliveira, F. A1 - Abt, Ch. A1 - Ballach, F. A1 - Bartscher, M. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Dennerlein, F. A1 - Fuchs, P. A1 - Günnewig, O. A1 - Hausotte, T. A1 - Hess, J. A1 - Kasperl, S. A1 - Maass, N. A1 - Kimmig, W. A1 - Schielein, R. A1 - von Schmid, M. A1 - Suppes, A. A1 - Wagner, G. A1 - Watzl, Ch. A1 - Wohlgemuth, F. T1 - Introduction to “Realistic Simulation of real CT systems with a basic-qualified Simulation Software - CTSimU2“ N2 - The lack of traceability to meter of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) measurements still hinders a more extensive acceptance of CT in coordinate metrology and industry. To ensure traceable, reliable, and accurate measurements, the determination of the task-specific measurement uncertainty is necessary. The German guideline VDI/VDE 2630 part 2.1 describes a procedure to determine the measurement uncertainty for CT experimentally by conducting several repeated measurements with a calibrated test specimen. However, this experimental procedure is cost and effort intensive. Therefore, the simulation of dimensional measurement tasks conducted with X-ray computed tomography can close these drawbacks. Additionally, recent developments towards a resource and cost-efficient production (“smart factory”) motivate the need for a corresponding numerical model of a CT system (“digital twin”) as well. As there is no standardized procedure to determine the measurement uncertainty of a CT system by simulation at the moment, the project series CTSimU was initiated, aiming at this gap. Concretely, the goal is the development of a procedure to determine the measurement uncertainty numerically by radiographic simulation. The first project (2019-2022), "Radiographic Computed Tomography Simulation for Measurement Uncertainty Evaluation - CTSimU" developed a framework to qualify a radiographic simulation software concerning the correct simulation of physical laws and functionalities. The most important outcome was a draft for a new guideline VDI/VDE 2630 part 2.2, which is currently under discussion in the VDI/VDE committee. The follow-up project CTSimU2 "Realistic Simulation of real CT systems with a basic-qualified Simulation Software" will deal with building and characterizing a digital replica of a specific real-world CT system. The two main targets of this project will be a toolbox including methods and procedures to configure a realistic CT system simulation and to develop tests to check if this replica is sufficient enough. The result will be a draft for a follow-up VDI/VDE guideline proposing standardized procedures to determine a CT system's corresponding characteristics and test the simulation (copy) of a real-world CT system which we call a "digital twin". T2 - 12th Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography (iCT) 2023 CY - Fürth, Germany DA - 27.02.2023 KW - dXCT KW - X-ray computed tomography KW - Simulation PY - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-589204 VL - 28 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 5 PB - NDT.net AN - OPUS4-58920 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Bartscher, M. A1 - Borges de Oliveira, F. A1 - Hausotte, T. A1 - Kasperl, S. A1 - Reuter, T. A1 - Schielein, R. T1 - Realistic Simulation of CT Systems - An Introduction to The CTSimU2 Project N2 - The project series CTSimU was initiated with the goal to develop a set of procedures to enable the determination of the task-specific measurement uncertainty of a CT system numerically by radiographic simulation. The first project (2019-2022) “Radiographic Computed Tomography Simulation for Measurement Uncertainty Evaluation - CTSimU” was focused on the sufficient physical correctness of the radiographic simulation and created as a result a test framework for simulation softwares and a draft of a VDI standard in the series VDI/VDE 2630 for this application. However, for the realistic simulation of a CT system in a simulation software (i.e. a digital twin), not only the correctness of the simulation software itself is crucial, but also the quality of the parameterization of the CT system in the simulation software - this represents the starting point of the 2nd project “Realistic Simulation of real CT systems with a basic-qualified Simulation Software - CTSimU2” (2022-2024). The parameterization of a CT system in a simulation software can be divided into four steps: after the data acquisition at the real CT system (step 1) follows the evaluation of the acquired data for the generation of general parameter specifications (step 2). It follows the transfer of the parameters into the specific simulation software (step 3) and the validation of the resulting simulation parameters by a suitable test (step 4). The intended result of the project CTSimU2 is a draft VDI standard (for VDI/VDE 2630) for this test, which contains an informative annex on the state of the art regarding the possibilities for parameter determination. T2 - 13th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing (ECNDT) CY - Lisbon, Portugal DA - 03.07.2023 KW - X-ray computed tomography KW - dXCT KW - Simulation PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58923 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Neuschaefer-Rube, U. A1 - Illemann, J. A1 - Sturm, M. A1 - Bircher, B. A1 - Meli, F. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Evsevleev, Sergei T1 - Validation of a fast and traceable radiographic scale calibration of dimensional computed tomography N2 - A fast and highly precise method of determining the geometrical scale factor of computed tomography (CT) measurements has been validated successfully by Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) within the scope of AdvanCT (Advanced Computed Tomography for dimensional and surface measurements in industry), a project funded in the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR). The method has been developed by PTB and requires only two radiographic images of a calibrated thin 2D standard (hole grid standard) from two opposite directions. The mean grid distance is determined from both radiographs. From this and with the help of the calibration result, the radiographic scale and therefore the voxel size is determined. The procedure takes only a few minutes and avoids a time-consuming CT scan. To validate the method, the voxel sizes determined via this method were compared with voxel sizes determined from CT scans of calibrated objects. Relative deviations between the voxel sizes in the range of 10−5 were achieved with minimal effort using cone-beam CT systems at moderate magnifications. KW - Dimensional metrology KW - Voxel size KW - Industrial CT KW - Geometrical magnification PY - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-553271 SN - 0957-0233 VL - 33 IS - 9 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - IOP Publishing CY - Bristol, UK AN - OPUS4-55327 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Plotzki, David A1 - Hartlaub, Bendix A1 - Borges de Oliveira, F. A1 - Reuter, T. A1 - Wohlgemuth, F. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Hausotte, T. T1 - The CTSimU software toolbox for CT-related image processing and quality assessment N2 - A software toolbox is introduced that addresses several needs common to computed tomography (CT). Built for the WIPANO CTSimU project to serve as the reference implementation for its image processing and evaluation tasks, it provides a Python 3 interface that is adaptable to many conceivable applications. Foremost, the toolbox features a pipeline architecture for sequential 2D image processing tasks, such as flat field corrections and image binning, and enables the user to create their own processing modules. Beyond that, it provides means to measure line profiles and image quality assessment algorithms to calculate modulation transfer functions (MTF) or to determine the interpolated basic spatial resolution (iSRb) using a duplex wire image. It can also be used to calculate projection matrices for the reconstruction of scans with arbitrary industrial CT geometries and trajectories. The CTSimU project defined a framework of projection- and volume-based test scenarios for the qualification of radiographic simulation software towards its use in dimensional metrology. The toolbox implements the necessary evaluation routines and generates reports for all projection-based tests. T2 - 11th Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography (iCT 2022) CY - Online meeting DA - 08.02.2022 KW - Image processing KW - CT KW - Geometry KW - Software KW - Python PY - 2022 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - Research Group Computed Tomography, Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences (FH OÖ) CY - Wels, Austria AN - OPUS4-54476 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bircher, B. A1 - Meli, F. A1 - Küng, A. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Evsevleev, Sergei A1 - Katic, M. A1 - Heikkinen, V. A1 - Hemming, B. A1 - Lassila, A. T1 - Traceable determination of non-static XCT machine geometry: New developments and case studies N2 - It is fundamental to determine the machine geometry accurately for dimensional X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements. When performing high-accuracy scans, compensation of a non-static geometry, e.g. due to rotary axis errors or drift, might become necessary. Here we provide an overview of methods to determine and account for such deviations on a per projection basis. They include characterisation of stage error motions, in situ geometry measurements, numerical simulations, and reconstruction-based optimization relying on image quality metrics and will be discussed in terms of their metrological performance. Since a radiographic calibration is always required to provide an initial absolute geometry, this method will be presented as well. The improvements of the XCT geometry correction methods are presented by means of case studies. The methods can be applied individually or in combination and are intended to provide a toolbox for XCT geometry compensation. T2 - 11th Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography (iCT 2022) CY - Online meeting DA - 08.02.2022 KW - Radiographic XCT geometry determination KW - Dimensional metrology KW - traceability KW - XCT machine geometry KW - Calibrated reference standards PY - 2022 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Research Group Computed Tomography, Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences (FH OÖ) CY - Wels, Austria AN - OPUS4-54479 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Binder, F. A1 - Bircher, B. A1 - Laquai, René A1 - Küng, A. A1 - Bellon, Carsten A1 - Meli, F. A1 - Deresch, A. A1 - Ulrich Neuschaefer-Rube, U. A1 - Hausotte, T. T1 - Methodologies for model parameterization of virtual CTs for measurement uncertainty estimation N2 - X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a fast-growing technology for dimensional measurements in industrial applications. However, traceable and efficient methods to determine measurement uncertainties are not available. Guidelines like the VDI/VDE 2630 Part 2.1 suggest at least 20 repetitions of a specific measurement task, which is not feasible for industrial standards. Simulation-based approaches to determine task specific measurement uncertainties are promising, but require closely adjusted model parameters and an integration of error sources like geometrical deviations during a measurement. Unfortunately, the development of an automated process to parameterize and integrate geometrical deviations into XCT models is still an open issue. In this work, the whole processing chain of dimensional XCT measurements is taken into account with focus on the issues and requirements to determine suitable parameters of geometrical deviations. Starting off with baseline simulations of different XCT systems, two approaches are investigated to determine and integrate geometrical deviations of reference measurements. The first approach tries to iteratively estimate geometric deviation parameter values to match the characteristics of the missing error sources. The second approach estimates those values based on radiographs of a known calibrated reference object. In contrast to prior work both approaches only use a condensed set of parameters to map geometric deviations. In case of the iterative approach, some major issues regarding unhandled directional dependencies have been identified and discussed. Whereas the radiographic method resulted in task specific expanded measurements uncertainties below one micrometre even for bi-directional features, which is a step closer towards a true digital twin for uncertainty estimations in dimensional XCT. KW - Geometrical deviation KW - X-ray computed tomography KW - Uncertainty estimation KW - Virtual CT PY - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-553263 VL - 33 IS - 10 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - IOP Publishing CY - Bristol, UK AN - OPUS4-55326 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bellon, Carsten T1 - Virtual CT with aRTist N2 - Simulation becomes more and more important in modern CT imaging. It is increasingly used to optimize techniques for complex applications, to support the preparation of written procedures, and for educational purposes. The radiographic simulator aRTist is a modelling tool which simulates X-ray imaging using a hybrid analytical and Monte Carlo method to efficiently model the radiation transport. In addition to the relevant physical effects such as absorption, scattering and fluorescence, simplified fast models are employed to describe the characteristics of the X-ray source and the detector. aRTist is well equipped to model realistic X-ray imaging setups due to the ability to load exported CAD object descriptions. A simple CT scan module is contained in aRTist which allows the simulation of standard (circular cone beam) scanning trajectories. This training session starts with a general introduction to aRTist and will highlight its basic usage. Furthermore, the focus is on the configuration of scan trajectories and batch simulations for virtual CT. The aim is to enable the audience to use the aRTist software for their own experiments in virtual CT. T2 - dXCT conference 2021 CY - Online meeting DA - 17.05.2021 KW - computed tomography simulation PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-54062 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -