Optimal specimen placement in cone beam X-ray computed tomography

Picking a specimen's optimal placement on the rotary plate of a cone beam X-ray computed tomography system is a time-consuming but critical task in its application. Due to suboptimal placements artifacts, irregularities and distortions may result, which hinder or prevent reliable evaluations. To determine the optimal specimen placement a method is introduced, which allows analyzing and assessing potential specimen placements. Based on the specimen's 3D geometrical model the analysis considers X-ray penetration lengths, the specimen's Radon space representation as well as the placement's stability. The results are visually represented and analyzed in placement maps, revealing areas prone to artifacts.