Adjustable Pinhole Collimator Aperture for SPECT Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

SPECT systems require multiple collimator assemblies to achieve different resolution-sensitivity tradeoffs, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the time-consuming process of exchanging collimator assemblies, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A pinhole collimator assembly with adjustable apertures allows for dynamic adjustment of aperture size, enabling the SPECT system to change resolution and sensitivity without the need for multiple collimator assemblies, by using pinhole or slit apertures that can be adjusted during an examination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple collimator assemblies are provided for different resolution-sensitivity tradeoffs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution-sensitivity tradeoff optionsVSAvoidnumber of collimator assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator assembly incorporates adjustable aperture mechanisms that allow dynamic change of the aperture size during imaging examinations. This enables a single collimator assembly to provide multiple resolution-sensitivity tradeoff options by adjusting the aperture size, eliminating the need for multiple fixed collimator assemblies with different aperture sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collimator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling aperture size adjustment within a single device. This universal design allows one collimator assembly to replace multiple specialized collimator assemblies, providing both high-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging capabilities through aperture adjustment rather than requiring separate dedicated assemblies for each imaging mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple collimator assemblies are exchanged for different imaging tasks, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging task optimizationVSAvoidcollimator exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable aperture mechanism allows operators to change collimator settings dynamically during examinations without removing or exchanging the collimator assembly. This eliminates the time-consuming process of physically exchanging collimator assemblies while maintaining the ability to optimize imaging parameters for different imaging tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collimator assembly is pre-configured with adjustable aperture mechanisms that can be quickly modified between imaging tasks. This preliminary preparation of the adjustable structure allows rapid reconfiguration without time-consuming exchanges, enabling smooth transitions between different imaging requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple collimator assemblies are purchased and stored, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollimator configuration optionsVSAvoidnumber of collimator assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator assembly incorporates adjustable aperture mechanisms that enable a single device to provide multiple configuration options. This universal design eliminates the need to purchase and store multiple specialized collimator assemblies, reducing both the quantity of equipment required and the associated costs while maintaining full adaptability for different imaging tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple fixed collimator assemblies into a single adjustable collimator assembly. By combining high-resolution and high-sensitivity configurations into one device with adjustable aperture size, the system reduces the total number of collimator assemblies needed while preserving all necessary imaging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces the need for multiple collimator assemblies, allowing for adaptive imaging capabilities that optimize performance for specific imaging tasks without the need for frequent assembly changes, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the remainder of the collimator assembly is substantially gamma ray absorbent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7439514B1Adjustable pinhole collimators method and system

Publication Date: 2008.10.21 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Embodiments relate to pinhole collimator assemblies having one or more adjustable size pinhole apertures therein. The pinhole collimator assembly is configured so that gamma rays can pass through the collimator assembly, but the remainder of the collimator assembly is substantially gamma ray absorbent. Embodiments also relate to imaging systems and methods of adjusting pinhole collimator performance.