Array Radiation Source Imaging for Faster DBT Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems, such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems, face challenges in achieving high-quality images with reduced scanning time and motion blur due to subject movement, while maintaining efficient and accurate diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an array radiation source with a planar and linear array configuration, each comprising multiple point radiation sources, allows for simultaneous emission of radiation beams from different directions, reducing the effective focal spot size and improving image quality by minimizing subject movement and scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional single radiation source is used in DBT systems, then the device complexity is low, but the scanning time is long and motion blur occurs due to subject movement
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is segmented into multiple point radiation sources arranged in array configurations (linear array with 3-5 sources, planar array with 4-9 sources). Each point source emits radiation beams from different directions simultaneously, enabling parallel imaging acquisition that dramatically reduces scanning time and eliminates motion blur caused by subject movement during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point radiation source to multi-dimensional array configurations (linear arrangement along one dimension, planar arrangement across two dimensions). This dimensional expansion allows radiation beams to emanate from multiple spatial positions simultaneously, creating overlapping radiation regions that enable rapid parallel imaging without requiring prolonged scanning.
2Loss of time
If multiple radiation sources are used to reduce scanning time, then the scanning time is reduced, but the effective focal spot size increases reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radiation source into discrete point sources arranged in arrays, each point source maintains a small effective focal spot size while the collective array provides sufficient total radiation output. The segmented configuration allows parallel beam emission from multiple small focal spots without the blurring effects of a single large focal spot.
Solution Approach 2:
Each point radiation source in the array maintains high local image quality with a small effective focal spot size, while the overall system achieves rapid scanning through the collective action of multiple sources. The local quality of individual point sources is preserved while the global performance benefits from parallel operation of the array.
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 approach enhances the efficiency and accuracy of medical imaging by reducing scanning time, minimizing motion blur, and improving the quality of reconstructed images, thereby increasing diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each array radiation source includes a plurality of point radiation sources... configured to emit at least one radiation beam
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system (100) may include at least one array radiation source (80,910,1010) and a detector (112,412,920,1030). Each of the at least one array radiation source (80,910,1010) may include a plurality of point radiation sources (520,810). The at lea-st one array radiation source (80,910,1010) may be configured to emit at least one radiation beam. The detector (112,412,920,1030) may be configured to detect at least p-art of the at least one radiation beam.