Selectable Bowtie Filter Configuration for CT Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT imaging systems face challenges in selecting the appropriate bowtie filter configuration for patients of varying sizes and internal structures, leading to sub-optimal image quality and radiation dosage due to manual errors and difficulties in positioning the patient correctly.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system with a selectable pre-object filter module and processing unit that identifies anatomy, determines image quality and radiation dose for different filter configurations, and automatically selects the optimal configuration for each scan, ensuring proper patient positioning and optimal imaging parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual selection of bowtie filter configuration is used, then operator control is maintained, but selection accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to complexity and human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter selection accuracyVSAvoidselection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic bowtie filter configuration selection based on patient anatomy and scan parameters, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The processing unit autonomously evaluates multiple configurations and selects the optimal one, thereby improving selection accuracy while reducing the burden on operators despite the underlying computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed bowtie filter configurations are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different patient sizes and anatomies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient size adaptabilityVSAvoidfilter configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects from multiple pre-defined bowtie filter configurations based on real-time patient anatomy assessment and scan parameters. Rather than using a single fixed configuration, the system adapts the filter selection to match the specific patient size, anatomy, and imaging requirements, thereby achieving versatility without requiring custom filters for every possible scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters including bowtie filter configuration, tube current, and voltage based on patient attenuation measurements and desired image quality levels. This parametric adaptation allows the system to optimize imaging for different patient sizes and anatomies using a finite set of configurable parameters rather than requiring physical customization of filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional scout scan-based attenuation determination is used, then initial setup is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to positioning variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation measurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the scout scan and initial positioning information to iteratively refine bowtie filter selection and patient positioning. The processing unit continuously monitors image quality metrics and attenuation measurements, adjusting the filter configuration and positioning recommendations to achieve optimal accuracy while accounting for patient-specific anatomical variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 simplifies the selection of bowtie filter configurations, improves image quality, reduces radiation dosage, and addresses mis-positioning issues by automatically adjusting acquisition parameters, resulting in more efficient and accurate CT imaging.

Implementation Method 1

The selectable pre-object filter module is interposed between an X-ray source and an object to be imaged, and is configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to the object to be imaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The detector is configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object to be imaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10667767B2Systems and methods for selecting bowtie filter configuration

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

An imaging system is provided including a selectable pre-object filter module, a detector, and a processing unit. The selectable pre-object filter module is configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to an object to be imaged. The selectable pre-object filter module has plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, and is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration for a scan of the object. The detector is configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object. The processing unit is operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, and is configured to identify an anatomy to be imaged, determine a corresponding image quality and radiation dose for each of the plural pre-object filter configurations; and select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses.