Coded Aperture X-Ray Scatter Tomography for Cancer Tissue Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in vivo volumetric imaging techniques, such as X-ray transmission CT, MRI, and PET, struggle with poor tissue contrast, particularly in differentiating between regions of cancerous and benign soft tissue, requiring extensive clinician training and leading to misclassifications and increased healthcare costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using coded aperture X-ray scatter tomography for in vivo tissue imaging, which includes an X-ray source, collimator, coded aperture, and detector array to modulate and measure scattered X-ray radiation, enabling spatially resolved volumetric tissue imaging and improved tissue discrimination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing in vivo volumetric imaging techniques (X-ray transmission CT, MRI, PET) are used, then clinicians can create internal 3D images of patients, but tissue contrast is poor making it difficult to discriminate between cancerous and benign soft tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue contrastVSAvoidcancer detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful or unusable scattered X-ray radiation into a beneficial signal for imaging. By placing detectors outside the primary beam path, the system captures scattered photons that would otherwise be discarded, using them to create images with superior soft tissue contrast for cancer detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces scattered X-ray radiation as an intermediary signal between the primary X-ray beam and the final image. The scattered radiation serves as a mediator that carries additional tissue interaction information, enabling improved discrimination between cancerous and benign tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing imaging techniques are used, then clinicians can perform medical assessments, but extensive training and experience are required and misclassification rates remain significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinician training requirementVSAvoidcancer classification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive system of clinician interpretation with an automated detection system based on scattered radiation imaging. The superior intrinsic contrast of scattered radiation images provides more objectively distinguishable features, reducing reliance on extensive clinician training and experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If existing imaging techniques are used, then clinicians can make cancer detection assessments, but there are significant costs to the health care system and worse health outcomes due to misclassifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer detection accuracyVSAvoidimaging system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system by placing multiple detectors outside the primary beam path at different positions. This segmentation allows capture of scattered radiation from different angles and regions, improving cancer detection accuracy through multi-perspective imaging while using standard CT scanner components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances tissue contrast, particularly between cancerous and benign tissues, reducing misclassifications and improving patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs through improved diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source for irradiating in vivo tissue of at least a portion of the body with a primary X-ray beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a coded aperture positioned between the tissue and the X-ray detector array. The coded aperture is configured to modulate the scattered X-ray radiation from the tissue detected by the X-ray detector array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

A plurality of the X-ray detecting elements are positioned distally from the X-ray source outside the path of the primary X-ray beam past the irradiated portion of the body to measure scattered X-ray radiation from the primary X-ray beam passing through the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20250255570A1System and method for in vivo tissue imaging using coded aperture x-ray scatter tomography

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 CALIDAR INC

AI summary

A system and method for in vivo tomographic tissue imaging using coded aperture X-ray scatter tomography are disclosed. The imaging system includes a coded aperture for spatially encoding X-ray scatter originating from within a patient. An X-ray detector array records the modulated scatter signal, which is analyzed and used to generate a spatially resolved X-ray scatter spectral reconstruction of the tissue and produce a spatially resolved scatter tissue image of the irradiated tissue.