Computed Tomography Scanner Emitter Activation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cone-beam computed tomography scanners in dentistry struggle to produce images of anatomical parts with sufficient definition due to the modality of x-ray emitter activation, which is not adaptable to varying patient skull dimensions, leading to inadequate radiation doses for accurate imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method for activating the x-ray emitter in computed tomography scanners that involves generating a command signal with synchronized emission pulses based on calculated durations and amplitudes, adjusted according to the dimensions and type of the anatomical part, using scout-views to estimate minimum and maximum radiation doses, and pre-calculating distributions of coefficients for different anatomical parts to optimize image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed radiation dose is emitted for all patients, then the activation process is simple, but image quality is insufficient for varying skull dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of scout-views (projection images) before the actual tomographic acquisition. These scout-views are used to automatically determine the appropriate radiation dose parameters based on the patient's skull dimensions. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt the radiation dose to individual patients without complicating the main acquisition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the radiation dose parameters by processing the scout-views through the control unit, which calculates the maximum skull thickness and selects appropriate x-ray tube current values. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external calibration procedures, achieving adaptive dosing through automated image analysis.
2Manufacturing precision
If the radiation dose is increased for all patients, then image quality improves, but unnecessary radiation exposure increases for smaller patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines different radiation dose levels for different patients based on their individual skull dimensions. By analyzing the scout-views to measure maximum skull thickness, the system applies locally optimized radiation doses - higher doses for larger skulls requiring better penetration, and lower doses for smaller skulls where excessive radiation would be harmful. This ensures each patient receives the minimum necessary radiation for adequate image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the x-ray tube current parameter based on measured skull dimensions. The control unit adjusts the radiation dose parameter according to the maximum thickness value derived from scout-views, ensuring optimal image quality while minimizing radiation exposure. This parameter adaptation allows the same equipment to serve patients of varying sizes appropriately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of radiation dose is performed, then adaptability to patient dimensions is achieved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the adaptation process by having the control unit analyze the scout-views and determine appropriate radiation dose parameters without operator intervention. The system self-determines the maximum skull thickness from the projection images and automatically selects the corresponding x-ray tube current values, eliminating manual adjustment time while maintaining full adaptability to individual patient dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The scout-view acquisition serves as a preliminary step that captures the necessary information for dose determination. By obtaining these projection images first and automatically processing them to determine skull dimensions and appropriate dosing parameters, the system prepares all necessary adaptations before the main tomographic acquisition begins, thus avoiding time loss during the actual imaging process.
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
Enables rapid and automatic acquisition of well-defined images of anatomical parts, improving image quality and adaptability to varying patient skull dimensions without increasing complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray emitter, mounted on a first end of the arm for emitting a conical x-ray beam through the area of analysis
Data Source
AI summary
In a computed tomography scanner (1) having an emitter (9) for emitting a beam (10) of given radiation through an object to be analysed, a detector (11) for receiving said beam (10) after the beam (10) itself has traversed the object, and a rotating arm (7), which supports the emitter (9) and the detector (11) and rotates the emitter (9) and the detector (11) about the object along a series of angular positions (αi), there is generated a succession of first pulses (17), each of which activates the detector (11) in one respective angular position (αi), and a succession of second pulses (19, 20; 21) for activating the emitter (9) so that it will emit a dose of radiation in each angular position (αi), associated to which is a respective dose of radiation in such a way as to pre-define a distribution of doses of radiation along the series of angular positions (αi).