Aperture Selection CT Modulating X-ray Fluence for ROI Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in optimizing image quality in specific regions while minimizing patient dose, as they lack the ability to modulate x-ray fluence patterns effectively, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and suboptimal image quality in regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
An optimized aperture selection CT system and method that uses a radiation source, modulator, and computer to determine and apply specific fluence patterns, concentrating image quality on desired regions of interest by modulating the radiation source, thereby reducing dose and enhancing image quality where needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform x-ray fluence is applied throughout the scanned volume, then image quality is maintained across all regions, but patient dose is increased unnecessarily in regions where high image quality is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modulating the x-ray fluence pattern to provide different image quality levels in different regions of the scanned volume. Specifically, high image quality is concentrated in the region of interest (ROI) while reduced fluence is applied to surrounding regions, thereby maintaining necessary diagnostic quality where needed while reducing unnecessary patient dose in areas where high quality is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scanned volume into regions requiring high image quality (ROI) and regions where reduced image quality is acceptable. This segmentation is achieved through modulated fluence patterns that selectively concentrate x-ray photons in the ROI during image acquisition, allowing differential dose distribution based on clinical priorities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If region of interest imaging techniques are used to reduce dose, then patient dose is decreased, but image quality modulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fluence pattern modulation that can be adaptively adjusted based on the specific imaging task and patient anatomy. The system dynamically optimizes the fluence distribution to concentrate image quality in user-defined regions of interest while reducing dose elsewhere, providing versatile and adaptable image quality modulation rather than fixed regional reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fluence pattern parameters selectively across different spatial regions and imaging angles. By modulating the x-ray fluence parameters (intensity, distribution, and angular variation) according to the desired image quality targets, the system achieves enhanced adaptability in controlling image quality distribution throughout the scanned volume.
3Measurement precision
If compensating filters are used to reduce scatter, then image quality in ROI is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compensating filters as intermediary elements positioned in the x-ray beam path between the source and the patient. These filters selectively attenuate scattered x-rays while allowing primary beam photons to pass through, thereby improving image quality in the region of interest by reducing scatter contamination without requiring complex post-processing or additional imaging hardware.
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 effectively decreases patient dose and improves image quality in regions of interest by iteratively optimizing fluence patterns, accounting for detector efficiency, scatter, and modulator constraints, allowing for precise control of image quality and dose distribution throughout the imaged volume.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source for directing a beam at an object to be imaged
Implementation Method 2
modulating the radiation source to generate said pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged
Data Source
AI summary
A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the at least one radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the at least one radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.