X-ray CT Gantry Boundary Detection for Standing Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatuses face challenges when imaging objects in a standing or sitting position, as they often result in unnecessary radiation exposure due to the inability to accurately detect and prevent interference between the object and the gantry, leading to prolonged imaging times and unusable images.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry with movable X-ray tube and detector, coupled with object detection systems to determine the positional relationship between the scan target and boundaries, allowing for controlled X-ray emission and gantry movement to prevent interference and optimize imaging range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gantry body is lowered to image an object in standing position, then the imaging capability for standing objects is improved, but unnecessary radiation exposure occurs when the object falls outside the imaging range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the object's position and dimensions before initiating X-ray imaging. The object detection unit measures the object's position in the vertical direction and compares it with the imaging range to determine whether the object is within the imaging area before the gantry lowers and X-ray emission begins, preventing unnecessary radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the object's position during the imaging process and adjusts the imaging parameters or gantry movement accordingly. The control unit receives real-time position information from the object detection unit and makes dynamic adjustments to ensure the object remains within the imaging range, avoiding both unnecessary exposure and imaging failures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the predetermined radius of interference examination light beam is set equal to imaging range radius, then radiation exposure is prevented, but imaging operation must be stopped when portions outside imaging area fall outside range, prolonging imaging time
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different detection and control strategies to different regions of the object. The object detection unit specifically measures the position of the scan target area (imaging area) separately from other portions of the object. The control unit then selectively manages X-ray emission and gantry movement based on the position of only the relevant scan target area, allowing portions outside the imaging area to extend beyond the imaging range without stopping the imaging operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows portions of the object outside the imaging area to extend beyond the imaging range (excessive action in terms of object positioning) while still maintaining proper imaging of the scan target area. This partial tolerance for out-of-range portions prevents unnecessary interruptions to the imaging operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional X-ray CT apparatus is tilted 90 degrees for standing position imaging, then standing position imaging is enabled, but interference between object and gantry cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical interference detection methods with an optical detection system. The object detection unit uses light beams to detect the object's position and dimensions, providing precise measurement of the object's vertical position and comparing it with the imaging range to accurately determine whether interference will occur between the object and gantry
Solution Approach 2:
The system focuses detection specifically on the vertical dimension (height direction) where interference between the object and gantry is most likely to occur. The object detection unit measures the object's position in the vertical direction with high precision, allowing accurate interference detection without requiring detection in all spatial dimensions
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 enables safe and efficient X-ray computed tomography in standing or sitting positions by preventing unnecessary radiation exposure and reducing imaging time by accurately determining and managing the object's position relative to the gantry boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
a gantry (110) including an X-ray tube (17) and an X-ray detector (19) on both sides of an opening portion (15)
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray tube (17) and an X-ray detector (19) on both sides of an opening portion (15)
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry, storage circuitry and control circuitry. The gantry including an X-ray tube is relatively movable on a floor surface of an examination room. The storage circuitry store information of a first boundary indicating an outer edge of a FOV inside the opening portion and information of a second boundary located between the first boundary and an inner surface of the opening portion to prevent interference between an object and the gantry. The control circuitry control the X-ray tube to stop emitting X-rays based on a relative positional relationship between a scan target area of the object and the first boundary or control the gantry to stop moving based on a relative positional relationship between a non-scan target area of the object and the second boundary.