X-ray CT Scanner with Narrow Sensor and Collimator for Custom FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT radiographing apparatuses require large sensors and high X-ray doses to achieve desired field of view (FOV) sizes and shapes, complicating motion and increasing exposure.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT radiographing apparatus with a small width sensor and a controller that selectively blocks X-rays using a collimator or shutter, allowing for customizable FOV sizes and shapes without moving the rotation shaft, reducing exposure by turning X-rays ON/OFF or physically blocking them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-size sensor is used to receive X-rays covering the entire FOV area, then the FOV coverage is sufficient, but the device complexity and X-ray dose increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FOV into multiple sections and uses a small-width sensor to capture data from different sections sequentially during rotation. Instead of using one large sensor to capture the entire FOV at once, the sensor captures segmented portions of the FOV at different angular positions, which are then reconstructed to form the complete CT image. This segmentation approach reduces sensor size requirements while maintaining comprehensive FOV coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-size sensor is used to receive X-rays covering the entire FOV area, then the FOV coverage is sufficient, but the X-ray dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the small-width sensor capture only the necessary portions of the FOV at each angular position rather than requiring the sensor to cover the entire FOV simultaneously. The collimator limits the X-ray beam to only illuminate the current sensor coverage area, avoiding unnecessary X-ray exposure to regions outside the current field of detection. This partial coverage approach reduces the total X-ray dose while still acquiring sufficient data for complete FOV reconstruction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator blocks X-rays in multiple sections during radiographing, then the X-ray dose is reduced, but the radiographing sequence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the rotational movement of the X-ray source and sensor assembly around the subject. The collimator periodically blocks and allows X-rays in sections corresponding to different angular positions during the rotation cycle. This periodic blocking pattern, synchronized with the rotational motion, enables systematic coverage of different FOV sections while maintaining a relatively simple control sequence based on the regular rotational periodicity.
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 the creation of X-ray CT images with various sizes and shapes using a narrower sensor while minimizing X-ray exposure, simplifying the radiographing sequence and reducing the X-ray dose for the examinee.
Implementation Method 1
The X-rays having passed through the body part are attenuated in a rate varying according to substances in their travelling path and are transformed to electrical signals by the X-ray sensor by photoelectric.
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to control the generating unit for blocking the X-rays radiated toward parts other than the second FOV when performing X-ray radiographing
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an X-ray CT scanning apparatus and a scanning method thereof that can select various regions to be scanned, simplify a scanning motion, and reduce an X-ray exposure dose. The X-ray CT scanning apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a rotary support being rotated about one axis by a rotation drive unit; a generator unit disposed on one side of the rotary support and including an X-ray generator and a collimator to irradiate a collimated X-ray beam with a predetermined width; a sensor unit disposed on an opposite side of the rotary support to face the generator unit with an object-to-be-examined therebetween and having a narrow X-ray sensor moving in the circumferential direction of the rotary support when the rotary support rotates; and a control unit controlling the operation of the rotation drive unit, the generator unit, and the sensor unit while X-ray CT scanning, wherein the control unit controls the generator unit to make the travel paths of X-ray beams the same when scanning different regions and to turn off the X-ray beams in different sections of the travel paths of the X-ray beams according to the difference between the regions to be scanned.