X-ray CT Apparatus Tissue-Specific Irradiation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT systems fail to optimize X-ray irradiation conditions based on the specific absorption or transmission characteristics of different tissues, leading to suboptimal image quality and excessive radiation doses during diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus that sets X-ray irradiation conditions by combining tube current and voltage based on the absorption coefficient of the tissue, allowing for selective adjustment of scanning protocols to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining necessary image quality, using a rotary disk scanner, image processing, and a control device to display and implement the optimal conditions for diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fixed X-ray irradiation conditions are used for all tissues, then the scanning system is simple to operate, but the radiation dose cannot be optimized for different tissue types leading to excessive exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes X-ray irradiation parameters (tube current, tube voltage, exposure time) based on the absorption coefficient of different tissues. The setting device calculates optimal parameters by considering the specific attenuation characteristics of each tissue type, thereby reducing radiation dose while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the absorption coefficient of the scanning subject site before actual scanning. Based on this preliminary data, the setting device determines appropriate X-ray irradiation conditions in advance, allowing optimized parameters to be applied during the actual scan to minimize radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If fixed X-ray irradiation conditions are used, then the scanning process is simple and fast, but the image quality is insufficient for specific tissue diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of absorption coefficient data before the main scanning process. This preliminary measurement enables the setting device to pre-calculate optimal irradiation conditions, so that during actual scanning, the pre-determined parameters can be applied immediately without delay, thus maintaining both high image quality and efficient scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts X-ray irradiation parameters (tube current, tube voltage) according to the specific absorption characteristics of different tissues. By matching irradiation parameters to tissue-specific attenuation properties, the system optimizes image quality for diagnostic purposes while adapting to different tissue types.
3Productivity
If uniform X-ray irradiation is applied to all body parts, then the scanning system is simple to operate, but the radiation dose efficiency is poor for individual objects of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts X-ray irradiation parameters based on the absorption coefficient of the scanning subject site, which varies with object size and tissue type. The setting device calculates optimal tube current, tube voltage, and exposure time combinations tailored to each specific scanning scenario, thereby improving dose efficiency without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of irradiation parameters by automatically measuring the absorption coefficient and calculating optimal settings. The setting device autonomously determines the best irradiation conditions based on the measured tissue characteristics, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment by operators while maximizing dose efficiency.
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 reduction of radiation dose to the minimum required while maintaining diagnostic image quality by tailoring X-ray irradiation conditions to the specific tissue characteristics, improving image readability and reducing noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source which irradiates X-rays; an X-ray detector which is arranged oppositely to the X-ray source and detects the irradiated X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a scanner having a rotary disk which rotatably supports the X-ray source and X-ray detector... makes the scanner rotate in a state where an object is inserted in between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to irradiate the object with X-rays from directions at a plurality of angles
Data Source
AI summary
In the X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention, the setting device sets X-ray irradiation condition candidate by at least one combination of a tube current and tube voltage for power to be supplied to the X-ray source by the use of an X-ray absorption coefficient of said scanning subject site of the object, and the control device makes the display device selectably display each of the set X-ray irradiation condition candidates which is provided for a diagnosis of a requested tissue of the object, to take control such that a tomographic image of the object is taken according to the selected X-ray irradiation condition candidate. According to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to set a scanning condition in view of absorption or transmission of X-rays specific to and different among each tissue of an object.