X-ray CT Top Board Transfer Control for Boundary Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT systems face challenges in minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining image quality, particularly when scanning organs like the heart, which is constantly moving, leading to discontinuities in imaging region boundaries due to minimized overlap regions.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT system employs a control mechanism that adjusts the transfer amount of the top board and the overlap region size based on specific examination modes, such as ECG or respiration gated examinations, to optimize the overlap region and prevent discontinuities in image boundaries during reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the overlap region is minimized to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation dose is reduced, but discontinuity in imaging region boundary sharply appears deteriorating image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer amount variable rather than fixed. The control means adjusts the transfer amount based on the imaging region range, allowing the system to adapt dynamically between minimizing overlap for radiation reduction and maintaining sufficient overlap for image quality, thus resolving the contradiction between radiation exposure and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transfer amount based on the imaging region range. When the imaging region range is large, the transfer amount is increased to minimize overlap and reduce radiation. When the imaging region range is small, the transfer amount is decreased to maintain sufficient overlap and ensure image quality. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction adaptively
2Productivity
If the imaging region range is increased to reduce the number of imaging regions, then scanning efficiency is improved, but the difference in bend amounts of the top board becomes larger causing discontinuity in boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transfer amount dynamic based on the imaging region range. When the imaging region range is large (improving productivity), the system compensates by adjusting the transfer amount to account for larger top board bend differences, thereby maintaining boundary continuity despite the increased scanning range
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between imaging regions is increased to reduce overlap region, then radiation exposure is reduced, but discontinuity in imaging region boundary appears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transfer amount parameter based on the imaging region range to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the transfer amount according to the specific imaging conditions, the system can increase the distance between imaging regions to reduce radiation while maintaining sufficient overlap to ensure boundary continuity, optimizing both radiation exposure and image quality
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 allows for reduced radiation exposure while maintaining image quality by adjusting the transfer amount and overlap region size, effectively minimizing discontinuities in imaging region boundaries, even when scanning organs with varying shapes.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube, radiating X-rays onto a subject
Implementation Method 2
detects X-rays radiated from an X-ray tube onto a subject and transmitted through the subject by means of an X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
In the X-ray CT system according to an embodiment, a control means displaces and images imaging regions in the subject by controlling a top board driver and an imaging means such that the X-rays are projected onto the subject every time a top board is moved by a predetermined transfer amount. An acquiring means acquires projection data of the respective imaging regions. A reconstruction means, based on the projection data, reconstructs tomographic images for each predetermined size of a reconstruction region. In the scan control mode, the control means outputs the transfer amount corresponding to this mode to the top board driver. In the reconstruction control mode, the control means outputs the size of the reconstruction region corresponding to this mode to the reconstruction means.