Dual Energy X-Ray Imaging System with Spectral Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in providing enhanced contrast and precise imaging of anatomical structures during surgical procedures, particularly in distinguishing between different tissues and materials without the use of contrast agents, and in efficiently acquiring image data with dual energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A dual energy imaging system that includes a controller to manage the injection of a contrast agent and utilizes two x-ray sources with different energy parameters, along with filters to separate and optimize x-ray energy spectra, allowing for enhanced contrast reconstruction and material differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single energy x-ray source is used, then the imaging system is simple and cost-effective, but the ability to distinguish between different tissues and materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the x-ray energy spectrum into multiple segments by using multiple x-ray sources operating at different energy levels (e.g., 80 kVp and 120 kVp). This segmentation allows the system to capture different tissue characteristics at different energy levels, enabling superior tissue differentiation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular source design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional energy dimension to traditional single-energy x-ray imaging by simultaneously acquiring images at multiple energy levels. This dimensional expansion from 1D (single energy) to 2D (multiple energies) enables the system to distinguish between tissues with similar densities but different atomic compositions, such as soft tissue versus contrast agents
2Measurement precision
If dual energy x-ray sources are used to enhance contrast, then tissue differentiation improves, but image acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between different x-ray sources at predetermined intervals during the image acquisition sequence. By systematically alternating between first and second x-ray sources in a periodic manner, the system captures complementary tissue information from each source, achieving enhanced contrast discrimination while controlling total acquisition time through optimized switching sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous image acquisition by seamlessly transitioning between multiple x-ray sources without interruption to the imaging process. The system continuously captures data at different energy levels in rapid succession, ensuring that the subject remains in the optimal imaging position throughout while maximizing the useful imaging action time
3Measurement precision
If contrast agents are injected to improve imaging, then tissue visibility enhances, but the complexity of coordinating imaging timing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors and adjusts the timing of contrast agent injection based on real-time imaging requirements. The system receives feedback about contrast agent concentration levels and imaging phase, then dynamically adjusts acquisition timing to optimize tissue visibility while simplifying coordination through automated control loops
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the controller with optimized injection timing sequences and energy level configurations before the actual imaging procedure. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically coordinate contrast agent administration with optimal imaging moments, reducing real-time coordination complexity while maximizing tissue contrast enhancement
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
The system achieves improved contrast discrimination between soft and hard tissues, as well as between tissues with and without contrast agents, enabling more precise surgical procedures and efficient image data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a first source with a first energy parameters and a second source with a second energy parameters to emit a first x-ray beam and a second x-ray beam, respectively, through the subject
Implementation Method 2
a filter member positioned in a path of the first x-ray beam and the second x-ray beam to filter the first x-ray beam and the second x-ray beam based on the energy characteristics of the first and second x-ray beams
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different energy characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.