Dual Source-Detector CT Imaging for Rapid 3D Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray imaging systems for interventional procedures lack the ability to provide high-quality 3D images efficiently and are limited by high radiation doses and a small field of view, making them unsuitable for various interventional applications.

Innovation Solution

The system acquires image data from two source-detector pairs rotating simultaneously through non-overlapping angles, allowing for rapid CT dataset formation and 3D reconstruction using Bayesian priors and maximum-likelihood algorithms, while configuring sources to emit radiation from multiple discrete locations for a larger field of view and reduced radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single source-detector pair rotates through 360 degrees to acquire CT data, then complete 3D imaging coverage is achieved, but the rotation time exceeds 3 seconds and image quality deteriorates due to patient motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidrotation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the 360-degree rotation into two separate 180-degree rotations performed by two source-detector pairs simultaneously. Each pair rotates through non-overlapping angular ranges (e.g., 0-180 degrees and 180-360 degrees), allowing the total acquisition time to be halved while maintaining complete angular coverage for high-quality CT reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the imaging functions of two source-detector pairs operating in parallel. Both pairs rotate simultaneously around the patient, with their detected signals merged during reconstruction to produce a complete CT dataset in half the time required by a single pair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If two source-detector pairs are positioned close together to reduce system size, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but the field of view decreases and discrete emissive locations cannot provide adequate coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsource configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures multiple discrete emissive locations (focal spots) on each source face, where each location is optimized for specific imaging angles. This allows the system to maintain a compact physical footprint while providing comprehensive angular coverage through the combination of multiple localized emission points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point source to a multi-focal-spot source configuration, adding the dimension of multiple discrete emission locations on the source face. This enables the system to achieve both compact size and large field of view by utilizing angular diversity from multiple focal spots rather than increasing physical separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If standard CT rotation speeds are used to ensure image quality, then adequate sampling is achieved, but the rotation time exceeds 3 seconds and patient motion degrades the images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscan duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs rapid data acquisition from two source-detector pairs simultaneously over 180-degree arcs, completing the entire CT dataset acquisition in less than 3 seconds before patient motion can significantly degrade image quality. This preliminary rapid sampling captures sufficient data for reconstruction before motion artifacts become problematic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous rotation of both source-detector pairs during data acquisition, eliminating stops and starts that would extend scan time. The simultaneous continuous rotation of two pairs ensures that sufficient angular sampling is achieved throughout the brief acquisition window to maintain image quality despite the reduced duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables fast, high-quality 3D imaging with reduced radiation exposure, suitable for multiple interventional applications, and provides a larger field of view, addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring image data from two source-detector pairs while rotating the pairs simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation emission and detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

forming a computed tomography dataset by acquiring image data from two source-detector pairs while rotating the pairs simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComputed tomography: Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS9001962B2Method and apparatus for multiple X-ray imaging applications

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 TRIPLE RING TECH

AI summary

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for medical imaging comprising rotating two X-ray source-detector pairs around an axis of rotation simultaneously to quickly acquire image data and form a computed tomography (CT) dataset. The sources can be configured to emit radiation from a plurality of discrete locations. The CT dataset can be utilized as a prior to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from subsequent bi-planar imaging with these source-detector pairs.