Dual-Source CT Positioning Scan Without Tube Movement Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning scan methods for dual-source CT apparatuses suffer from low working efficiency due to the need for tube movement during lateral and dual positioning scans, leading to prolonged waiting times.

Innovation Solution

The method involves positioning the first and second tubes of the dual-source CT apparatus at fixed initial locations before scanning, allowing simultaneous exposure by both tubes for different scan types, including front, lateral, and dual positioning scans, with interference correction and field-of-view expansion to optimize data quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tube movement is performed during lateral and dual positioning scans, then positioning scan images can be acquired, but working efficiency is reduced and waiting time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning scan image qualityVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The method pre-positions both the first tube and second tube at their respective initial positions before the positioning scan begins. The first tube is positioned at an initial position and the second tube is positioned at another initial position, allowing both tubes to be ready for simultaneous exposure without requiring movement during the scan, thereby eliminating waiting time and improving working efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method combines the functions of both the first tube and second tube to perform positioning scans simultaneously. By controlling both tubes to perform exposure at their respective initial positions, the system can acquire both front and lateral positioning scan images in parallel, merging the sequential scanning process into a simultaneous operation that improves productivity without compromising image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If tube movement is performed during lateral and dual positioning scans, then positioning scan images can be acquired, but scanning duration is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning scan image qualityVSAvoidscanning duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Both tubes are pre-positioned at their initial positions before the positioning scan starts, eliminating the need for movement during scanning. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the first tube and second tube are both ready to perform exposure immediately, reducing scanning duration while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method enables continuous useful action by having both tubes perform exposure simultaneously without interruption for movement. The first tube and second tube both perform exposure at their initial positions, creating a continuous scanning process that reduces total scanning duration compared to sequential scanning with movement intervals

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 reduces scanning duration and increases efficiency, particularly in high-throughput clinical scenarios by eliminating the need for tube movement and enabling simultaneous data acquisition, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the dual-source CT apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a first tube and a second tube in the dual-source CT apparatus... controlling the first tube to perform exposure... controlling the second tube to perform exposure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP4672153A1Positioning scan method and apparatus, dual-source CT apparatus, medium and product
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4672153A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4672153A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4672153A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a positioning scan method and apparatus, a dual-source CT apparatus, a medium and a product. A first tube and a second tube in the dual-source CT apparatus have automatically returned to initial positions before a positioning scan is performed, wherein initial positions of the first tube and the second tube are respectively located directly above/below a gantry, and at a left/right lateral position on the gantry; the positioning scan method comprises: receiving a positioning scan instruction; performing the following operations according to a type of the positioning scan instruction: if it is a front image scan instruction, controlling the first tube to perform exposure, to obtain first front projection data; if it is a lateral image scan instruction, controlling the second tube to perform exposure, to obtain first lateral projection data; if it is a dual positioning image scan instruction, controlling the first tube and the second tube to simultaneously perform exposure, to obtain second front projection data and second lateral projection data respectively. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to solve the problem of low working efficiency of existing positioning scan methods for dual-source CT apparatuses.