Dual-Source CT Tube Pre-Positioning for Faster Positioning Scans
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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, which increases scan waiting time and is unsuitable for high-throughput clinical scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the first and second tubes in a dual-source CT apparatus returning to predefined initial positions before scanning, with the first tube positioned above/below the gantry and the second tube at a lateral position, allowing simultaneous exposure for different scan types, including dual positioning scans, thereby reducing the need for tube movement and scan duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tube movement is performed during lateral and dual positioning scans, then positioning scan images can be acquired, but scan waiting time increases and working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by returning the first and second tubes to their initial positions before the positioning scan is performed. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for tube movement during the actual scan, thereby reducing scan waiting time and improving working efficiency while still enabling accurate positioning scan image acquisition.
2Measurement precision
If tube movement is performed during lateral and dual positioning scans, then positioning scan images can be acquired, but working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by returning the first and second tubes to their initial positions before the positioning scan is performed. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for tube movement during the actual scan, thereby reducing scan waiting time and improving working efficiency while still enabling accurate positioning scan image acquisition.
3Loss of time
If tube movement is minimized, then scan waiting time is reduced, but the ability to perform different scan types may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing both the first tube (located directly above/below the gantry) and the second tube (located at a left/right lateral position) to perform different scan types. The controller is configured to selectively control either tube based on the scan type required, enabling the system to handle front positioning scans, lateral positioning scans, and dual positioning scans without tube movement during scanning, thus maintaining both time efficiency and scan type flexibility.
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 significantly reduces scan waiting time and increases overall scanning efficiency, especially for dual positioning scans, enhancing competitiveness in high-throughput clinical settings by enabling simultaneous data acquisition and minimizing exposure dose variation.
Implementation Method 1
a first tube and a second tube... 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
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning scan method and apparatus for dual-source CT systems addresses the low working efficiency of existing positioning scan methods. The system may include first and second X-ray tubes that automatically return to predetermined initial positions before positioning scans: the first tube positioned directly above or below the gantry, and the second tube positioned at a lateral location on the gantry. The positioning scan method receives positioning scan instructions and executes operations based on instruction type. For front image scan instructions, the first tube may perform exposure and obtain front projection data. For lateral image scan instructions, the second tube may perform exposure and obtain lateral projection data. For dual-positioning image scan instructions, both tubes may perform exposure, obtaining both front and lateral projection data concurrently. This improves operational efficiency by eliminating tube repositioning delays and enabling simultaneous dual-plane imaging, thereby reducing overall scan time and enhancing workflow.