Dynamic Collimator Aperture for X-ray CT Dose Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging systems face challenges in managing X-ray dose efficiency and image quality, particularly due to the pre-patient collimator's impact on X-ray flux and spectrum, which can lead to differential image quality across detector rows.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically configure the collimator aperture based on selected X-ray dose efficiency and measured X-ray flux, using a computing device coupled to the collimator and X-ray detector, to optimize image quality and dose efficiency within a reliability range of a calibration curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the pre-patient collimator is used to control X-ray beam shape and position, then the X-ray dose efficiency is improved, but the image quality becomes inconsistent across different detector rows
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator aperture is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time modification of the aperture shape and position to compensate for the differential impact on different detector rows, thereby maintaining image quality consistency while preserving dose efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array are treated differently through localized aperture control. The system adjusts the collimator aperture to provide appropriate X-ray beam coverage for each detector row region, accounting for the varying sensitivity and quality requirements across the detector array
2Device complexity
If the collimator aperture is fixed, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different imaging scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed aperture to a dynamically controllable aperture that can adapt to different imaging scenarios. The computing device controls the collimator aperture in real-time based on the specific imaging requirements, patient characteristics, and detector row considerations
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies collimator aperture parameters such as opening size, shape, and position dynamically. By changing these parameters based on the imaging scenario and detected X-ray flux characteristics, the system achieves versatility without requiring multiple physical collimator configurations
3Quantity of substance
If the collimator aperture is dynamically adjusted to optimize dose efficiency, then the X-ray flux is improved, but the calibration curve reliability range is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback from X-ray flux measurements and calibration curve data to guide the aperture adjustment process. The computing device uses the feedback information to ensure that aperture modifications remain within the reliable operating range defined by the calibration curve while still optimizing dose efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a reliable operating range based on calibration data before actual imaging occurs. This pre-determined range acts as a cushion or safety boundary that prevents aperture adjustments from becoming unreliable, allowing dynamic optimization within safe limits
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 the CT imaging system to achieve a balance between image quality and X-ray dose, improving dose efficiency and maintaining consistent image quality across the detector rows, thereby enhancing patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The CT imaging system includes a pre-patient collimator to shape and calibrate the X-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector is positioned to receive the X-rays. The X-rays received by the X-ray detector are processed
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods are provided for a system and a computer-implemented method to dynamically configure a collimator aperture of a CT imaging system. The system may be provided to dynamically configure a collimator aperture over a slice coverage of a CT imaging system. The system may, further, provide a processor programmed to select an X-ray dose efficiency based on one or more parameters and dynamically configure a collimator aperture of the system within a reliability range of a calibration curve based on the selected X-ray dose efficiency and flux measured by the X-ray detector.