Dynamic Collimator Aperture Control for X-ray Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parallel-scan tomosynthesis (PST) exposes patients to a higher radiation dose due to overlapping radiation fields during image acquisition, compared to slot-scan radiography (SSR).
Innovation Solution
An X-ray device method that adjusts the collimator aperture of the X-ray tube assembly based on position information to change the aperture angle of the radiation field during image acquisition, allowing for wider apertures where depth information is needed and narrower apertures where it is not, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If parallel-scan tomosynthesis (PST) uses overlapping radiation fields to generate 3D tomosynthesis dataset, then depth information quality is improved, but radiation dose to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the collimator aperture angle dynamically based on the anatomical region being scanned. Different regions receive different aperture angles - larger angles for regions requiring depth information (joints) and smaller angles for regions where depth information is less critical (bone shafts). This localized adjustment optimizes depth information quality where needed while minimizing radiation dose in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the collimator aperture angle variable rather than fixed. The aperture angle is dynamically adjusted during the scanning process based on position information and pre-stored angle assignments for different anatomical regions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the radiation field geometry to the specific requirements of each scanned region, resolving the contradiction between depth information quality and radiation dose.
2Measurement precision
If collimator aperture angle is increased to improve depth information acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the collimator aperture angle dynamically based on the anatomical region being scanned. Different regions receive different aperture angles - larger angles for regions requiring depth information (joints) and smaller angles for regions where depth information is less critical (bone shafts). This localized adjustment optimizes depth information quality where needed while minimizing radiation dose in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the collimator aperture angle to resolve the contradiction. By varying this parameter according to the scanned region and storing optimal angle assignments in advance, the system achieves high measurement precision for depth information only where anatomically necessary, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
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 method enables the acquisition of images with depth information while minimizing radiation exposure by dynamically adjusting the radiation field's aperture angle according to the anatomical region, reducing the overall radiation dose to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
actuating a collimator aperture of a collimator of the X-ray tube assembly, as a function of position information describing a position of the acquisition arrangement in the scanning direction, to change an aperture angle of a radiation field generated by the X-ray tube assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one X-ray tube assembly having a collimator
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for operating an X-ray device. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring a sequence of images of a patient; moving an acquisition arrangement including at least one X-ray tube assembly, during the acquiring of the sequence of images, along the patient in a scanning direction; evaluating at least two different images, showing at least one common feature of the patient, to determine depth information for the at least one common feature; and actuating a collimator aperture of a collimator of the X-ray tube assembly, as a function of position information describing a position of the acquisition arrangement in the scanning direction, to change an aperture angle of a radiation field generated by the X-ray tube assembly in the scanning direction.