Dynamic Anti-Diffusion Grid Positioning for Radiological Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiological imaging systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the use of anti-diffusion grids, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased radiation doses due to manual intervention and inadequate compensation for radiation attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A process and system that automatically determine the object's characteristics to control the positioning of an anti-diffusion grid within the radiological imaging system, allowing it to be centered on the source-detector axis and parallel to the detector plane, thereby optimizing radiation intensity and reducing patient exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an anti-diffusion grid is always positioned between the object and detector, then the contrast-to-noise ratio is improved by rejecting diffused radiation, but the radiation dose to the patient increases due to grid attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic grid positioning that dynamically adjusts the grid's presence based on real-time assessment of object characteristics and diffused radiation levels. The grid is positioned only when and where diffused radiation degrades image quality, rather than being statically present for all exposures. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing contrast enhancement only when necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiation dose increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the grid positioning parameter based on measured object characteristics and diffused radiation levels. By changing the grid position parameter from a fixed state to a variable state determined by object parameters (thickness, density, composition) and radiation conditions, the system optimizes the balance between contrast-to-noise ratio improvement and radiation dose minimization.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the anti-diffusion grid is manually positioned based on operator observation, then the radiation dose can be reduced by removing the grid when unnecessary, but the examination procedure becomes complicated and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic grid positioning system that self-determines when the grid is needed based on measured object characteristics and diffused radiation levels. The system performs its own assessment and control without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining examination speed while optimizing radiation dose. The automatic control system eliminates the manual decision-making step that previously slowed down the examination procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of grid positioning by the operator is replaced with an automatic control system that uses sensors and processing to determine grid positioning. This substitution of manual mechanical action with an automated control system resolves the contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming manual assessment and positioning steps while still achieving radiation dose optimization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the anti-diffusion grid is removed for thin structures or distant objects, then the radiation dose is reduced, but image quality degradation from diffused radiation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the grid positioning parameter based on measured object characteristics (thickness, density, composition) and radiation conditions. For thin structures or distant objects where diffused radiation is minimal, the system changes the grid position parameter to remove the grid, thereby reducing radiation dose without compromising image quality. The parameter change is driven by quantitative assessment of the actual radiation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid positioning is dynamically adjusted based on real-time assessment of object characteristics and diffused radiation levels. For specific conditions (thin structures, distant objects), the system dynamically determines that the grid is unnecessary and positions it accordingly, avoiding both image quality degradation and unnecessary radiation dose increase.
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 solution enhances image quality by dynamically adjusting the grid's presence based on object characteristics, reducing radiation dose and simplifying the examination process by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of the diffused radiation leads to degradation of the contrast of the image obtained and to a reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio
Implementation Method 2
The source 10 transmits a radiation beam of which the intensity is attenuated as it passes through the object 12, partially by absorption and partially by diffusion in the object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for acquisition of one or more radiological image(s) of an object of a region of interest on a patient, obtained by means of a radiological imaging system, in which the system includes: a radiation source, a detector arranged opposite the source and at least one anti-diffusion grid, which process includes steps consisting of: determining characteristics of the object to be imaged; controlling, according to the characteristics determined, a movement of the anti-diffusion grid in order to position it in or remove it from an operational position between the object and the detector, in which the operational position corresponds to a position of the grid centered on the source-detector axis and parallel to the plane including the detector; and acquiring images of the structure exposed to the radiation emitted by the source.