Extendable Detector Arms for Volumetric Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional volumetric scanning methods, such as CT scans, require extensive resources and result in high patient radiation doses due to the need for orbiting detectors and collimators, leading to inefficiencies and potential poor image quality, which can necessitate repeated measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing extendable detector arms with radiation detectors that move linearly and tilt to intercept radiation from multiple angles, allowing for volumetric imaging without orbiting motion, and incorporating a gantry to support these arms around the patient, enabling improved spatial resolution and image quality with reduced radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If orbiting detectors and collimators are used for volumetric scanning, then sufficient radiation information is obtained for image reconstruction, but patient radiation dose becomes relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient radiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into multiple independent detector modules distributed around the object. Each module contains detectors and collimators that can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing selective imaging of specific regions with optimized radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional orbiting motion in a plane to three-dimensional positioning of detector modules. Detectors are distributed in space and can be positioned at optimal distances and angles from the object, enabling volumetric imaging with reduced radiation dose through optimized geometric coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a large number of detectors and fine motion control are used for high resolution volumetric scanning, then image resolution is improved, but system complexity and processing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic positioning of detector modules with controlled motion capabilities. Modules can be moved to optimal positions during scanning, and the system adapts its geometry dynamically to optimize image quality while reducing the need for excessive detector numbers and complex processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If conventional sequential imaging process is used, then complete volumetric data is collected, but imaging time increases and patient convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detector modules capture radiation data from different positions and angles simultaneously. This parallel acquisition approach combines data collection from multiple viewpoints at the same time, significantly reducing total imaging time while maintaining complete volumetric coverage and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous data acquisition during patient positioning and setup phases. By collecting useful radiation data throughout the imaging process rather than requiring separate measurement phases, the system reduces total imaging time while ensuring complete volumetric coverage.

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 enhances image quality and reduces patient radiation exposure by allowing for more efficient data collection and reconstruction of volumetric images with fewer scanning sessions, improving the overall imaging process while maintaining high resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of radiation detectors which are moved toward the body of the patient and are capable of local translation or rotation, and to intercept radiation from the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8748827B2Method and system of optimized volumetric imaging

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 SPECTRUM DYNAMICS MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

A system of performing a volumetric scan. The system comprises a surface of positioning a patient in a space parallel thereto, a plurality of extendable detector arms each the detector arm having a detection unit having at least one radiation detector, and an actuator which moves the detection unit along a linear path, and a gantry which supports the plurality of extendable detector arms around the surface so that each the linear path of each respective the extendable detector arm being directed toward the space.