3D X-Ray Imaging with Fixed Emitter and Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital x-ray imaging systems face challenges in reconstructing accurate 3D images with minimal radiation exposure, particularly when dealing with regions of interest containing multiple tissue types, as they require efficient scanning and data processing to provide real-time data to medical personnel without excessive radiation doses.
Innovation Solution
A 2D emitter array and detector array are organized into groups with spatial and temporal separation to minimize overlap, using a 3D coordinate system to ensure each point in the region of interest receives radiation from multiple non-collinear emitters, and iterative image reconstruction processes involving voxelation and ray tracing to calculate absorption coefficients, allowing for the creation of 3D volume elements that represent the region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single point source projects X-rays onto a flat plane of detectors, then the imaging system is simple and low-cost, but geometric distortion and parallax effects increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single point source into a two-dimensional array of multiple X-ray sources, and similarly divides the single detector into a two-dimensional array of multiple detectors. This segmentation allows each source-detector pair to capture projections from different angles simultaneously, eliminating geometric distortion and parallax effects while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional projection geometry (single source to flat detector plane) to a two-dimensional source array geometry. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple sources at different positions, the system captures three-dimensional information directly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning while improving image accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If CT scans collect many projections through the subject, then complete 3D information is obtained, but the overall radiation dose increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous operation of multiple source-detector pairs across the two-dimensional arrays, allowing all projections to be captured in a single exposure event rather than requiring sequential scanning. This continuous parallel acquisition achieves complete 3D information with one radiation exposure, significantly reducing the total radiation dose compared to conventional CT's sequential multi-projection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic control to dynamically select and activate specific subsets of sources and detectors for different reconstruction iterations, allowing flexible optimization of the imaging geometry without mechanical movement. This dynamic electronic configuration enables adaptive scanning patterns that minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
3Productivity
If a fixed array of emitters and detectors is used, then real-time imaging is enabled, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of the two-dimensional source and detector arrays into groups with specific spatial relationships before data acquisition. This pre-configuration establishes known geometric transformations and projection relationships, allowing the reconstruction algorithm to efficiently process the data using predetermined mathematical models rather than calculating geometric relationships in real-time, thus reducing processing complexity while maintaining fast imaging speed.
4Productivity
If emitters are spatially distributed in a fixed array, then multiple projections are obtained simultaneously, but overlap of radiation cones increases without temporal separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temporal separation by operating emitter groups in sequential time intervals rather than simultaneously. Different subsets of the two-dimensional emitter array are activated in periodic cycles, with each group projecting radiation through the object to the detector array during its designated time window. This periodic activation pattern ensures that radiation cones from different emitters do not overlap in the detector plane at the same time, maintaining clear separation of projection data while preserving the efficiency of simultaneous multi-emitter operation across the array.
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 reconstruction of accurate 3D images with reduced radiation exposure, providing statistically sufficient image data and efficient processing to display selected views of the region of interest, thereby minimizing patient exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Implementation Method 1
A source used to transmit x-rays having a predetermined intensity (flux); A detector for receiving the x-rays and outputting the received flux as raw digital output data
Implementation Method 2
The two dimensional (2D) images (radiographs) used in most medical radiography are created directly from differential attenuation of the applied radiation passing through a subject
Data Source
AI summary
The individual emitters are operated in multiple groups each illuminating a region of interest between the emitter array and the detector array such that the cone of radiation rays projected on the detector array from any single emitter in any one such group is substantially spatially separated from the corresponding projected cones from all other emitters in that same group. At least the ROI portion of the 3D space between the emitter panel and the detector panel is represented by 3D volume elements (voxels), wherein at least some of those voxels represent respective portions of that space that are traversed by corresponding portions of a plurality of radiation rays each extending from a respective emitter to a respective detector and are associated with respective absorption coefficients representative of the radiation absorption characteristic of a corresponding portion of the ROI. The image reconstruction process is an iterative process in which neighboring voxels having similar calculated coefficients are combined into larger voxels, neighboring voxels having dissimilar calculated coefficients are divided into smaller voxels, and new absorption coefficients are calculated.