Movable Gantry Scanning System for Reduced Radiation Dose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning systems for three-dimensional imaging, such as CT and digital tomosynthesis, face challenges in minimizing radiation dose while maintaining image quality, particularly due to limited scanning directions and high radiation exposure in CT scans, which are not adaptable to varying subject characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system that includes a gantry frame with a movable light source and sensor, capable of multi-dimensional movements and rotations, allowing for optimal scan mode selection based on subject characteristics by analyzing projection data within a limited scan range, enabling omni-angle scanning and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanning is used to provide three-dimensional imaging, then image quality and depth information are improved, but radiation dose increases up to a hundred times compared to X-ray radiography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary projection information from a limited angular range (e.g., 30-60 degrees) rather than performing a full 360-degree CT scan. This selective extraction of projection data from a subset of angles allows reconstruction of three-dimensional images with significantly reduced radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality for specific clinical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing tomosynthesis with limited-angle scanning instead of complete omnidirectional scanning. By acquiring projection data from only a portion of the full angular range and using specialized reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves adequate three-dimensional imaging capability with fraction of the radiation dose required for conventional CT.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If digital tomosynthesis with limited-angle scanning is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation exposure is reduced, but scanning direction is limited to longitudinal direction only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning capability where the scanning direction can be adjusted and changed based on the specific imaging requirements and subject characteristics. The system allows selection among multiple scanning directions (longitudinal, transverse, oblique) and can adaptively choose the optimal scanning plane, transforming the static single-direction limitation into a dynamic multi-directional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning system that can perform multiple scanning functions across different directions and planes. The apparatus is designed to accommodate various scanning configurations (sagittal, coronal, axial planes) and can be applied to different body parts and clinical scenarios, making the limited-angle tomosynthesis technique as versatile as conventional CT for many diagnostic purposes.
3Device complexity
If conventional tomosynthesis with fixed scanning direction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to meet various imaging demands for different body portions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds dimensional flexibility by enabling scanning in multiple spatial dimensions and orientations. Instead of being constrained to a single longitudinal scanning plane, the system can rotate and scan across transverse, oblique, and other planes, effectively adding angular and orientational dimensions to the scanning capability without substantially increasing mechanical complexity.
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 system achieves precise and effective imaging with reduced radiation dose and examination time, applicable for various imaging modalities including two-dimensional radiography, three-dimensional tomosynthesis, and cone-beam computed tomography, enhancing image quality and safety in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
By having the X-ray imaging as an example
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the transmitted projection data
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A scanning system for three-dimensional imaging comprises a bench, a gantry frame, a light source, a sensor and a control unit. The bench is to support a subject to be scanned. The gantry frame is movably mounted at a lateral side of the bench. The light source is movably mounted on the gantry frame so as to emit a light for a radiographic purpose. The sensor is movably mounted at a side of the bench, by opposing to the subject with respect to the bench, so as to receive the light emitted from the light source. The control unit is electrically coupled with the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor so as thereby to perform motion controls upon the gantry frame, the light source and the sensor.