Hybrid MeV-keV X-ray Source for Radiotherapy Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in obtaining high-quality images, especially when dense tissues are involved, due to issues like streak artifacts, photon starvation, and beam hardening, particularly when using keV x-rays, while MeV x-rays suffer from low contrast-to-noise ratio and higher noise levels, limiting the effectiveness of radiation therapy and imaging.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal imaging system that combines keV and MeV x-ray sources, where a first x-ray source produces photons in the 40 keV to 150 keV range for imaging and a second source produces photons in the 400 keV to 6 MeV range for treatment, with data from both sources being combined using spectral analysis to enhance image quality and material identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If keV x-rays are used for imaging, then image contrast is improved, but streak artifacts and photon starvation occur in dense tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines keV and MeV x-ray imaging systems into a single hybrid apparatus, merging the high contrast capability of keV imaging with the penetrating power of MeV imaging to overcome the limitations of each individual system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite imaging by combining data from two different energy ranges (keV and MeV), creating a composite image that leverages the advantages of both energy types while mitigating their respective disadvantages
2Volume of moving object
If MeV x-rays are used for imaging, then penetration through dense tissues is improved, but contrast-to-noise ratio decreases and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system merges MeV and keV imaging modalities, allowing the MeV component to provide deep penetration while the keV component provides high contrast, with both datasets combined to produce superior images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different energy ranges to different imaging needs within the same system, using MeV for deep penetration regions and keV for high contrast regions, optimizing local imaging quality throughout the field of view
3Device complexity
If single-energy x-ray imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging accuracy in dense tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid imaging system performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously, handling both deep penetration and high contrast requirements within a single apparatus, making it universally applicable to various imaging scenarios
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
The system achieves improved image quality by leveraging the complementary advantages of keV and MeV x-rays, enhancing contrast and reducing noise, thereby improving the accuracy of radiation therapy and imaging, particularly in regions with dense tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiation source configured for imaging radiation
Implementation Method 2
a second radiation source configured for imaging radiation and therapeutic radiation, wherein the second radiation source has an energy level more than the first radiation source
Implementation Method 3
combining the first and second measured projection data to create a composite output including at least one image, the combining based in part on a spectral analysis of at least one of the first and second measured projection data
Data Source
AI summary
A radio therapy system includes a first x-ray source. The first x-ray source is configured to produce first x-ray photons in a first energy range suitable for imaging and project the first x-ray photons onto an area designated for imaging. The system includes a second x-ray source configured to produce second x-ray photons in a second energy range higher energy than the first energy range, produce third x-ray photons in a third energy range higher energy than the first energy range, project the second x-ray photons onto the area designated for imaging, and project the third x-ray photons onto an area designated for treatment. The system includes an analytical portion configured to collect and combine data to create a composite output including at least one image, the combining based in part on a spectral analysis.