Hybrid X-ray Detector System for Seamless 2D and 3D Imaging Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, such as X-ray and CT imaging systems, often require separate equipment and workflows, leading to increased costs, inconvenience, and inefficient use of space, as they are typically maintained in distinct rooms with dedicated systems, and there is a need for a system that can seamlessly switch between two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid medical imaging system that incorporates a gantry with a rotatable radiation source and a hybrid detector system, including a flat panel detector and a CT detector assembly, allowing for automatic switching between conventional X-ray imaging and CT imaging modes, enabling shared components like the radiation source, collimator, and control systems, and facilitating the use of a single room for both modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate X-ray and CT imaging systems are maintained in distinct rooms with dedicated equipment, then each system can provide specialized imaging functionality, but the overall cost increases, space consumption increases, and patient convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a flat panel detector (FPD) and a CT detector assembly into a single hybrid detection system that can be used with both 2D and 3D imaging modes. The FPD is positioned within the table while the CT detector assembly is integrated within the gantry, allowing one physical system to perform multiple imaging functions that previously required separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid detection system is designed to serve multiple purposes: the FPD enables conventional 2D radiography while the CT detector assembly enables 3D volumetric imaging. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate X-ray and CT scanners, reducing overall system complexity and resource consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid detection system with both flat panel detector and CT detector assembly is used, then imaging versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the FPD can be moved into and out of the bore using the table mechanism. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between 2D and 3D imaging modes by physically repositioning the FPD relative to the radiation source and patient, providing operational flexibility without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the FPD for 2D imaging and the CT detector assembly for 3D imaging. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling independent operation and selective activation based on the required imaging modality, managing complexity through modular design.
3Ease of operation
If automatic switching between imaging modes is implemented, then patient convenience and workflow efficiency improve, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically assess the imaging requirements based on input data and switch between 2D and 3D imaging modes accordingly. This automated feedback-driven decision-making reduces manual intervention and simplifies the user interface while managing the complexity of mode switching through intelligent control algorithms.
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 hybrid system enhances imaging performance, reduces costs, improves patient convenience, and optimizes space usage by allowing efficient switching between imaging modes, providing high spatial resolution in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
both the X-ray imaging system and the CT imaging system are utilized as diagnostic tools... rely on various physical principles, such as the differential transmission of X-rays through the target volume
Implementation Method 2
rely on various physical principles, such as the differential transmission of X-rays through the target volume or the emission of gamma radiation, to acquire data and to construct images
Data Source
AI summary
A computed tomography (CT) imaging system is provided. The CT imaging system includes a gantry, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system also includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of a bore of the gantry. The CT imaging system further includes a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam. The CT imaging system even further includes one or more detectors configured to detect the emitted X-ray beam, wherein the one or more detectors comprises a flat panel detector disposed within the table, wherein the table is configured to move the flat panel detector into and out of the bore. The CT imaging system is configured to generate a two-dimensional image of the subject utilizing the radiation source and the flat panel detector.