Imaging Proxy for Narrow Field of View Radiation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems often have a narrow field of view (FOV), limiting the extent of image data capture, and extending the FOV can result in increased radiation exposure for objects within the extended area.
Innovation Solution
The use of an imaging proxy device that projects an identifiable structure into the FOV, allowing the position of a body outside the FOV to be determined through geometric relationships, thereby enabling focused radiation exposure and smaller scanning areas for larger bodies or moving anatomical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the FOV of an imaging system is extended to capture larger areas, then the extent of image data capture is improved, but radiation exposure for objects within the extended FOV increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the total imaging area into multiple smaller FOVs that are captured separately at different times. The table moves between captures to position different regions within the narrow FOV. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended coverage without exposing all areas to radiation simultaneously, as only the current FOV receives radiation during each capture event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the table and subject before each FOV capture by adjusting the table position to place the next region of interest within the narrow FOV. This preliminary action ensures that only the necessary area is exposed to radiation at each step, rather than exposing the entire extended area at once.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple slices are captured over a longer period to address narrow FOV, then the extent of image data capture is improved, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces extensive mechanical movement and long acquisition times with an optical substitution approach. By placing a proxy object with identifiable features in the narrow FOV that represents the position and orientation of a body part outside the FOV, the system can determine the position of external bodies through geometric relationships and image processing, rather than mechanically scanning or waiting for extended acquisition periods.
3Area of stationary object
If mirrors are used to reflect light onto the image plane to extend FOV, then the field of view is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an imaging proxy as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the narrow FOV and the extended area of interest. The proxy object with known geometric features serves as a mediator that allows the system to infer information about bodies outside the FOV through their spatial relationship with the proxy, without requiring complex mirror systems or additional imaging hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes disposing an object relative to a first body, positioning a second body within a field of view of an imaging system such that the object is within the field of view and the first body is outside the field of view, and capturing, by the imaging system, data indicative of the object and the second body.