Interferometer Grating Support for X-ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT imaging faces challenges in differentiating pathologic from non-pathologic tissue with similar absorption cross-sections, and grating-based x-ray imaging requires precise placement and maintenance of X-ray gratings, which is difficult due to limited space and the presence of other X-ray beam conditioning components.
Innovation Solution
An interferometer grating support system with elongate supports and arc-shaped gratings that can be positioned between the radiation source and the examination region, allowing for precise placement and adjustment of the source and phase gratings, while accommodating other beam conditioning components like the bow-tie filter and beam collimator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gratings are added to the X-ray imaging system for phase contrast imaging, then imaging quality and tissue differentiation capability are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gratings into an existing X-ray imaging system by positioning them within the limited space between the X-ray tube output window and the examination area. The grating assembly is nested among other beam conditioning components (low energy filter, bow-tie attenuator, beam collimator) without requiring a completely new system architecture, thus adding phase contrast capability while minimizing overall device complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension along the X-ray beam path to accommodate the gratings. By carefully selecting positions for the source grating, phase grating, and absorber grating along the beam trajectory, the system achieves three-dimensional phase contrast imaging capability without significantly increasing the footprint or overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If gratings are positioned close to the detector for phase contrast imaging, then phase contrast sensitivity is improved, but the available space for grating placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable or adjustable grating assemblies that can be dynamically positioned to optimize the distance between gratings and detector. This allows the system to achieve optimal phase contrast sensitivity (requiring specific grating-to-detector distances) while adapting to the limited available space in different imaging configurations and patient sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The grating system is divided into separate components (source grating, phase grating, absorber grating) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each grating to be optimally placed within the constrained space, with the phase grating positioned close to the detector for maximum sensitivity while other gratings are positioned at appropriate distances to maintain beam geometry
3Reliability
If multiple beam conditioning components are included in the X-ray path, then radiation protection and beam quality are improved, but the space for grating placement is further limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grating assembly with existing beam conditioning components into an integrated unit. The gratings are positioned in close proximity to other components (low energy filter, bow-tie attenuator, beam collimator), sharing mounting structures and space, thereby maintaining radiation protection functionality while minimizing the additional space required for phase contrast imaging capability
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
Enables high phase-contrast and dark-field sensitivity imaging by maintaining precise grating positions and geometrical accuracy, even in constrained spaces, improving tissue differentiation and imaging quality in applications like mammography and angiography.
Implementation Method 1
Grating-based x-ray imaging utilizes X-ray gratings, which allow acquisition of X-ray images in phase contrast
Implementation Method 2
Grating-based x-ray imaging utilizes X-ray gratings, which allow acquisition of X-ray images in phase contrast
Data Source
AI summary
An interferometer grating support (118) of an imaging system (100) configured for grating-based x-ray imaging includes at least two elongate supports (302) separated from each other by a non-zero distance, wherein the at least two elongate supports have a first end (312) and a second end (316). The grating support further includes a first arc shaped grating (202) affixed to the first end and a second arc shaped grating (204) affixed to a second end (316). A non-transitory computer readable medium is configured with computer executable instructions which when executed by a processor of a computer cause the processor to: move a grating support, which supports G0 and G1 gratings of an interferometer and a bowtie filter, into a region between a low energy photon filter and a beam collimator, which are between a radiation source and an examination region, for a grating-based x-ray imaging scan.