Layered PCCT Calibration Phantom for Easier Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phantoms for photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) systems are heavy and ergonomically challenging to handle, making regular calibration scans difficult and causing user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, ergonomic phantom with multiple layers of different materials, a trapezoidal shape, and integrated handles or a foam cover, designed for easy handling and precise positioning within the imaging system, coupled to a patient table via a plug for consistent calibration scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing phantoms are used for PCCT calibration, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but user discomfort and handling difficulty increase due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is divided into multiple detachable layers of different materials (e.g., water-equivalent, bone-equivalent, air-equivalent layers) that can be separately positioned and removed. This segmentation reduces the weight that users must handle at any one time while maintaining the full material diversity needed for accurate multi-energy calibration scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom utilizes vertical stacking of material layers to provide diverse attenuation properties in the height dimension, allowing calibration of different energy levels without increasing horizontal footprint or overall weight. Users handle lighter individual layers rather than a single heavy monolithic phantom.
2Reliability
If regular calibration scans are performed with heavy phantoms, then system accuracy is maintained, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom consists of multiple detachable layers that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Users can quickly reconfigure or remove specific layers based on calibration needs, reducing physical strain during frequent calibration operations while ensuring consistent system accuracy through reproducible material positioning.
3Ease of operation
If a lightweight phantom design is used, then handling ease improves, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each phantom layer includes integrated positioning features such as alignment guides, registration marks, or mechanical interlocks that ensure precise and repeatable positioning when layers are assembled. The segmented design with built-in alignment mechanisms maintains positioning precision while keeping individual components lightweight and easy to handle.
4Measurement precision
If multiple material layers are included for accurate calibration, then calibration quality improves, but phantom weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is constructed as multiple separate layers of different materials (water-equivalent, bone-equivalent, air-equivalent) that can be individually positioned and removed. This segmentation allows the system to include diverse attenuation properties for high-quality multi-energy calibration while keeping the weight manageable by handling only one or a few layers at a time rather than a single heavy multi-material phantom.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom uses vertical stacking of material layers to provide diverse attenuation properties without increasing horizontal footprint or overall weight burden. Different material equivalence types are arranged in the height dimension, allowing comprehensive calibration capability while maintaining lightweight handling of individual layers.
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
Facilitates easy and precise calibration scans in PCCT systems, reducing user discomfort and ensuring consistent calibration results by minimizing phantom weight and enhancing maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam generated by a cathode is directed towards a target within an X-ray source or X-ray tube
Implementation Method 2
A fan-shaped or cone-shaped beam of X-rays produced by electrons colliding with the target
Implementation Method 3
After being attenuated by the object, the X-rays impinge upon an array of X-ray detectors
Implementation Method 4
where the X-ray detectors are photon-counting detectors, and photons are counted to provide spectral information
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a phantom (300) for calibrating an imaging system (100) are disclosed herein. In one example, a phantom (300) for an imaging system (100) includes a base (302) comprised of a first material, a plurality of layers (304, 306, 308) positioned on the base (302), each layer of the plurality of layers comprised of the first material or one or more additional materials, and a plug (314) coupled to a front face of the base and the plurality of layers (309), the plug (314) configured to couple to an accessory slot of a patient table (114) of the imaging system (100).