Local X-ray Acquisition Parameter Adjustment for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computed tomography systems have limited spatial resolution, which hinders the imaging of small structures like stents in coronary arteries and introduces partial volume artifacts during interventions, making accurate position determination difficult.
Innovation Solution
Implementing direct-converting X-ray detectors with smaller detector elements and a method to locally adjust acquisition parameters, such as spatial and spectral resolution, within the imaging region to enhance image quality, allowing for improved contrast and reduced artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct-converting X-ray detectors with smaller detector elements are used to increase spatial resolution, then image quality and spatial resolution are improved, but data volume and data rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between regions of interest and non-critical regions. Acquisition parameters such as spatial resolution, spectral resolution, and radiation dose are adjusted locally based on the presence and characteristics of structures of interest. This allows high-resolution imaging only where necessary, reducing overall data volume while maintaining measurement precision for critical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes acquisition parameters including spatial resolution, spectral resolution, and radiation dose based on the imaging requirements. By adapting these parameters to the specific structures being imaged, the system optimizes the balance between data quality and data volume, using higher resolution only when small structures require detailed visualization.
2Measurement precision
If radiation dose is increased to maintain image quality with smaller detector elements, then spatial resolution is improved, but image noise increases in regions outside the structures of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different radiation doses to different regions. Structures of interest receive higher radiation doses to ensure adequate signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, while regions outside the structures of interest receive reduced doses, minimizing image noise and unnecessary radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by concentrating radiation dose only on regions containing structures of interest rather than uniformly irradiating the entire field of view. This selective approach ensures adequate imaging quality for critical structures while reducing noise and radiation exposure in non-critical areas.
3Measurement precision
If uniform high spatial resolution is applied to the entire field of view, then small structures are imaged sharply, but data volume increases and image noise increases in non-critical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by segmenting the field of view into regions of interest and non-critical regions. High spatial resolution is applied only to regions containing small structures that require detailed visualization, while lower resolution is used in non-critical regions. This maintains measurement precision where needed while reducing overall data volume and computational complexity.
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 approach significantly increases spatial resolution, enabling sharper images of small structures and reducing partial volume artifacts, while maintaining manageable data volume and noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
current-generation computed tomography systems having direct-converting X-ray detectors may have considerably smaller detector elements
Implementation Method 2
X-ray detectors having a scintillator material are used for converting X-ray radiation into optical signals
Implementation Method 3
The optical signals are converted into electrical signals via photodiodes
Implementation Method 4
The X-ray beams are partially absorbed or attenuated by the examination subject. The X-ray detector is able to detect X-ray beams that pass through the examination subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for local improvement of the image quality of an imaging X-ray acquisition. In an embodiment, the method includes localizing an imaging region of a structure; selecting an environment of the imaging region; setting an acquisition parameter for the environment of the imaging region, wherein the acquisition parameter for the environment of the imaging region is different from a region outside of the environment of the imaging region; and acquiring an image dataset.