Micro-focus X-ray Source with Segmented Detectors for Large Field CT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT imaging technologies face a trade-off between spatial resolution and scanning field of view, with macro CT systems having low spatial resolution but large scanning fields, and dental/micro CT systems having high spatial resolution but limited fields, necessitating an improvement in spatial resolution while maintaining scanning field of view for more accurate disease diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

The use of micro-focus bulb devices emitting quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams, combined with flat panel detectors or photoelectric coupling detectors, allows for a larger scanning field of view while achieving higher spatial resolution, enabling improved image quality and expanded application ranges without sacrificing field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If macro CT imaging apparatus employs bulb with larger focal spot and fan-shaped beams, then scanning field of view is improved (reach about 500 millimeters), but spatial resolution deteriorates (only reach about 0.2-0.5 millimeters)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning field of viewVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the scanning field into multiple regions by using multiple bulb devices (first bulb device, second bulb device, etc.) positioned at different locations. Each bulb device covers a specific scanning region, allowing the system to achieve both large field of view and high spatial resolution by segmenting the overall imaging task into multiple high-resolution local scans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different bulb devices with different focal spot characteristics for different scanning regions. By selecting appropriate bulb devices for specific regions, the system optimizes spatial resolution in each local area while maintaining the overall large scanning field of view through the coordinated operation of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If dental CT imaging apparatus or micro CT imaging apparatus uses smaller focal spot, then spatial resolution is improved, but scanning field of view deteriorates (about 200 millimeters for dental CT, about 50 millimeters for micro CT)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidscanning field of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple bulb devices (first bulb device, second bulb device, third bulb device, etc.) with different focal spot sizes and positions to cover the entire scanning field. By merging the coverage areas of these individual devices, the system achieves both high spatial resolution (through small focal spot devices) and large scanning field of view (through the combined coverage of multiple devices).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where multiple bulb devices can be selectively activated based on the imaging requirements. The system can perform both high-resolution imaging in specific regions and large field of view imaging across the entire scanning area, making it universally applicable to different diagnostic needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances imaging efficiency, enables earlier diagnosis of pathological changes, reduces the need for repeated scans, and facilitates low-dose diagnosis by selecting appropriate image reconstruction modes based on resolution requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more bulb devices are configured to emit quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of detector devices are configured to receive the quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams emitted by the one or more bulb devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10517545B2CT imaging apparatus and method, and X-ray transceiving component for CT imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US10517545B2 patent drawing
  • US10517545B2 patent drawing
  • US10517545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an X-ray transceiving component for a CT imaging apparatus, comprising one or more bulb devices and a plurality of detector devices. The one or more bulb devices are configured to emit quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams. The plurality of detector devices are configure to receive the quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams emitted by the one or more bulb devices, each of the quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams comprising X-rays passing through a scanning field of view. Note that the plurality of detector devices are configured to receive X-rays passing through different areas within the scanning field of view, the one or more bulb devices are micro-focus bulb devices, and the plurality of detector devices are flat panel detectors or photoelectric coupling detectors. The present invention can greatly improve a resolution of CT imaging, increase imaging efficiency, and realize low-dose diagnosis in the case of ensuring that the scanning field of view is sufficient.