Modular Phantom for Cone-Beam CT Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging phantoms are unable to quantify imaging performance and dosimetry effectively, particularly in cone-beam CT systems, and lack configurability for various scanner configurations, leading to inconsistent measurements and non-compliance with emerging standards.
Innovation Solution
A modular phantom system that includes interchangeable and rearrangeable modules for measuring imaging performance and dosimetry, using the same technique factors as the imaging system, such as tube potential, tube current, and system geometry, with modules like cone-beam, angled edge, and line spread modules to assess spatial resolution, contrast, and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional medical imaging phantoms are used, then subjective qualitative assessment of image quality is enabled, but quantitative measurement of imaging performance and dosimetry is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is divided into multiple interchangeable modules, each designed to perform specific quantitative measurements (e.g., spatial resolution, contrast, dosimetry). This segmentation allows the complex measurement tasks to be distributed across specialized components while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular phantom design creates a universal platform that can perform multiple quantitative measurement functions through different module configurations. The same base phantom structure supports various measurement types (imaging performance, dosimetry, image quality) by simply changing the inserted modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phantoms are used, then simple physical design is maintained, but configurability for various cone-beam CT scanner configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom system transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic modular configuration where modules can be added, removed, and rearranged based on the specific cone-beam CT scanner being evaluated. This dynamic reconfigurability allows adaptation to different scanner geometries and measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables changing key parameters of the phantom (such as material composition, geometric features, measurement targets) by swapping modules. This allows the phantom to be optimized for different scanner parameters including field of view, source-to-detector distance, and rotation geometry.
3Reliability
If conventional phantoms are used, then consistent physical design is maintained, but compliance with emerging standards for physical measurements is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The modular phantom is pre-designed with measurement capabilities that anticipate and align with emerging accreditation standards for cone-beam CT. By incorporating standardized measurement targets and dosimetry modules that match future regulatory requirements, the phantom ensures consistent compliance without requiring later modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a modular phantom that enables quantitative assessment of imaging performance (e.g., spatial resolution, image uniformity, image noise, contrast to noise ratio, cone-beam artifact) and dosimetry in cone-beam computed tomography (CT). The modular phantom includes one or more modules for various imaging performance tests that may be rearranged in the phantom to accommodate the design of various cone-beam CT imaging systems. The modular phantom includes one or more of a cone-beam module, an angled edge module, or a line spread module. The phantom may be inserted into a larger sleeve and be used to assess imaging performance and dosimetry in whole body CT imaging systems.