Movable X-ray Filter for Dose Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray fluoroscopy techniques result in unnecessary exposure of objects to X-rays, as the entire region is irradiated with the same dose, including areas outside the region of interest, which limits real-time observation of surrounding areas and increases exposure doses.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus with a movable X-ray filter that adjusts the X-ray dose distribution by creating high and low-dose ranges, allowing for real-time observation of the region of interest while reducing exposure to surrounding areas, using a filter with variable openings and attenuation coefficients, and automatic control to maintain optimal dose distribution during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional X-ray fluoroscopy irradiates the entire region with the same dose, then real-time observation of surrounding areas is achieved, but unnecessary exposure of the object to X-rays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different X-ray dose levels in different regions of the imaging area. The X-ray filter is configured with a first region having a first attenuation coefficient and a second region having a second attenuation coefficient different from the first, enabling the system to provide high-dose irradiation to the region of interest while providing low-dose irradiation to surrounding areas. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining real-time observation capability in the region of interest through higher dose while reducing unnecessary exposure in surrounding areas through lower dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the X-ray beam into different dose regions using a segmented filter structure. The filter is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different attenuation properties, allowing independent control of X-ray dose in each segment. This segmentation enables the system to irradiate only the necessary regions with high dose while reducing or eliminating dose to unnecessary regions, thereby resolving the contradiction between comprehensive observation and unnecessary exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spot fluoroscopy is used to reduce X-ray exposure, then unnecessary exposure is suppressed, but real-time observation of surrounding areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through spatially varying attenuation coefficients in the X-ray filter. The filter contains a first region with a first attenuation coefficient and a second region with a second attenuation coefficient, creating distinct dose zones: a high-dose region of interest and a low-dose surrounding region. This allows the system to maintain real-time observation of surrounding areas (larger observation area) while suppressing unnecessary exposure through reduced dose in those areas, unlike spot fluoroscopy which completely eliminates surrounding area observation.
3Measurement precision
If full-range high-image quality imaging is performed, then observation quality is improved, but exposure dose to surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the X-ray filter with region-specific attenuation coefficients. The first region (corresponding to the region of interest) has a first attenuation coefficient that maintains high image quality, while the second region (surrounding areas) has a second attenuation coefficient that reduces exposure dose. This creates a differential image quality and dose distribution where the region of interest receives high-dose high-quality imaging while surrounding areas receive low-dose reduced-quality imaging, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive high-quality observation and unnecessary exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing high-dose irradiation only to the necessary region of interest while providing low-dose irradiation to surrounding areas. The X-ray filter selectively attenuates X-rays in different regions, ensuring that high-dose exposure is applied partially only where diagnostically necessary, rather than excessively to the entire imaging area. This partial application of high dose resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient image quality and minimizing unnecessary exposure.
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-image quality observation of the region of interest as a moving image while reducing the exposure dose to surrounding areas, maintaining procedural efficiency and minimizing patient exposure compared to full-range high-image quality imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray filter has a first region with a first attenuation coefficient and a second region with a second attenuation coefficient different from the first attenuation coefficient. When X-rays are transmitted through the X-ray filter, a high-dose range and a low-dose range are generated in an X-ray irradiation range on an X-ray detection surface.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detection unit, an X-ray filter, an input unit, and an X-ray filter support unit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays transmitted through a subject. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray tube and the object and has an opening. The X-ray filter support unit supports the X-ray filter so as to make the X-ray filter movable in an imaging axis direction of the X-rays.