Multi-Source CBCT Scanner Layout for Quantitative Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is limited by the conical shape of the X-ray beam and scattered radiation, which reduce image accuracy, precision, and reproducibility, confining its use to qualitative analyses and preventing quantitative evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A scanner with a multi-source configuration that uses multiple X-ray sources, adjustable collimation, and a control system to acquire projective views, allowing for improved image reconstruction through a quasi-sinusoidal or sawtooth scan orbit, reducing scattered radiation and cone artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single X-ray source follows a circular orbit in traditional CBCT, then the device complexity is low and the system is easy to operate, but the measurement precision and quantitative evaluation accuracy are insufficient due to the Tuy-Smith condition limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The single X-ray source is segmented into multiple X-ray sources arranged in a linear array. Each source can be independently activated to emit X-ray beams at different angles, enabling comprehensive volumetric coverage and eliminating the Tuy-Smith condition limitation while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional circular orbit to a three-dimensional multi-source linear array configuration. This dimensional expansion allows X-ray beams to cover the entire volume of interest from multiple angles simultaneously, enabling accurate quantitative evaluations throughout the scanned volume
2Area of stationary object
If a wide conical X-ray beam is used to cover the field of view, then the field of view extension is improved, but scattered radiation increases causing cup-shaped artifacts and reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single wide conical beam, the system employs multiple localized narrow X-ray beams from different sources. Each beam is collimated to cover only its specific region, reducing scattered radiation while collectively providing complete field of view coverage through spatial distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The wide field of view is segmented into multiple smaller regions, each covered by a dedicated narrow X-ray beam from a specific source. This segmentation reduces the solid angle of each beam, minimizing scattered radiation and eliminating cup-shaped artifacts while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Measurement precision
If multiple scan cycles with multiple sources are used to improve image quality and reduce artifacts, then the measurement precision and repeatability are improved, but the acquisition time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple X-ray sources are arranged in a linear array and can be activated sequentially or simultaneously to continuously acquire projections from different angles. This continuous multi-angle acquisition eliminates the need for repeated scan cycles, maintaining high measurement precision while reducing total acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
Projections from multiple sources are acquired in a single integrated scan cycle rather than through multiple sequential cycles. This preliminary acquisition of all necessary data in one pass reduces repetition and accelerates the scanning process while maintaining quantitative evaluation precision
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
Enhances image quality by reducing noise and artifacts, improving measurement precision and repeatability, extending the field of view, and enabling quantitative evaluations in clinical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of X-ray sources... The X-ray beams emitted by such sources... a detection system
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Described herein is a device for X-ray cone-beam computed tomography, comprising: - a rotation system (R) for rotating said device around an axis of rotation (D); - a support system (P) for supporting said device; - an emission system (T) adapted to emit multiple X-ray beams (S); - an adjustable collimation system (W) adapted to shape said X-ray beams, said collimation system being placed in front of said emission system (T); - a detection system (C) for detecting the X-rays emitted by said emission system (T) and collimated by said collimation system (W), - said emission system (T) and said collimation system (W) being positioned on a first side of said support (P), and said detection system (C) being positioned on a second side of said support (P), opposite the first side; - a control system (CPU) adapted to acquire projective views of said X-rays detected by said detection system (C) through one or more acquisition cycles, such that: - the complete scanning of a volume of interest of an object or an anatomical region (E) placed between said collimation system (W) and said detection system (C) is effected through acquisition of projective images during multiple scan cycles, each cycle including the acquisition of projective views from more than one of said multiple sources (S); - the X-ray beams emitted by said sources (S) are collimated in such a way as to entirely cover the extension of a field of view (FOV) for each scan cycle; - the entire tomographic acquisition includes more than one scan cycle, carried out by rotating said rotation system (P) around a volume of interest of said object or anatomical region (E).