Multi-Source CT Scanner with Sequential Grid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanners face challenges in achieving high temporal resolution for moving organs, particularly the heart, due to limited width and the need for multiple rotations, which results in incomplete data and degraded image quality, especially when using single-source cone-beam systems.
Innovation Solution
A CT system employing multiple X-ray cone beam sources spaced parallel to the rotation axis, with a controller to alternately activate each source, ensuring that only one source emits radiation at a time, and using a common detector array to capture data over a wider area, thereby reducing radiation exposure and improving data completeness in a single rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-source cone-beam system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data completeness deteriorates leading to degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the radiation source into multiple discrete X-ray tube elements arranged in an array, where each element can be independently controlled to emit radiation in specific angular sectors. This segmentation allows different elements to cover different angular ranges, ensuring complete data acquisition for reconstruction while maintaining a manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point source to a distributed array of source elements, adding spatial dimensionality to the source configuration. This multi-element array arrangement in space enables simultaneous coverage of multiple angular sectors, achieving complete tomographic data acquisition without requiring mechanical rotation of a single source through 360 degrees.
2Productivity
If multiple X-ray sources are activated simultaneously, then the scanning speed is improved, but the radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching of X-ray tube elements, where each element is activated in sequence for specific angular sectors during the rotation cycle. This periodic activation pattern ensures that at any given moment, only the necessary sources are emitting radiation, maintaining scanning speed while controlling overall radiation exposure through temporal separation of source activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different X-ray tube elements are activated based on their specific angular coverage requirements. Each element emits radiation only in its designated angular sector, creating a localized radiation pattern. This ensures that radiation is delivered precisely where needed for data acquisition, minimizing unnecessary exposure while maintaining scanning efficiency.
3Loss of information
If multiple X-ray sources are used with independent control, then the data completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple X-ray tube elements into a single unified array structure with shared support infrastructure. The control system manages all elements through a coordinated rotation mechanism and synchronized activation sequence, merging individual element control into a unified system architecture that achieves complete angular coverage without proportionally increasing overall system 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 allows for the acquisition of complete CT data for the human heart in a single rotation or less, significantly reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality by utilizing all radiation in the reconstruction process, while minimizing artifacts associated with incomplete data.
Implementation Method 1
Many conventional CT scanner utilize X-ray radiation beams
Implementation Method 2
an opposing area detector on the other side of the subject detects the transmitted radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray source system for a CT scanner includes a plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each X-ray source of the plurality is provided with a cathode from which an electron beam is emitted, an anode to receive the electron beam and at least one grid electrode, wherein the grid electrodes are configured to selectably block radiation from said X-ray sources; a high voltage generator for applying voltage to the plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each of the plurality of X-ray sources are configured to present substantially the same load to the high voltage generator; a grid modulator configured to apply voltage to grid electrodes of each of the plurality of X-ray sources in turn; and a controller for controlling the grid modulator so that only one of the plurality of X-ray sources emits radiation at any one time.