Multi-Unit CT Imaging With Adjustable Intervals for Wide-Range Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computed tomography (CT) apparatuses face challenges in efficiently imaging both wide and narrow ranges of a subject, with long imaging times increasing subject burden and the risk of image deterioration due to movement.
Innovation Solution
A CT apparatus with multiple imaging units, a rotation mechanism, and a displacement mechanism that allows for switching between modes with varying intervals, enabling rapid imaging of both wide and narrow ranges by controlling the rotation and displacement of imaging units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single imaging unit is used to image a wide range of the subject, then the imaging range is sufficient, but the imaging time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging units (first imaging unit and second imaging unit) that can be disposed at different intervals from the subject. This segmentation allows parallel imaging of different regions, enabling wide-range imaging to be completed in shorter time by capturing multiple sections simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the interval dimension (distance from subject) as an additional spatial parameter. By disposing imaging units at different intervals, the system can capture both wide-range and narrow-range images efficiently, adding a new dimension to the traditional single-interval imaging approach
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging units are disposed at equal intervals to image a wide range, then the imaging range is sufficient, but the imaging time remains long due to sequential imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic interval adjustment where the distance between imaging units and the subject can be changed. By switching between first interval (for wide-range imaging) and second interval (for narrow-range imaging), the system optimizes imaging efficiency for different clinical scenarios, improving productivity through adaptive configuration
3Area of stationary object
If imaging time is extended to cover a wide range, then complete coverage is achieved, but subject burden increases and image quality deteriorates due to body movement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging task across multiple imaging units operating in parallel, the total imaging time is reduced while maintaining complete coverage. This prevents subject movement during extended imaging sequences, thereby preserving image quality and reliability
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
The apparatus achieves efficient imaging of both wide and narrow subject ranges in a short time, reducing subject burden and image quality issues associated with movement.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source that emits radiation having a quadrangular pyramid shape to a subject S and a radiation detector that detects the radiation transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A CT apparatus includes a plurality of imaging units, a rotation mechanism, a radiation source elevating mechanism, a detector elevating mechanism, and a CPU. The imaging unit includes a radiation source that emits radiation having a quadrangular pyramid shape to a subject and a radiation detector in which a plurality of pixels detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject are two-dimensionally arranged. The rotation mechanism rotates the plurality of imaging units around a body axis of the subject. The radiation source elevating mechanism and the detector elevating mechanism change an interval between the plurality of imaging units in a rotation axis direction. An imaging control unit of the CPU controls operations of the plurality of imaging units, the rotation mechanism, the radiation source elevating mechanism, and the detector elevating mechanism.