Multienergy X-ray Imaging System for Soft Tissue Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging technologies face challenges in distinguishing soft tissues from bones due to insufficient contrast, and dual-energy and phase contrast imaging methods require multiple optical systems and irradiations, increasing costs and health risks while causing image blurring from patient movement.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system using a multienergy polychromatic X-ray source with an integral multiple relationship between energy bands, allowing for phase contrast imaging with a single optical system and irradiation, enhancing image contrast and material discrimination without the need for multiple optical systems or repeated irradiations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual-energy X-ray system with two different energy ranges is used to respectively take photograph on a body position, then the recognisability for soft tissues in the image can be advanced, but the fabricating cost of the apparatus increases and the person is irradiated the X-ray twice or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dual-energy imaging and phase contrast imaging into a single integrated system that uses one X-ray source and one sensor. The sensor is designed to detect both absorption information and phase shift information simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate optical systems and reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining soft tissue recognisability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both dual-energy imaging and phase contrast imaging tasks. By using a single sensor that can detect both absorption and phase shift information across different energy ranges, the system achieves universal imaging capability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If dual-energy X-ray system with two different energy ranges is used to respectively take photograph on a body position, then the recognisability for soft tissues in the image can be advanced, but the person is irradiated the X-ray twice or more which is not only bad for health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous imaging by capturing both absorption and phase shift information in a single irradiation event. The sensor continuously detects X-ray photons across different energy ranges simultaneously, eliminating the need for repeated irradiations and reducing health risks while maintaining diagnostic quality.
3Measurement precision
If dual-energy X-ray system with two different energy ranges is used to respectively take photograph on a body position, then the recognisability for soft tissues in the image can be advanced, but the image difference may also occur due to the person's movement during the two-time irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing all necessary imaging information (both absorption and phase shift data across multiple energy ranges) in a single irradiation event. This eliminates the time gap between separate irradiations, preventing patient movement from causing image differences and ensuring reliable, consistent diagnostic images.
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 system effectively enhances image contrast and facilitates material discrimination by resolving multienergy bands with a single irradiation, reducing health risks and imaging costs while improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source (130) which provides a multienergy polychromatic X-ray (x1)
Implementation Method 2
the attenuations of X-ray with different energy ranges after penetrating through bones and soft tissue are different
Implementation Method 3
the phase information of the light generated after the photons of X-ray pass through the object may improve the contrast effect of the image
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system used for material discrimination of an objet is provided. The imaging system includes an X-ray source and an imaging sensor. The X-ray source generates multienergy polychromatic X-ray, wherein there is an integral-multiple relationship between the multi-energy-band of the X-ray. The object is placed between the X-ray source and the imaging sensor. The X-ray is transmitted toward and imaged by the imaging sensor through the object. An imaging multi-energy-band of the imaging sensor corresponds to the multi-energy-band of the X-ray.