Multi-hole Collimator X-ray Undersampling for Submillisievert CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging technologies face limitations in achieving significant radiation dose reductions, particularly in achieving submillisievert scanning, especially in abdominal applications, due to constraints in existing dose reduction techniques such as iterative reconstruction and detector technology advancements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that utilizes a multi-hole collimator and pulsed x-ray tube to undersample x-ray radiation, combined with compressed sensing reconstruction procedures, allowing for the reconstruction of high-quality images from a markedly reduced number of projections, thereby facilitating orders of magnitude radiation dose reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If iterative reconstruction with reduced tube current is used, then radiation dose is reduced by 30-40%, but image quality deteriorates due to photon starvation and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed x-ray tube operation combined with periodic collimator movement. The x-ray tube is activated in pulses rather than continuously, and the collimator periodically shifts to different positions during the scan, creating an undersampled data acquisition pattern that enables compressed sensing reconstruction while maintaining image quality at reduced dose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the x-ray beam using a multi-hole collimator that divides the beam into multiple discrete pathways. This segmentation allows selective activation of different beam paths through periodic collimator movement, enabling the system to acquire sufficient projection data for high-quality reconstruction while using the x-ray tube at reduced current levels
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tube current is reduced below minimum useful level, then radiation dose decreases, but image reconstruction becomes impossible due to photon starvation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing collimator positioning and beam pathway selection before x-ray activation. The collimator is pre-positioned to define specific projection pathways, and the system plans the pulsing sequence in advance, ensuring that each pulse contributes optimally to the undersampled data set required for compressed sensing reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the x-ray system by transitioning from continuous tube current to pulsed operation at variable current levels. Combined with dynamic collimator positioning, this parameter change enables the system to operate below the traditional minimum useful tube current while maintaining reconstruction capability through compressed sensing algorithms
3Productivity
If wide detector arrays are used for rapid anatomic coverage, then scan speed increases, but z-overscanning increases causing unnecessary radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using periodic collimator movement to selectively activate only the specific detector pathways needed for the current projection angle. This ensures that x-ray exposure is concentrated on the anatomical region of interest at each moment, preventing z-overscanning while maintaining rapid coverage through efficient use of the wide detector array
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 enables the achievement of submillisievert scanning across all body parts, offering a game-changing strategy in CT dose reduction methods, with the potential for broad applicability and combination with existing techniques for further dose reductions.
Implementation Method 1
A second arrangement, which can be configured to incoherently interrupt an x-ray beam provided by the first arrangement
Implementation Method 2
pulsed x-ray tube to undersample x-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for imaging a portion(s) of an anatomical structure can be provided. For example, an x-ray source first arrangement can provide x-ray radiation, and a multi-hole collimator second arrangement can be provided in a path of the x-ray radiation, and can be configured to undersample the radiation beam which can be forwarded to the portion(s) of the anatomical structure. A third hardware arrangement can be configured to receive a further x-ray radiation from the portion(s) that can be based on the undersampled x-ray radiation.