Photon Count Imaging System for Low-Dose Tumor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging technologies, particularly phase-contrast imaging, face challenges such as low photon utilization, limited applicability to small samples, high equipment costs, and insufficient capability to acquire matter composition information, which hinders early detection of breast tumors and other conditions composed of light elements.
Innovation Solution
A photon count-based radiation imaging system utilizing a plane-array detector with pixel units including photoelectric conversion layers, pre-amplifiers, event detection units, and counters to count photons and reconstruct three-dimensional structures and matter composition, reducing radiation dose and improving imaging speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorption-contrast imaging is used, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot detect early-stage breast tumors composed of light elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from absorption contrast to phase contrast. By utilizing the phase information of X-rays instead of only absorption information, the system can detect light element structures with much higher sensitivity, enabling early-stage breast tumor detection while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase-contrast imaging as an intermediary approach between simple absorption imaging and complex synchrotron-based phase imaging. By using conventional X-ray sources combined with phase-contrast algorithms and specialized detectors, it achieves high detection capability without requiring complex synchrotron facilities
2Measurement precision
If crystal interference contrast-imaging method is used, then phase-contrast imaging can be achieved, but the photon utilization is low and strong light source or longer exposure time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical crystal-based phase-contrast systems with a more efficient approach using computational phase retrieval algorithms combined with intensity measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for complex crystal assemblies and enables high photon utilization efficiency while maintaining accurate phase information extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic phase shifting of gratings to encode phase information into intensity variations that can be captured by standard detectors. By introducing known periodic phase shifts and measuring the resulting intensity patterns, the system efficiently extracts phase information without requiring complex real-time crystal manipulation
3Productivity
If traditional absorption-contrast imaging is used, then the imaging speed is fast, but the radiation dose to patients must be increased to achieve sufficient contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase information as an intermediary that provides much stronger contrast for light elements. Since phase shifts are 100-1000 times more sensitive than absorption changes, the system achieves sufficient image contrast at much lower radiation doses while maintaining fast imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from absorption to phase, which fundamentally alters the contrast mechanism. This parameter change enables detection of light element structures at extremely low radiation doses because phase shifts accumulate linearly with path length and are not limited by the weak absorption of light elements
4Reliability
If phase-contrast imaging is used to detect light elements, then early-stage breast tumors can be detected, but the equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily manufactured absorption gratings made from materials like aluminum or copper, replacing expensive and complex crystal-based phase modulation systems. These simple gratings can be mass-produced and replaced if needed, dramatically reducing equipment cost while maintaining phase-contrast imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical crystal assemblies with simple absorption gratings and computational algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for precision crystal cutting, alignment, and maintenance, reducing both equipment complexity and operational complexity while achieving comparable or superior phase-contrast imaging performance
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 enables faster and more accurate three-dimensional reconstruction with reduced radiation exposure, improved imaging speed, and lower costs, facilitating early detection of conditions like breast tumors without increasing radiation on patients.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pixel units includes a photoelectric conversion layer, a pre-amplifier, an event detection unit
Implementation Method 2
The penetrating power of X-rays is particularly strong. When the X-rays pass through a sample made up of light elements
Data Source
AI summary
A photon count-based radiation imaging system. The invention also relates to a method of implementing X-ray imaging in said system, and to key apparatus of said system. In the system, an x-ray source directs x-rays at a sample on a scanning platform. When the x-rays pass through said sample, photons carrying information about characteristics of the material at various spatial positions are produced. A photon count detector counts the photons on an imaging plane, obtains incident photon projection data and energy data, and transmits same to a 3D reconstruction system. The 3D reconstruction system reconstructs, on the basis of said projection data and energy data, the 3D structure and the matter composition inside the sample, then performs digital dyeing on the component parts of the sample, thereby differentiating the matter composition of the sample.