Radiation Filter Selection for Fast Low-Dose kVp-S CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fast kilovoltage peak switching computed tomography (kVp-S CT) is challenging for low-dose imaging due to long transition times that impair spectral separation, especially when using small tube emission currents for fast imaging, making it difficult to achieve both speed and low dose requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes receiving user input for scan parameters, determining if a radiation filter is needed, and placing it in front of the x-ray source to adjust dose and speed settings, using a radiation filter to enhance spectral imaging performance by filtering x-rays and allowing faster kVp switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If small tube emission current is used for low-dose imaging, then radiation dose is reduced, but transition time increases and spectral separation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal tube emission current values based on the selected kVp switching sequence and patient attenuation properties before the scan begins. This allows the system to operate at higher currents during the scan to achieve fast transitions, while the actual radiation dose is controlled through pre-computed parameters and filtering algorithms applied during reconstruction, rather than limiting the tube current itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that separates the tube emission current from the actual radiation dose delivered to the patient. By using pre-calculated optimal current values and applying filtration algorithms to the projection data, the system can use high tube currents for fast switching while effectively reducing the patient dose through digital filtering and reconstruction techniques
2Speed
If large tube emission current is used for fast switching, then transition time decreases and spectral separation improves, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically selecting optimal tube emission current values based on the specific kVp switching sequence and patient attenuation properties. Instead of using a fixed high current, the system calculates and applies the minimum necessary current to achieve the desired transition speed for each specific scanning scenario, thereby reducing radiation dose while maintaining fast switching performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal tube emission current values before the scan, taking into account the selected kVp switching sequence and patient-specific attenuation properties. This allows the system to operate at optimized current levels rather than maximum levels, achieving fast transitions with reduced radiation dose
3Productivity
If fast switching is implemented, then scan speed increases, but transition times become too long for desired speed and dose constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the tube emission current based on the specific kVp switching sequence and patient attenuation properties. This allows the system to achieve fast switching with sufficiently short transition times, enabling high scan speed while meeting both speed and dose constraints that would otherwise be contradictory
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
Enables faster kVp-S CT scans with low doses by optimizing scan parameters and using a radiation filter to improve spectral separation, allowing high emission currents while reducing actual radiation dose applied to the subject.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation filter to filter x-rays in the range of the x-ray spectra generated by the x-ray source
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for performing kilovoltage peak switching computed tomography with a computed tomography system comprising an x-ray source (2), the method comprising the following steps: (a) receiving user input for a kilovoltage peak switching computed tomography scan, the user input comprising a desired radiation dose setting and a desired speed setting of the scan; (b) setting computed tomography scan parameters based on the received user input; (c) automatically determining whether a radiation filter (6) is required to achieve the desired radiation dose setting and desired speed setting and, if required, placing the radiation filter (6) in front of the x-ray source (2) to achieve the desired radiation dose with the set scan parameters; (d) performing a kilovoltage peak switching computed tomography scan with the set scan parameters.