Radiation Scanning Camera-Head with Movable Collimator Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation scanning systems for medical diagnosis, such as SPECT, suffer from redundancy in image data acquisition due to variable collimators, leading to increased statistical errors and poor image quality due to repetitive information in image reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radiation scanning camera-head with a pixelated detector and a scanning unit featuring movable radiation blocking plates with specific arrays of openings, aligned to minimize redundancy by varying inclination angles and positions, allowing for non-forward wide-angle scanning and high-sensitivity image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple images are acquired with different collimations using variable collimators, then the sensitivity of the imaging system is increased, but the redundancy of information increases and statistical errors are enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic scanning unit with movable radiation blocking plates that can change their positions and orientations during the imaging process. This dynamic configuration allows the system to acquire projection data from multiple angles without the redundancy inherent in static variable collimator systems, thereby improving sensitivity while minimizing information repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit is divided into multiple independent radiation blocking plates, each capable of being positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows each plate to contribute unique projection data, eliminating the information redundancy that occurs when a single variable collimator is used to acquire multiple images
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are acquired with different collimations, then more viewing angles are obtained, but the same information appears in multiple images creating dependency equations
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning unit dynamically adjusts the positions and orientations of multiple radiation blocking plates during data acquisition, enabling the system to obtain diverse viewing angles without repeating the same information. Each plate's independent movement ensures that projection data from different angles are truly distinct
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimensional aspect by using multiple radiation blocking plates that can be positioned at different locations and orientations simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach to acquiring projection data ensures comprehensive angular coverage without the information redundancy that plagues conventional variable collimator systems
3Reliability
If the imaged region is significantly larger than the desired spatial resolution, then the sensitivity is increased, but the number of virtual voxels increases requiring intensive mathematical calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic scanning unit acquires projection data efficiently by moving multiple radiation blocking plates through different positions and orientations, obtaining comprehensive data for a large imaged region without requiring an excessive number of measurements. This reduces the computational burden of image reconstruction while maintaining high sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit performs continuous scanning through coordinated movement of multiple radiation blocking plates, efficiently collecting projection data across the entire imaged region. This continuous acquisition method optimizes the data collection process, reducing the number of discrete measurements needed and thereby lowering the computational complexity of subsequent image reconstruction
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 reduces redundancy in data acquisition, enhancing image quality and reducing statistical errors, enabling high-quality image reconstruction by acquiring distinct images for each scan position.
Implementation Method 1
first and second radiation blocking plates having first and second two-dimensional arrays of openings
Implementation Method 2
an array of at least one pixelated radiation detector having an imaging surface including a two dimensional array of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for scanning with radiation detectors are provided. One system includes at least one radiation scanning camera-head, an array of at least one pixelated radiation detector having an imaging surface including a two dimensional array of pixels, and a scanning unit positioned between the radiation detector and the object. The scanning unit includes first and second radiation blocking plates having first and second two-dimensional arrays of openings, respectively, wherein the array of pixels and the first and second arrays of openings have a same pitch. Additionally, for each of a plurality of scan positions of the scanning unit, the first and second moveable plates and the imaging surface are positioned differently with respect to each other to produce different inclination angles in response to each scan position.