Satellite X-ray Source Array for Tomosynthesis

Solution Overview

Problem

Current x-ray imaging systems face challenges in achieving high-speed tomographic image acquisition while maintaining image quality, as they require physical movement of the x-ray tube, leading to prolonged exposure times, patient discomfort, and image blurring, and are limited in their ability to perform both conventional digital mammography and tomosynthesis due to insufficient x-ray fluence from stationary sources.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a central high-power x-ray source combined with peripheral satellite x-ray sources positioned on either side, allowing for rapid sequential activation of multiple x-ray beams to achieve high-speed tomographic imaging without mechanical movement, enabling simultaneous conventional and tomographic image acquisition with improved x-ray fluence and reduced patient discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physical movement of the x-ray tube is used to acquire multiple projection images, then tomosynthesis imaging can be achieved, but exposure time is prolonged and image blurring occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidexposure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the x-ray source system into a central high-power x-ray tube and multiple peripheral satellite x-ray sources. The central tube provides high-fluence projections while satellite sources provide additional angular views, eliminating the need for mechanical tube movement and reducing exposure time to under 2 seconds while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system of the x-ray tube with a stationary multi-source configuration. Instead of physically moving a single high-power tube to acquire multiple projections, the system uses multiple stationary satellite x-ray sources positioned at different angles around the patient, with all sources connected to a single detector array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If physical movement of the x-ray tube is used to acquire multiple projection images, then tomosynthesis imaging can be achieved, but patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the x-ray source system into a central high-power x-ray tube and multiple peripheral satellite x-ray sources. The central tube provides high-fluence projections while satellite sources provide additional angular views, eliminating the need for mechanical tube movement and reducing exposure time to under 2 seconds while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If stationary x-ray sources are used for tomosynthesis, then exposure time is reduced, but x-ray fluence is insufficient for conventional mammography

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure timeVSAvoidx-ray fluence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different functional roles to different parts of the x-ray source system. The central high-power x-ray tube is optimized for high-fluence conventional mammography projections, while the peripheral satellite x-ray sources are optimized for rapid tomosynthesis angular sampling. This local differentiation allows each component to excel at its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the x-ray source system into a central high-power x-ray tube and multiple peripheral satellite x-ray sources. The central tube provides high-fluence projections while satellite sources provide additional angular views, eliminating the need for mechanical tube movement and reducing exposure time to under 2 seconds while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Power

If a single high-power x-ray tube is used, then conventional mammography can be performed, but tomosynthesis requires prolonged exposure time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray fluence rateVSAvoidexposure time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the x-ray source system into a central high-power x-ray tube and multiple peripheral satellite x-ray sources. The central tube provides high-fluence projections while satellite sources provide additional angular views, eliminating the need for mechanical tube movement and reducing exposure time to under 2 seconds while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple x-ray sources into a single integrated system. The central high-power tube and peripheral satellite sources work together, with the controller coordinating their operation to simultaneously achieve high-fluence conventional mammography and rapid tomosynthesis imaging in a unified acquisition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fast and high-quality tomographic image acquisition, reducing exposure time and patient discomfort, while allowing for both conventional mammography and tomosynthesis, and improving image fusion and spatial resolution by using a combination of high and low x-ray fluence rate projections.

Implementation Method 1

an x-ray source configured to provide a first x-ray beam having a high x-ray fluence rate to illuminate the object of interest along a first axis; at least one peripheral satellite x-ray source configured to provide at least one secondary x-ray beam having lower x-ray fluence rate than the fluence rate of the first x-ray beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to detect x-ray radiation that has passed through the object of interest from the x-ray source and from the at least one peripheral satellite x-ray source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8817947B2Tomosynthesis imaging

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing radiographic, stereoscopic and tomographic images of an object of interest. Examples of objects of interest are body parts of living beings, such as the human breast and the human chest. The apparatus includes a high-fluence rate x-ray source and a plurality of satellite x-ray sources operating at lower fluence rate than the high-fluence rate source. A controller controls the operation and locations of the sources, and the operation of a detector. The method provides procedures in which the operation of the high-fluence source and the satellite sources are individually controlled as to location and orientation relative to the object of interest. In some operations, one satellite source may be operating while another satellite source may be repositioning. By proper control, a reduced x-ray dose and reduced operating time can be attained, thereby improving image quality, patient care, and patient experience.