Sectional X-ray Imaging via Moving Source and Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging methods face challenges in acquiring distortion-free radiographic images of large regions of interest, as they often result in varying magnification at the edges due to wide collimation, and fast patient movement is uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an X-ray system with a traversing unit for the X-ray source and detector, and a displaceable patient table, where the system moves section-by-section along a common acquisition direction, determining a strip-shaped detection area within the detection zone to acquire and generate a composite X-ray image of the region of interest, allowing for enlarged examination areas without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the area to be acquired is larger than the detection zone, then the examination area is enlarged, but varying magnification occurs at the edges due to wide collimation
Solution Approach 1:
The examination area is divided into multiple smaller detection zones that are acquired sequentially. The collimator restricts the X-ray beam to match the detection zone size, ensuring uniform magnification within each section. Multiple images are then stitched together to form a complete large-area image without edge distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the collimator aperture to match the detection zone being imaged at each moment. As the detection zone moves across the examinee, the collimator restricts the beam accordingly, maintaining consistent geometric conditions for each segment and eliminating varying magnification effects.
2Loss of time
If the examinee is moved on a tabletop at fast speeds, then the acquisition time is reduced, but the patient experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the patient table at high speed to reduce acquisition time, the system inverts the approach by moving the X-ray source and detector assembly across a stationary or slowly moving patient. This allows fast relative scanning speed without subjecting the patient to uncomfortable rapid table movement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the X-ray source and detector are moved along a common acquisition direction, then distortion-free imaging is achieved, but the travel range of existing equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The large examination area is segmented into multiple smaller sections that can be acquired within the limited travel range of the X-ray source and detector. By restricting the collimator aperture to match the detection zone and acquiring successive images at different positions, the system reconstructs a complete large-area image without requiring the hardware to traverse the entire examination distance.
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 distortion-free, enlarged X-ray image acquisition, reducing motion artifacts and accommodating larger patients within the limited travel range of existing equipment, while maintaining a comfortable patient experience.
Implementation Method 1
The examinee is disposed between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray source emits X-rays and the X-ray detector receives the X-rays which have passed through the examinee
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for acquiring an X-ray image of a region of interest of an examinee using an X-ray system and a displaceable patient table for positioning the examinee. In an embodiment, the method includes: selecting the region of interest; acquiring, section-by-section, successive image sections in relation to the region of interest, the acquiring, for each successive image section of the successive image sections, including moving the X-ray source and the X-ray detector along a common acquisition direction, moving the patient table counter to the common acquisition direction, determining a respective essentially strip-shaped detection area within the detection zone for a respective image section of the successive image sections, and detecting the respective image section by way of the determined detection area and the X-ray source, to acquire the respective image section; and generating a composite X-ray image of the region of interest from the respective successive image sections.