Single-Slot Collimating Plate Target Location Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray source-side collimators in CT systems use multi-slot structures, requiring multiple air scanning sessions to determine slot locations, making the tuning-up process time-consuming and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining the target location of a single-slot collimating plate using a calibrated combined measurement signal obtained from two instances of air scanning, reducing the number of air scanning sessions and simplifying the tuning-up process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multi-slot collimator structure is used, then collimation accuracy is improved, but the tuning-up process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring multiple air scanning sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The collimating plate is divided into multiple slots, each slot's location being determined independently through signal processing. The method segments the measurement process into discrete scanning steps where each slot's position can be identified and calibrated separately, resolving the contradiction between maintaining multi-slot collimation accuracy and reducing overall tuning time
Solution Approach 2:
Air scanning is performed in advance during the tuning-up phase to pre-determine slot locations before actual patient imaging. The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations to establish the correct positioning of each slot, so that during normal operation, the collimator is already optimized and no additional time is lost
2Manufacturing precision
If a multi-slot collimator structure is used, then collimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases requiring additional mechanical motors or control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a computational approach. Instead of using multiple mechanical motors to physically adjust each slot's position, the system uses air scanning data and signal processing algorithms to determine slot locations, then applies correction factors software-based, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator system performs self-calibration through automated air scanning and signal processing. The system independently determines its own slot locations and positioning accuracy without requiring external mechanical adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems, making the device simpler while maintaining high precision
3Measurement precision
If multiple air scanning sessions are performed, then slot location accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming tuning-up process
Solution Approach 1:
The air scanning process is designed to be continuous and efficient, performing measurements in a streamlined sequence without unnecessary interruptions. The system continuously collects data during the tuning-up phase and processes it real-time, maintaining productive action throughout the calibration process rather than stopping for intermediate adjustments or re-measurements
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary measurements and calculations are performed during the initial tuning-up phase before clinical use begins. The system completes all slot location determinations and accuracy validations in advance, so that once tuned, the collimator requires no further adjustments during patient imaging, maximizing productivity while ensuring measurement precision
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 significantly reduces the time and complexity of collimator tuning, enhances efficiency, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for additional mechanical motors or control components.
Implementation Method 1
A collimator is an apparatus for limiting an X-ray irradiation direction and determining a size of an irradiation field
Implementation Method 2
accurate collimation X rays and highly sensitive detectors are used to scan a part of a human body
Data Source
AI summary
A target position determination of a single-slot collimating plate and a collimator assembly are disclosed. A first measurement signal is acquired based upon of the first instance of air scanning, when the single-slot collimating plate moves a predetermined distance from a starting position to a first position in a first direction of the Z axis. A second measurement signal is acquired based upon the second instance of air scanning, when the single-slot collimating plate moves a predetermined distance from the starting position to a second position in the direction opposite to the first direction. A composite measurement signal and a composite air calibration signal are determined based upon the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal. The composite measurement signal is calibrated using the composite air calibration signal. The target position of the single-slot collimating plate is determined based upon the calibrated composite measurement signal.