Sparse Background Correction for X-Ray Imaging Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems using keV and MeV x-ray sources face issues such as streak artifacts, photon starvation, beam hardening, and low contrast-to-noise ratio, particularly when imaging dense tissues, and transient detector effects from charging cause anomalous features in images.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal imaging system combining keV and MeV x-ray sources with a rotatable gantry and data processor that collects background data to correct image errors, using algorithms to determine optimal angles for error removal and interpolation, and synchronizes x-ray source and detector operations for high-quality imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MeV x-ray sources are used for imaging during radiotherapy, then imaging can be performed during treatment, but the contrast-to-noise ratio is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines keV and MeV x-ray imaging systems into a single integrated platform. The keV source provides high-contrast reference images, while the MeV source provides treatment-specific imaging. By merging the data from both energy ranges and applying corrective algorithms, the system achieves both treatment integration and improved image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses keV x-ray images as an intermediary to correct MeV x-ray images. The high-contrast keV images serve as a reference that mediates the low-contrast MeV images, allowing the system to transfer anatomical detail information from the keV domain to enhance the MeV images while maintaining treatment relevance.
2Measurement precision
If keV x-ray sources are used for imaging, then good contrast with soft tissue is achieved, but performance deteriorates with dense tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite imaging approach by combining data from two different x-ray energy domains (keV and MeV). Each energy range has complementary strengths: keV provides superior soft tissue contrast while MeV penetrates dense tissue more effectively. By fusing these complementary data sources, the system overcomes the limitations of each individual energy range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the x-ray source, utilizing both low-energy (keV) and high-energy (MeV) ranges. By adjusting and combining results from different energy parameters, the system achieves robust imaging across varying tissue densities, overcoming the photon starvation and artifact problems that plague single-energy systems when imaging through dense material.
3Measurement precision
If background data collection is performed at every angle, then complete error correction is achieved, but the number of image-collection angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting background data at only a subset of angles rather than at every angle. The system determines that background measurements at strategically selected angles (e.g., every other angle or at specific reference positions) are sufficient to correct errors across all image angles through interpolation and correction algorithms, thereby maintaining adequate correction accuracy while preserving more image-collection angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary background data collection at selected angles before full image acquisition. These preliminary measurements establish a background model that can then be applied to correct all subsequent images, eliminating the need to pause for background measurements at every single angle while still achieving comprehensive error correction across the complete angular dataset.
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 provides high-quality images by correcting for detector charging effects and enhancing contrast and noise ratio, enabling accurate target visualization and treatment planning in radiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
keV sources tend to provide good contrast with most kinds of soft tissue
Implementation Method 2
MeV x-ray sources primarily used for treatment can also generate images
Implementation Method 3
MeV images can place a detector opposite the therapeutic source to image the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an imaging system including a first x-ray source configured to produce first x-ray photons in a first energy range suitable for imaging, project the first x-ray photons onto an area designated for imaging, a rotatable gantry configured to rotate the first x-ray source such that the first x-ray source traverses an angular path, and a data processor having an analytical portion. The analytical portion is configured to collect first data relating to the transmission of the first x-ray photons through the area designated for imaging at a set of image-collection angles along the angular path, collect background data at a set of background-collection angles along the angular path, wherein the system acquires more than one image of the designated area for imaging between background angles. The analytical portion is also configured to remove errors in the first data using the background data, and generate a corrected image based on the removal of errors in the first data.