Spectral X-Ray Imaging with Energy-Dependent Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging produces 2D projective images that can have ambiguities requiring 3D imaging modalities like CT, which are costly and complex, and existing stereo-X-Ray/tomosynthesis techniques involve multiple detectors or moving parts, leading to higher radiation dose and configuration times.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray device with a single source and detector that utilizes energy-dependent angulation to generate stereo-absorption images, allowing retrospective viewing direction adjustment and integration into conventional X-ray workflows, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual-energy x-ray imaging is performed using two separate x-ray sources and detectors, then material-specific images can be generated, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two x-ray sources and two detectors into a single integrated system where multiple sources share common detectors. This merging approach maintains the dual-energy imaging capability while reducing the number of independent source-detector pairs, thereby lowering device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional x-ray imaging system where a single detector array can receive and process signals from multiple x-ray sources at different energies. This universal detector design allows the system to perform multiple imaging functions (bone imaging, soft tissue imaging, material differentiation) without requiring separate dedicated detectors for each function.
2Measurement precision
If spectral information is captured using multiple detectors for different energy ranges, then material differentiation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detectors that would traditionally be used for different energy ranges into a single integrated detector array. This detector array is capable of simultaneously capturing spectral information across multiple energy ranges, maintaining material differentiation capability while reducing the number of separate detector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs energy discrimination techniques where the detector system varies its measurement parameters (energy thresholds, integration windows) to capture spectral information at different energy levels. This allows a single detector to perform the function of multiple energy-specific detectors by changing its operational parameters rather than requiring multiple physical detectors.
3Measurement precision
If images are reconstructed from multiple projections at different angles and energies, then image quality and material specificity improve, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the multi-energy projection data during the acquisition phase, organizing and pre-processing the spectral information before full image reconstruction. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during the final reconstruction stage, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image reconstruction process into separate energy-specific reconstruction steps. By dividing the complex multi-energy reconstruction into manageable energy bands that can be processed independently and then combined, the system reduces computational complexity and enables parallel processing, thereby reducing processing time.
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 proposed X-ray device generates pseudo-3D images to resolve ambiguities in 2D projections, reduces patient positioning requirements, and integrates seamlessly into existing systems, potentially reducing scanning time and radiation dose.
Implementation Method 1
dual-energy x-ray imaging is performed
Implementation Method 2
different materials absorbing x-rays at different rates
Implementation Method 3
spectral information has been captured... allowing for differentiation between, for example, bone and soft tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to X-ray imaging. There is provided an X-ray device (100). The X-ray device (100) comprises an X-ray generator (10) and an X-ray detector (12). The X-ray generator (10) is configured to generate a polychromatic X-ray beam in a frequency range for a subject to be imaged. The polychromatic X-ray beam is configured to have an energy dependent angulation with respect to the X-ray detector (20). The X-ray detector (20) is configured to acquire a plurality of energy-resolved absorption images of the subject, which are usable for generating a stereo-absorption image of the subject. This new imaging modality can be seen as being in-between purely projective imaging and full 3D modality. Thereby, it can be used in an early stage of the diagnostic pathway for clarifying indications without the need for acquiring full 3D images. The X-ray device may relax the requirements on the exact patient positioning for subtle exams (e.g., ankle lateral) since the radiologist can compensate for mis-positionings after the image acquisition