Standing X-Ray Scan Control for Dose and Bone Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiological imaging methods face challenges in reducing radiation dose while maintaining image quality, particularly in vertical scanning of standing patients, where the radiation dose needs to be adjusted based on patient thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
The method employs two orthogonal radiation sources that slide vertically to perform scanning, with current and voltage intensity modulations adjusted based on patient thickness and specific bone localization identified through scout views, to optimize radiation dose and image contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual parameter selection based on visual evaluation is used, then operator control is maintained, but radiation dose optimization is insufficient and image quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-evaluation by automatically analyzing scout view images to determine patient anatomy characteristics, thickness, and bone localization, eliminating the need for manual visual assessment while optimizing radiation parameters based on actual patient geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses scout view images as feedback to automatically adjust radiation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system where initial low-dose imaging informs subsequent optimized imaging parameters
2Extent of automation
If static AEC dosimeter cell is used in 2D radiography, then automatic exposure control is achieved, but the method is incompatible with scanning radiography where exposure time is linked to scan speed and area
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static AEC to dynamic parameter control, where radiation parameters are continuously adjusted along the scanning direction based on real-time analysis of patient anatomy variations at different positions
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning path is divided into multiple segments along the vertical direction, with each segment having independently optimized radiation parameters based on local patient thickness and anatomy identified through scout views
3Device complexity
If uniform radiation parameters are used for entire scan area, then system operation is simple, but radiation dose cannot be optimized for varying patient thickness
Solution Approach 1:
Different radiation parameters are applied to different regions along the scanning direction, with each region's parameters optimized according to local patient thickness and anatomy, achieving non-uniform dose distribution matched to patient geometry
4Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dose is reduced, then patient safety is improved, but image noise increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes multiple radiation parameters including kV, mA, and filtration along the scanning direction to maintain optimal image quality at each position while minimizing overall dose, rather than using fixed parameters
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 effectively reduces the global radiation dose while enhancing local image contrast, particularly for specific bone localizations, by modulating radiation intensity and energy in real-time, leading to improved image quality with reduced exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source with imaging direction along a vertical scanning direction, modulating a driving voltage intensity and a driving current intensity of the radiation source, both depending on a patient thickness
Implementation Method 2
voltage intensity is modulated so as to adapt emitted radiation dose along the horizontal scanning direction or current intensity is modulated along the horizontal scanning direction so as to adapt emitted radiation dose, which is anyway very high, and at least fifty times higher than in vertical scanning of a standing patient, to the patient thickness
Data Source
AI summary
A radiological imaging method including: 2 radiation sources with imaging directions orthogonal to each other, performing vertical scanning of a standing patient along a vertical scanning direction, wherein the radiological method includes at least one operating mode in which: a frontal scout view is made so as to identify a specific bone(s) localization within the frontal scout view, both driving current intensity and voltage intensity modulations of the frontal radiation source, depending on patient thickness and on the identified specific bone(s) localization along the vertical scanning direction, are performed simultaneously, preferably synchronously, and automatically, so as to improve a compromise between: lowering the global radiation dose received by a patient during the vertical scanning, and increasing the local image contrasts of the identified specific bone(s) localization at different imaging positions along the vertical scanning direction, for the frontal image.