Static CT Source Array with Beam Collimation for Faster Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static computed tomography systems face limitations in acquisition speed due to low x-ray tube power, which is difficult to increase without significant cost and space requirements, leading to motion artifacts from moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A method for static CT systems that activates multiple x-ray sources simultaneously, using a beam collimator to separate signals, allowing for increased power output and reduced scan time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the x-ray tube power is increased to achieve higher acquisition speed, then the acquisition speed is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the x-ray source into multiple independent sources (at least two) that can be activated simultaneously. Each source operates at lower power individually but collectively they provide the necessary total power for high-speed acquisition, avoiding the need for a single high-power source that would increase cost and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple x-ray sources are combined to operate simultaneously, merging their individual low-power outputs to achieve the equivalent of high-power operation. This allows the system to attain high acquisition speed without requiring any single source to have high power, thus avoiding increased cost and space requirements
2Power
If multiple x-ray sources are activated simultaneously to increase power output, then the acquisition speed is improved, but signal interference between sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the signals from different x-ray sources using a beam collimator. The collimator selectively directs x-ray beams from each source to specific detector regions, removing the harmful interference component while preserving the useful signal information from each source
Solution Approach 2:
A beam collimator is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple x-ray sources and the detectors. The collimator mediates the interaction by spatially filtering and directing beams, ensuring that signals from different sources are properly separated and do not interfere with each other, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple sources
3Loss of time
If the acquisition time is reduced to avoid motion artifacts, then the image quality is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple x-ray sources are combined to operate simultaneously, merging their individual signal outputs. This increases the total accumulated photon energy reaching the detectors within the same acquisition time, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the short acquisition time needed to avoid motion artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having multiple sources operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. This continuous parallel operation ensures that sufficient photon energy is accumulated during the brief acquisition window, preventing signal-to-noise ratio deterioration that would occur with shorter exposure times
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
Enhances power utilization and temporal resolution by doubling the x-ray power per time unit while maintaining signal separation, reducing motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a beam collimator, preferably a circular beam collimator, positioned in a radial direction between the x-ray source array and the examination area
Implementation Method 2
acquire computed tomography scan data of an object or subject placed in the examination area by simultaneously activating at least two x-ray sources and measuring the corresponding signals with the detector arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A computed tomography system comprising an examination area (4), a static x-ray source array (1) with x-ray sources (11) that are arranged around the examination area (4), a detector arrangement (2) with detectors (21) that are arranged around the examination area (4), and a beam collimator (3) positioned in a radial direction between the x-ray source array (1) and the examination area (4), wherein the computed tomography system is configured to acquire computed tomography scan data of an object or subject (5) placed in the examination area (4) by simultaneously activating at least two x-ray sources (11) and measuring the corresponding signals with the detector arrangement (2) and repeating the simultaneous activation multiple times with different x-ray sources (11) of the x-ray source array (1), respectively, in order to acquire a full scan of the object or subject (5).