Stationary Emitter-Array X-Ray Imaging for Compact 3D Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray imaging systems are bulky, heavy, and lack the capability to produce high-quality 3D tomosynthesis images efficiently, particularly for medical applications, while maintaining portability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight x-ray imaging apparatus with independently energizable emitters and a flat panel digital detector, capable of producing 3D tomosynthesis images by maintaining stationary alignment, utilizing a high voltage generator, solenoids, and collimators to control electron beams and x-ray production, with a support system for versatile positioning and image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing x-ray imaging systems are used to produce 3D tomosynthesis images, then image quality can be achieved, but the systems are bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray emitter is divided into an array of independently controllable emitters, allowing selective activation of only the emitters needed for the current imaging task. This segmentation enables the system to achieve 3D tomosynthesis functionality with a compact, lightweight design while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact x-ray imaging apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including 3D tomosynthesis imaging, 2D imaging, and selective activation of different emitter subsets. This multi-functionality allows a single lightweight device to replace multiple specialized systems, reducing overall weight and bulk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing x-ray imaging systems are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the systems lack portability and ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components including the x-ray emitter array, detector, control electronics, and processing units are merged into a single integrated compact apparatus. This consolidation improves portability while the modular architecture manages complexity through unified control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of emitter activation, where different subsets of emitters are selectively energized based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to various imaging scenarios (different body parts, imaging modes) while maintaining a compact form factor, enhancing portability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If independently energizable emitters are used for 3D tomosynthesis, then imaging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter array is segmented into independently controllable units that can be activated in different patterns for different imaging modes. This segmentation enables efficient 3D tomosynthesis by selectively illuminating specific regions, improving imaging speed and efficiency while the modular control architecture manages the complexity of individual emitter control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different subsets of emitters are activated based on the local imaging requirements of different body parts or regions of interest. This local quality approach allows the system to concentrate imaging power where needed, improving efficiency for specific anatomical regions while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through region-specific control strategies.
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
Enables high-quality 3D tomosynthesis imaging with reduced size and weight, allowing for efficient and versatile medical imaging of various body parts, including hands and feet, with rapid image acquisition and low radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray emitter may comprise a vacuum enclosure which includes a circular cathode and a circular anode separated by an annular spacer
Implementation Method 2
The x-ray imaging apparatus may comprise solenoids for directing the beams of electrons onto either x-ray producing material or onto electron absorbing material
Implementation Method 3
sol e noids for directing the beams of electrons onto either x-ray producing material
Implementation Method 4
The x-ray emitter may comprise an internal collimator, a yoke, and a secondary collimator for restricting the cone angle of the emitted x-rays
Implementation Method 5
on the other arm a flat panel digital detector is arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray imaging apparatus 10 comprising a support 30 having two arms, wherein on one arm an x-ray emitter 50 is arranged, and on the other arm a flat panel digital detector 60 is arranged, the emitter and detector arranged opposite each other providing a space therebetween for the positioning of an object for x-ray imaging by the apparatus, the x-ray emitter comprising an array of emitters, the apparatus arranged such that in use different emitters are energisable independently from one another such that 3-dimensional tomosynthesis images are obtainable of the object, with the object, emitter and detector maintained stationary relative to one another.