Stationary X-Ray Source Array for Chest Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital chest tomosynthesis systems require mechanical motion of the x-ray source, leading to image degradation due to motion blurring from respiratory and cardiovascular movements, which limits scanning speed and is unsuitable for pediatric imaging.
Innovation Solution
A stationary digital chest tomosynthesis system using a spatially distributed x-ray source array and a stationary detector, synchronized with physiological signals to minimize motion blurring and enable faster image acquisition without breath-holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical motion of the x-ray source is used to collect projection images, then tomosynthesis imaging can be performed, but image resolution deteriorates due to motion blurring from respiratory and cardiovascular movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanically moving x-ray source with a stationary x-ray source array. Multiple x-ray sources are positioned at different locations around the subject, allowing projection images to be collected from multiple angles simultaneously without mechanical motion. This eliminates motion blurring caused by respiratory and cardiovascular movements during the scanning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single moving x-ray source into multiple stationary x-ray sources arranged in an array. Each source in the array is positioned at a different angular location, enabling simultaneous acquisition of projection images from multiple views. This segmentation approach maintains the functional capability of multi-angle imaging while eliminating the need for mechanical motion.
2Speed
If mechanical motion of the x-ray source gantry is used, then projection images can be acquired from different angles, but scanning speed is limited due to acceleration and deceleration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical gantry system entirely by using a stationary x-ray source array. Multiple x-ray sources are fixed at different positions around the subject, allowing simultaneous acquisition of projection images from multiple angles. This removes the acceleration and deceleration constraints that limit scanning speed in conventional moving gantry systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple stationary sources rather than using a single moving source. This allows parallel acquisition of projection data from different angles, dramatically increasing scanning speed while eliminating the need for complex gantry motion control systems.
3Ease of operation
If conventional moving gantry tomosynthesis is used, then imaging can be performed, but breath-holding is required which is difficult for pediatric patients and those with lung diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sequential mechanical scanning process with simultaneous multi-angle imaging using a stationary source array. This dramatically reduces the total acquisition time to well under one second, eliminating the need for breath-holding. Patients can breathe normally during imaging, making the procedure suitable for pediatric patients and those with respiratory conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into simultaneous parallel acquisitions rather than sequential scanning. Multiple projection images from different angles are captured at the same time, reducing the total scan time to a fraction of a second. This eliminates the breath-hold requirement while maintaining image quality through the stationary geometry of the source array.
4Measurement precision
If a single x-ray focal spot is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates due to larger effective focal spot size during mechanical motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single moving focal spot into multiple stationary focal spots arranged in an array. Each focal spot in the array is smaller than the effective focal spot size during mechanical motion because it does not require acceleration and deceleration. The multiple focal spots work together to provide the angular diversity needed for tomosynthesis while maintaining high resolution through their smaller, stationary geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single focal spot in one position to multiple focal spots distributed in space around the subject. This spatial distribution of multiple small focal spots replaces the single large effective focal spot, achieving high resolution through the array geometry rather than through mechanical precision.
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 achieves higher quality and resolution images in shorter scanning times with reduced radiation dose, suitable for longitudinal monitoring and dynamic imaging of lung and heart regions.
Implementation Method 1
an array of spatially distributed x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged... a stationary area x-ray detector positioned substantially parallel to a plane of the x-ray source array and configured to record x-ray projection images
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.