Dual-Source Stereo Radiography for Scatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiography methods struggle to produce clinical quality images of overweight and obese patients due to high levels of scattered x-rays, which result in a low direct x-ray signal and increased radiation dose, as existing scattering rejection grids and collimation methods are insufficient for these patients.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method with a vertical gap between scanning beams and collimation tunnels upstream detectors to reduce cross-scattering, allowing for synchronous but time-shifted vertical scanning, which enhances signal quality and reduces cross-scattering, thereby improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If scattering rejection grids and narrow collimation are used to reduce scattered x-rays, then scattered x-ray rejection is improved, but the direct x-ray signal level becomes too low for overweight and obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing dual-source stereo-radiography with sources positioned at different heights, creating simultaneous frontal and lateral views. This dimensional approach allows scattered radiation from one view to be geometrically separated from the detector of the other view, reducing cross-scattering while maintaining adequate signal levels through the combined information from both perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into two separate vertical scanning systems operating simultaneously, each with its own x-ray source and detector. This segmentation allows independent optimization of collimation and scattering rejection for each view, while the vertical separation between sources and detectors creates geometric constraints that reduce cross-scattering between the two imaging paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If narrow collimation apertures are used to reduce cross-scattering, then cross-scattering rejection is improved, but the received radiation signal on detector surfaces becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning x-ray sources at different vertical heights and implementing dual-source stereo-radiography, the patent creates geometric separation between the imaging paths. This dimensional arrangement allows wider collimation apertures to be used while still maintaining cross-scattering rejection, as scattered radiation from one source is less likely to reach the detector of the other source due to the vertical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two radiographic views (frontal and lateral) acquired simultaneously from different vertical positions into a single three-dimensional reconstruction process. This combining of information from both views compensates for the reduced signal in each individual view, allowing wider collimation apertures while maintaining overall image quality and signal sufficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vertical scanning with collimators is used to reduce self-scattering, then self-scattering rejection is improved, but the level of received radiation signal on detector surfaces is much lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vertical scanning from two different height positions simultaneously, creating a stereo-radiographic system. This vertical dimensional approach allows collimators to be optimized for self-scattering rejection in each view while the combined signal from both views compensates for the reduced intensity, maintaining sufficient received radiation signal for image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the x-ray sources and detectors, implementing dual-source stereo-radiography with sources at different heights. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both self-scattering rejection through collimation and sufficient signal levels through the combined information from the two vertically separated imaging paths.
4Productivity
If synchronous dual-view imaging is used to improve three dimensional reconstruction, then imaging efficiency is improved, but cross-scattering between views increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements synchronous dual-view imaging with x-ray sources positioned at different vertical heights, creating simultaneous frontal and lateral views. The vertical separation between sources and detectors creates geometric constraints that reduce cross-scattering between views, as scattered radiation from one source is less likely to reach the detector of the other source, while maintaining the efficiency benefits of synchronous imaging.
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 cross-scattering and self-scattering, allowing for better image quality and lower radiation doses in overweight and obese patients, while maintaining sufficient signal strength and spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
at least an x-ray emission source emitting x-ray spectra having a higher energy comprised between 20keV and 200keV
Implementation Method 2
collimation tunnels located upstream detectors to reduce cross-scattering
Implementation Method 3
first detector cooperating to make a first two dimensional image of said organ, a second detector cooperating to make a second two dimensional image of said organ
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method of radiography of an organ of a patient, comprising: a first vertical scanning of said organ by a first radiation source (1) and a first detector (3) cooperating to make a first two dimensional image of said organ, a second vertical scanning of said organ by a second radiation source (2) and a second detector (4) cooperating to make a second two dimensional image of said organ, said first vertical scanning and said second vertical scanning being performed synchronously, said first and second images viewing said organ of said patient according to different angles of incidence, wherein there is a vertical gap (h) between on the one hand said first source (1) and detector (3) and on the other hand said second source (2) and detector (4), such that said first vertical scanning and said second vertical scanning are performed synchronously but with a time shift in between, so as to reduce cross-scattering between said first and second images.