Stereo Tube Imaging System with Partial Detector Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereo tube radiation imaging systems face challenges due to increased radiation dose and technical complexities, which outweigh the advantages of stereo imaging, limiting their widespread implementation.
Innovation Solution
The imaging system employs two spatially offset radiation emission regions that illuminate only parts of the detector surface, allowing for reduced radiation dose and minimized cone-beam artifacts, with the option to add a third emission region for enhanced flexibility in tracking objects moving through the body, such as a contrast agent bolus, by adjusting radiation beam coverage and collimation based on the object's speed and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If stereo tube radiation imaging is used to generate 3D images, then image dimensionality and diagnostic information are improved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector surface is divided into multiple independent detection regions, each associated with a specific radiation emission region. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary emission-detection pairs, reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining the capability to generate three-dimensional image data when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating all radiation emission regions simultaneously, the system activates only the partial set of emission regions required for the current imaging task. This partial action approach reduces radiation dose while still providing sufficient data for diagnostic purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stereo tube radiation imaging is implemented, then three-dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit is designed with multiple detection regions that can serve multiple functions. The same detection regions can be used with different radiation emission regions, allowing the system to perform both single-source and stereo imaging modes, as well as track moving objects, without requiring completely separate hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific radiation emission regions and detection regions based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different imaging modes (single-source, stereo, tracking) and reduces complexity by only activating necessary components rather than maintaining all components in active state.
3Area of stationary object
If radiation beams cover the full detector surface, then complete object coverage is achieved, but cone-beam artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different detection regions are selectively activated based on the specific imaging requirements and object position. Rather than uniformly activating the entire detector surface, the system applies local quality by activating only the necessary portions of the detector, thereby reducing cone-beam artifacts in the regions of interest while maintaining adequate coverage.
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 improves image quality and reduces radiation dose, while enabling effective tracking of objects with non-constant speeds through the body without requiring significant redesign of the imaging system, thus increasing the acceptance of stereo tube imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
x-ray radiation is emitted from two separate x-ray emission regions
Implementation Method 2
The x-ray radiation which passes through the subject is detected by x-ray detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stereo tube radiation imaging system in which radiation emitted from each radiation source covers a different area of the detector surface. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a stereo tube imaging method wherein both radiation sources are operated independently and each cover part of the detector surface area. This is advantageous in that it may reduce radiation dose compared to known stereo tube imaging and introduces new possibilities for stereo tube imaging, such as improved object tracking within a body.