Talbot-Lau Interferometer Microbubble Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in imaging deeper sites, especially when bones are present, and cannot examine the whole body with a single administration of a microbubble contrast agent due to weak signal overlap with tissue signals in small angle scattering images.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus using a Talbot-Lau interferometer is configured to optimize the visualization of microbubble contrast agents by adjusting the particle size of the microbubble contrast agent, slit period of the first grating, and distances between components to enhance signal detection, allowing for improved reconstruction images and whole-body examination with a single contrast agent administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microbubble contrast agent is used for imaging by means of a radiographic imaging apparatus using a Talbot-Lau interferometer, then the microbubble contrast agent can be visualized in a small angle scattering image, but the signal of microbubbles is very weak and overlaps with living body tissue signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of the microbubble contrast agent to a specific range (1-10 μm, preferably 2-5 μm) to optimize the scattering signal strength. This parameter adjustment enhances the microbubble signal while minimizing overlap with tissue signals, directly resolving the contradiction between visualization performance and signal clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of imaging parameters including slit period (d1), distance ratio (Rs/R1), and particle size (φ) that satisfy the relation φ≥(1/2)×(Rs/R1)×d1>φ×0.7. These dynamic parameter adjustments allow optimization of the small angle scattering signal for microbubbles while maintaining distinguishability from tissue signals
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses use a microbubble contrast agent, then new blood vessels can be visualized, but deeper sites cannot be imaged when a bone is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic imaging with radiographic imaging using a Talbot-Lau interferometer. This substitution enables X-ray penetration through bones to visualize microbubble contrast agents in deeper sites, while maintaining the capability to detect new blood vessels through microbubble accumulation, thus resolving both visualization and imaging depth limitations
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses apply a probe to individual target sites, then local examination can be performed, but the whole body cannot be examined by a single administration of a contrast agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system using radiographic imaging with Talbot-Lau interferometer that can examine the whole body with a single microbubble contrast agent administration. The system maintains local examination capability through selective imaging while adding whole-body versatility, as microbubbles circulate systemically and can be detected throughout the body using the enhanced small angle scattering imaging technique
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 solution improves the visualization of microbubble contrast agents, enhancing diagnostic performance by reducing signal overlap and enabling whole-body imaging with a single administration of the contrast agent, thereby improving the detection of new blood vessels and cancerous tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a radiographic imaging apparatus using a Talbot-Lau interferometer comprising a radiation source, a multiple slit, a first grating, a second grating and a radiation detector
Implementation Method 2
generating an image in which a microbubble contrast agent is depicted at high contrast by the DEI method, one of phase contrast techniques
Implementation Method 3
the microbubble contrast agent is visualized in a small angle scattering image which illustrates scattering by a microstructure
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic imaging apparatus includes an imaging apparatus and a hardware processor. The imaging apparatus obtains moire fringe images for generating a reconstruction image of a subject by using a Talbot-Lau interferometer comprising a radiation source, a multiple slit, a first grating, a second grating and a radiation detector. The hardware processor performs a control to satisfy relations (i) φ≥(1/2)×(RS/R1)×d1>φ×0.7, (ii) 1≤φ≤10 (μm), and (iii) 0.5≤(Rs/R1)≤1. φ is a particle size of a microbubble contrast agent to be used in imaging. d1 is a slit period of the first grating. R1 is a distance between the multiple slit and the first grating. Rs is a distance between the multiple slit and the subject.