X-ray Imaging TDS Shift Frequency Adjustment for Bone Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone densitometers use frame-based data acquisition methods, resulting in large volumes of data with low x-ray statistics per pixel, complicating image reconstruction and necessitating an improved system and method for acquiring bone density information.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system that includes an X-ray source producing a diverging beam and a detector with processing system programmed to perform initial and subsequent scans based on time delayed summation (TDS) shift frequencies, adjusting for object height and beam angle to generate accurate bone images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If frame-based data acquisition methods are used, then large volumes of data are generated, but image reconstruction becomes complicated and x-ray statistics per pixel are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data acquisition process into multiple individual x-ray measurements taken at different angles and positions, which are then integrated through time-delayed summation. This segmentation approach transforms a single complex frame-based measurement into multiple simpler measurements that can be processed independently and combined, reducing reconstruction complexity while maintaining data volume.
2Quantity of substance
If frame-based data acquisition methods are used, then large volumes of data are generated, but x-ray statistics per pixel are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data accumulation through time-delayed summation, where x-ray measurements are continuously collected over multiple time intervals and summed to improve statistical precision. This continuous accumulation allows the system to maintain large data volumes while improving x-ray statistics per pixel by integrating measurements across time rather than relying on single-frame statistics.
3Measurement precision
If TDS shift frequency is optimized based on object height, then image clarity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first determining the height of the object before optimizing the TDS shift frequency. This preliminary measurement of object height allows the system to pre-calculate the appropriate shift frequency that will maximize image clarity, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the determined object height to adjust and optimize the TDS shift frequency. The system measures the object height, uses this information to calculate the optimal shift frequency, and then applies this frequency to improve image clarity. This feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to different object sizes while maintaining image quality.
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 effectively acquires accurate patient anatomy and bone images by optimizing TDS shift frequencies based on object height, improving image clarity and reducing blurring, while also enabling the determination of patient bone mineral density.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source that emits a collimated beam of dual-energy x-rays to image a patient
Implementation Method 2
Measurements of the x-ray absorption by an object at two different x-ray energies can reveal information about the composition of that object
Implementation Method 3
An x-ray detector is positioned with respect to the x-ray source to receive the x-rays passing through the patient. The x-ray detector produces electrical signals in response to the received x-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a medical imaging system having an X-ray source, a detector and a processing system. The X-ray source is collimated to produce a diverging beam of radiation and transmits X-rays through an object. The detector includes detector pixels arranged in at least one row and is operative to receive the X-ray energy of the X-rays after having passed through the object. The processing system is programmed to select an initial height of the object with respect to the X-ray source plane and determine an initial time delayed summation (TDS) shift frequency based on the initial height. The processing system performs a first scan of the object based on the TDS shift frequency and determines a new height of the object based on a beam angle and an overlap of adjacent images. A new TDS shift frequency is determined based on the new height of the object if the initial height and the new height are not substantially same. The processing system then performs a second scan of the object based on the new TDS shift frequency. The processing system is further programmed to generate an image of the object based on detected X-ray energy at the X-ray detector based on the first scan and the second scan.