Radiation Tomography Surface Dose Calculation via Phantom Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation tomography apparatuses, such as X-ray CT scanners, fail to accurately evaluate radiation exposure on subjects due to uneven dose variance, with maximum radiation exposure occurring on the surface and decreasing towards the center, making it difficult to assess radiation-sensitive areas near the body surface.
Innovation Solution
A radiation tomography apparatus that calculates the dose based on radiation measurements near the surface of a phantom, using a calculation method that accounts for the maximum radiation dose and normalizes it by the profile area in the radiation beam width direction, and considers different scan conditions like helical pitch and partial scans to provide accurate surface dose evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation dose is measured at the center of the phantom, then the measurement is simple, but the radiation exposure evaluation is inaccurate because the dose variance is uneven and maximum dose occurs on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phantom into multiple measurement positions (surface, center, and intermediate positions) to capture the uneven dose distribution. By measuring at multiple locations rather than a single point, the system accurately evaluates radiation exposure while accounting for the variance between surface and center doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional dose profile measurement by introducing radial distance from the surface as an additional dimension. This allows the system to map dose distribution across different depths and positions, providing comprehensive radiation exposure evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If CTDI value or DLP value is used to evaluate radiation exposure, then the evaluation is simple, but it cannot accurately reflect the radiation exposure on radiation-sensitive portions near the body surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting surface dose measurement for radiation-sensitive areas. Instead of using a single overall dose metric, the system provides localized dose information at the surface, center, and intermediate positions, allowing accurate assessment of radiation exposure in critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary dose profile measurement and analysis to establish the relationship between surface, center, and intermediate doses. This preliminary characterization of dose distribution enables the system to accurately evaluate surface radiation exposure while maintaining operational simplicity through automated calculations.
3Measurement precision
If dose measurement is performed at multiple positions in the phantom, then the radiation exposure evaluation becomes accurate, but the measurement and calculation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a phantom that replicates human body geometry and tissue composition to copy the actual imaging conditions. By measuring dose distribution in this representative phantom, the system obtains accurate radiation exposure data for evaluating human subjects without requiring direct measurement on patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies measurement parameters including radial distance from the surface, angular positions, and phantom dimensions to characterize dose distribution. By changing these parameters methodically, the system captures the full dose profile while maintaining organized and manageable measurement and calculation processes.
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
Enables accurate evaluation of radiation exposure on subjects by calculating the dose virtually maximized near the surface, providing comprehensive information on radiation exposure and improving the assessment of radiation-sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source 21 for irradiating the phantom 50
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation tomography apparatus is provided. The radiation tomography apparatus is configured to display a dose near a surface of a subject.