X-ray Tomosynthesis Emitter Subset Selection for Low-Dose Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray digital tomosynthesis systems require skilled operator alignment, leading to potential misalignment and increased radiation dosage due to the time-consuming process of reconstructing 3D images, which can result in unnecessary radiation exposure and prolonged scanning times.
Innovation Solution
A digital x-ray tomosynthesis system with a spatially distributed x-ray emitter panel and detector configuration that selects a subset of emitters to produce a composite 2D image with minimal radiation exposure, allowing for real-time alignment verification and reduced radiation dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full 3D tomosynthesis reconstruction is performed to verify alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation dosage and scanning time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tomosynthesis acquisition into two distinct phases: a low-dose scout view phase using a minimal subset of emitters for alignment verification, followed by a full 3D reconstruction phase only if needed. This segmentation allows alignment checking with minimal radiation exposure while preserving the option for complete reconstruction when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring only a scout view with a limited subset of emitters rather than performing a complete 3D tomosynthesis scan for alignment verification. This partial acquisition provides sufficient information for positioning assessment while avoiding the excessive radiation dosage and time associated with full reconstruction.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scans are performed to ensure proper alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but scanning time and radiation dosage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment verification using a low-dose scout view acquired with a minimal subset of emitters before committing to a full 3D reconstruction. This preliminary action allows operators to confirm proper positioning early in the workflow, avoiding unnecessary full scans and reducing total acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing multiple full scans to ensure alignment, the patent uses a partial scout view acquisition that provides sufficient alignment information with minimal time and radiation investment, eliminating the need for repeated full scans.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimal subset of emitters is used for alignment verification, then radiation dosage is reduced, but image quality and completeness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task into a scout view portion using a minimal emitter subset for alignment verification, and a potential full reconstruction portion using all emitters if needed. The scout view provides sufficient structural information for positioning assessment without requiring complete image data, thus reducing radiation while maintaining necessary information for alignment purposes.
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 enables efficient and accurate alignment of the emitter and detector panels with a low-dose 'scout' image, reducing radiation exposure and minimizing the need for multiple scans by providing a 2D preview image before full 3D reconstruction, thus improving positioning accuracy and reducing patient dosage.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray emitter panel comprising a plurality of spatially distributed x-ray emitters arranged in a substantially planar array such that each respective emission cone from each respective one of the plurality of x-ray emitters projects along a respective axis substantially perpendicular to the planar array
Data Source
AI summary
Alignment of tomosynthesis systems requires operator skill, particularly where regions of interest are internal structures with limited surface features. Reconstruction of an entire 3D tomosynthesis image may require seconds to minutes, and it can take this long before operators realize that subsequent scans are required. In this time, the patient may have moved and a second scan could also potentially miss the region of interest, requiring a third scan, etc. Multiple exposures are time-consuming and increase patient radiation dose. A digital x-ray tomosynthesis system comprises a static array of x-ray emitters and an x-ray detector and involves selecting a sub-set of x-ray emitters so no x-ray detector part is exposed to x-rays from more than nine of the sub-set and generating a composite image from non-overlapping portions of each respective image produced on the x-ray detector. A two-dimensional image of a subject may be produced using minimal radiation dose.