Multi-tube Tomosynthesis Control for Tube Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tomosynthesis imaging systems with a single radiation tube face challenges in imaging time and subject burden due to long imaging times and radiation tube failures, such as temperature issues, discharge, and cathode failures, which hinder the generation of high-quality tomographic images.
Innovation Solution
A tomosynthesis imaging control device utilizing multiple radiation tubes, where a detection unit identifies abnormal states and a determination unit permits image generation using functional tubes, ensuring image quality and resolution by selectively using projection images from operational tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radiation tube is used for tomosynthesis imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging time increases and the reliability decreases due to tube failures
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is segmented into multiple independent radiation tubes (at least three) arranged at different positions. Each radiation tube can independently emit radiation at different irradiation angles, allowing the system to divide the imaging task across multiple functional units. This segmentation enables continued operation even when individual tubes fail, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by utilizing at least two or more functional radiation tubes simultaneously or sequentially to capture projection images. When tube failures occur, the system dynamically adjusts which tubes are used for imaging, selecting from available functional tubes to maintain the required at least two tubes for image generation. This parameter adaptation ensures continuous reliable operation despite individual tube failures.
2Device complexity
If a single radiation tube is used for tomosynthesis imaging, then the device structure is simplified, but the imaging time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented across multiple radiation tubes positioned at different locations. Multiple tubes can capture projection images simultaneously or in parallel sequences, dividing the total imaging workload. This parallelization capability directly reduces imaging time while the modular segmented structure keeps device complexity manageable through standardized tube configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by having multiple radiation tubes available to perform imaging functions. When some tubes are operational, the system continuously captures projection images using the available tubes without interruption. This continuous operation capability reduces total imaging time compared to single-tube systems that must complete all imaging sequentially, while the persistent availability of multiple tubes maintains simplified device architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple radiation tubes are used for tomosynthesis imaging, then the reliability improves and imaging time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is divided into multiple independent, identical radiation tube modules. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized structure and function. This segmentation approach improves reliability through redundancy while controlling device complexity by using repeated standardized components rather than complex integrated systems. The modular nature allows easy replacement and maintenance of individual tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radiation tubes serve universal functions within the imaging system. Each tube can emit radiation at its designated angle and contribute to capturing projection images. The system universally accepts input from any functional tube and processes their outputs through the same image generation algorithm. This multi-functionality of identical components improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of specialized differentiated components.
4Productivity
If multiple radiation tubes are used for tomosynthesis imaging, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple parallel radiation tube channels that can operate simultaneously or in coordinated sequences. This segmentation enables parallel image capture, directly increasing productivity by reducing total imaging time. The segmented modular architecture manages complexity through standardized repeating units rather than monolithic complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses at least two or more functional radiation tubes out of the total available tubes (at least three) to capture projection images. When all tubes are operational, the system can utilize excessive tube capacity to further reduce imaging time through parallel operation. This partial or excessive action approach maximizes productivity while the underlying modular structure keeps device complexity manageable through standardized configurations.
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 allows for efficient generation of tomographic images with preset resolution levels even when one radiation tube fails, reducing imaging time and subject burden while maintaining image quality by utilizing other operational tubes.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source including a plurality of radiation tubes... continuously irradiates an object with radiation at a plurality of different irradiation angles
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a detection unit, a determination unit, a generation unit, and a control unit. The detection unit detects a state of each of the plurality of radiation tubes in a case in which tomosynthesis imaging that continuously irradiates an object with radiation at a plurality of different irradiation angles in order to generate a tomographic image in any tomographic plane of the object is performed using the plurality of radiation tubes. The determination unit determines whether or not to permit the generation of the tomographic image on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit and outputs a determination result. The generation unit generates the tomographic image. The control unit controls the operation of the generation unit on the basis of the determination result.