X-ray Tomosynthesis Apparatus Stationary Scatterer Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray diagnostic apparatuses using tomosynthesis technology face challenges with motion artifacts due to the long data collection time required for multiple X-ray images, especially when finer angular increments are used, leading to artifactual images.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray irradiator, a scatterer, a grid, and a detector, where the X-ray irradiator irradiates X-rays from a single position without moving, and the grid limits the incident angle of X-rays, allowing for simultaneous detection of X-rays with fine angular increments, thereby reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray images are acquired from discrete incident directions within a predetermined incident angle range, then tomosynthesis images can be obtained, but the data collection time increases and motion artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the X-ray source and detector with a stationary configuration. Instead of moving the X-ray irradiator and detector to different positions for each angle, the system uses a single stationary X-ray source and detector combination, eliminating mechanical complexity and enabling simultaneous multi-angle detection through the scatterer-grid-detector arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an angular dimension to the detection process by introducing a scatterer that distributes X-rays in multiple directions and a grid that selectively transmits scattered X-rays at different angles. This allows the detector to simultaneously capture X-ray information from multiple incident angles by detecting X-rays with different incident angles, transforming a one-dimensional detection process into a multi-dimensional one.
2Measurement precision
If angular increments are made finer to reduce artifacts, then image quality improves, but data collection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for sequential mechanical positioning at different angles by using a stationary X-ray source combined with a scatterer and grid system. The scatterer distributes X-rays in multiple directions, and the grid selectively transmits scattered X-rays at different angles to the detector, enabling simultaneous acquisition of fine angular increment data without mechanical movement or time delays.
3Loss of information
If X-ray imaging is performed at each discrete angle sequentially, then complete angular coverage is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete angular measurements into a single simultaneous detection process. By combining the scatterer that distributes X-rays in multiple directions with the grid that selectively transmits scattered X-rays at different angles, the system captures X-ray information from multiple incident angles simultaneously in a single exposure, eliminating sequential imaging and its associated time delays and motion artifacts.
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 configuration enables the generation of high-quality tomosynthesis images with minimal motion artifacts in a short time, while also reducing artifacts associated with coarse angular increments.
Implementation Method 1
a scatterer, provided between the X-ray irradiator and the object, that scatters the irradiated X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a grid, provided between the scatterer and the object, that transmits the scattered X-rays within a predetermined angular range
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray irradiator, a scatterer, a grid, and a detector. The X-ray irradiator irradiates X-rays. The scatterer is provided between the X-ray irradiator and an object, that scatters the irradiated X-rays. The grid is provided between the scatterer and the object, that transmits the scattered X-rays within a predetermined angular range. The detector detects X-rays transmitted through the object together with an incident angle of the X-rays.