Variable Binning Detector Array for Adaptive X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical X-ray imaging techniques face challenges in achieving high image quality while minimizing radiation exposure, as X-ray dosage needs to be carefully controlled to balance diagnostic effectiveness with patient safety, and existing detector arrays lack flexibility in adapting to varying imaging tasks and subject conditions.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive imaging system with a pixelated detector array that allows for variable binning of detector pixels, enabling adaptive image quality settings based on input data and subject characteristics, using a controllable driver and interface to select optimal functionality settings, including binning of more than four pixels, to achieve desired image quality goals with reduced exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray dosage is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts binning configuration based on detected subject characteristics and imaging conditions. The binning factor is variable and can be changed during operation to optimize the balance between image quality and radiation dose, rather than using a fixed binning setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the binning parameter (combining different numbers of detector elements) to optimize image quality for different imaging conditions. By adjusting this parameter based on subject mass, opacity, and diagnostic requirements, the system achieves high image quality at lower radiation doses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detector array flexibility is increased to adapt to varying imaging tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array employs dynamic binning configuration that can be adjusted based on imaging task requirements. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, where the binning factor is modifiable to match different diagnostic needs, subject conditions, and imaging protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is designed to perform multiple functions through variable binning configurations. A single detector array can adapt to different imaging tasks (chest, abdominal, pediatric imaging) by changing its binning setting, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detector arrays.
3Loss of energy
If binning of more than four pixels is implemented, then radiation dose is reduced, but image resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable binning factors (greater than 4) that are selected based on imaging conditions and diagnostic requirements. This allows optimization of the balance between radiation dose reduction and image resolution preservation for each specific imaging scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array can use different binning configurations based on local imaging requirements. Critical diagnostic regions may use lower binning to preserve resolution, while non-critical regions use higher binning to reduce dose, achieving localized optimization of image quality and dose reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which non-destructive imaging is achieved, including a process for variable binning of detector elements. The process includes accepting input data indicative of image quality goals and descriptors of an imaging task, as well as parameters characterizing a test subject, relative to non-destructive imaging of an internal portion of the test subject and determining when the non-destructive imaging system is capable of achieving the image quality goals using binning of more than four pixels.