Variable High Voltage X-ray Source for Spectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectral X-ray imaging technologies are limited in their ability to perform high-resolution, 3D captures and visualization of dynamic objects and processes, particularly in medical applications such as breast cancer screening and real-time imaging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a distributed X-ray source with an array of X-ray emitters and a controller that adjusts the variable high voltage and timing of X-ray emitter engagement to generate multiple X-ray beams with different energy spectra, allowing for real-time spectral tomographic reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kV switching is used to generate different energy exposures, then spectral imaging capability is improved, but hardware complexity and switching time increase, limiting applicability to static objects only
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray source is divided into multiple independent emitters, each capable of operating at different voltage levels simultaneously. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex high-voltage switching hardware while maintaining spectral imaging capability, as each emitter can be controlled independently to produce the desired energy spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static voltage levels to dynamic, continuously variable high voltage. By using a variable high voltage power supply that can be adjusted in real-time, the system achieves spectral imaging without the limitations of discrete kV switching, enabling both static and dynamic object imaging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If kV switching is used to adjust high voltage levels, then different energy spectra are generated, but switching time introduces motion artifacts, limiting real-time imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous X-ray emission with continuously variable energy spectrum by using a variable high voltage power supply that can be adjusted without interruption. This eliminates the discrete switching gaps that cause motion artifacts, enabling real-time spectral imaging of dynamic objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage is made dynamically adjustable during the imaging process, allowing the energy spectrum to be changed in real-time without stopping or interrupting the X-ray emission. This dynamic control eliminates the time loss associated with voltage switching.
3Measurement precision
If spectral CT machines are used for 3D spectral imaging, then material differentiation capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single X-ray source with variable high voltage capability to perform multiple spectral imaging functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized systems. By making the power supply universally adjustable across a wide voltage range, the system achieves spectral CT capability without the complexity of dedicated spectral CT hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves material differentiation by changing the high voltage parameter rather than using complex multi-energy detectors or multiple X-ray sources. By varying the voltage to generate different energy spectra and combining this with computational techniques, the system achieves spectral imaging capability with simpler hardware.
4Measurement precision
If photon counting X-ray detectors are used for spectral imaging, then energy measurement capability is improved, but charge sharing reduces image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses conventional detectors without requiring perfect photon energy measurement for each individual photon. By using a variable voltage source to provide spectral information at the source level, the system achieves spectral imaging with conventional detectors, avoiding the charge sharing problem entirely while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for clinical applications.
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 enables high-speed, real-time 3D spectral X-ray imaging, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing for dynamic imaging and improved material identification without the need for complex high-voltage switching hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The electrons decelerate in the anode material and produce Bremsstrahlung ('braking radiation') X-rays, which form a continuous spectrum that is distributed across a range of energies
Implementation Method 2
The continuous Bremsstrahlung spectrum may also carry additional peaks of characteristic emission of the anode material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for performing spectral tomographic reconstruction of an object. The imaging system includes a power source that is configured to provide a variable high voltage. The imaging system includes a distributed X-ray source. The distributed X-ray source includes an array of X-ray emitters that allows fast switching “ON” and “OFF” using X-ray emitter grid electrode. The distributed X-ray sources is configured to generate an X-ray beam with an energy spectrum based on the variable high voltage and uses additional X-ray filters. The imaging system includes a controller. The controller is configured to operate synchronously with the change of the variable high voltage. The controller is configured to control a timing of when to engage an X-ray emitter of the array of X-ray emitters of the distributed X-ray source based on a predefined firing pattern.