X-Ray Diagnosis Focus Control for Artifact Reduction in Long-Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray diagnosis apparatuses face artifacts due to Table to Object Distance (TOD) differences, which are exacerbated by slit-shaped imaging, limiting the ability to image the entire subject and requiring subjects to adjust their position on a stand, and existing systems like US 2010/074483A1 do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnosis apparatus adjusts the X-ray aperture to narrow the irradiation range and controls the X-ray focus and angle to ensure symmetrical or fixed positions, allowing for multiple shots of imaging with equivalent X-ray focus positions, reducing TOD differences and enabling long range imaging without subject repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If slit shaped imaging is performed to reduce artifact effect, then artifact reduction is achieved, but imaging range is limited and subject repositioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into multiple shots, each capturing a specific region (upper end or lower end) with controlled aperture. The aperture is adjusted to narrow the irradiation range for each shot, reducing artifacts while the sequence of shots collectively covers the entire imaging range without requiring subject repositioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aperture is narrowed to reduce TOD difference effect, then artifact reduction is achieved, but imaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is pre-adjusted to appropriate positions (narrowed for end portions, open for middle portions) before each shot based on the predetermined shooting sequence. This preliminary positioning optimizes the balance between artifact reduction and imaging efficiency for each region without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the imaging process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple shots are performed with aperture adjustment, then imaging quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is made dynamically adjustable, changing its opening degree according to the specific shooting region (upper end, middle, lower end) and the predetermined sequence. This dynamic adjustment allows optimized imaging quality for each region while the automation of the sequence reduces operational complexity.
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 minimizes artifacts and unnecessary subject exposure by maintaining consistent X-ray focus and angle positions, facilitating efficient long range imaging without the need for subject repositioning, thus enhancing imaging quality and reducing exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube (12a) and an X-ray aperture (12b)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The medical support apparatus according to the present embodiment comprises an X-ray image acquisition unit configured to acquire an X-ray image by performing an X-ray imaging using an X-ray tube which irradiates X-rays to a subject and an X-ray detector which detects the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube, and an imaging control unit configured to control the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so that each X-ray focus in a plurality of shots of the X-ray imaging is positioned at an equivalent position by controlling a focus-to-detector distance, a position of the X-ray detector, and an angle of irradiating X-rays to the subject, the focus-to-detector distance being a distance from the X-ray focus of the X-ray tube to the X-ray detector.