X-Ray Imaging Control for Low-Dose, Fast Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face challenges in minimizing space occupation, ensuring convenient installation, reducing X-ray dose, and shortening imaging time while generating accurate tomography images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging device with a processor that controls the X-ray generator in multiple modes to radiate X-rays at different intervals, using a combination of X-ray sources to generate projection data for reconstructing 2D or 3D tomography images, thereby optimizing X-ray dose and imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT device projects X-rays in various directions multiple times to capture cross-sectional images, then image quality and internal structure visibility are improved, but X-ray radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation exposure into multiple low-dose projection views taken at different angles, rather than using a single high-dose CT scan. The X-ray generator radiates X-rays toward the subject at multiple different angles to generate multiple pieces of projection data, each with lower radiation dose, and the processor reconstructs the tomography image from these segmented projection data sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tomosynthesis system uses analog X-ray generator with rail for rotational movement, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but system size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotational movement system (analog X-ray generator with rail) with a stationary X-ray generator combined with electronic processing. Instead of physically moving the X-ray generator to different angles, the system uses a stationary generator that can radiate X-rays at multiple different angles and uses processor-based reconstruction algorithms to achieve 3D imaging capability from the multiple projection data sets.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray generator radiates X-rays during longer time interval, then image data quality improves, but imaging time and radiation exposure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, pulsed X-ray radiation at multiple different angles rather than continuous long-duration radiation. The processor controls the X-ray generator to radiate X-rays during specific time intervals at different angles to generate multiple pieces of projection data, allowing for high-speed image acquisition while maintaining image quality through the periodic collection of projection data from multiple angles.
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
The device reduces X-ray radiation dose by half while maintaining image quality and shortening imaging time, allowing for high-speed image acquisition and minimizing system size.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator including at least one X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector configured to generate multiple pieces of projection data by detecting X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging device and a control method thereof are provided. The X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an X-ray generator including at least one X-ray source which radiates X-rays; an X-ray detector which detects X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator to generate multiple pieces of projection data; and a processor which controls the X-ray generator to be in one mode among a first mode in which the X-ray generator radiates X-rays for a first radiation time and a second mode in which the X-ray generator radiates X-rays for a second radiation time corresponding to half of the first radiation time, and generates a tomography image on the basis of the multiple pieces of projection data generated through the X-ray detector.