Single Step X-Ray Phase Contrast Imaging with Coded Apertures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray imaging techniques require multiple steps and high x-ray dosages to achieve absorption, phase contrast, and differential phase contrast images, which are not suitable for clinical applications due to poor contrast sensitivity and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating absorption, phase, and differential phase images from a single x-ray exposure using a clinical x-ray source, coded aperture masks, and a photon counting spectral detector, which filters and detects x-rays to produce images without the need for multiple measurements or optical component movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple steps and high x-ray dosages are used to achieve absorption, phase contrast, and differential phase contrast images, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure increases and clinical applicability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines absorption imaging, phase contrast imaging, and differential phase contrast imaging into a single simultaneous measurement step using a coded aperture mask and photon counting detector, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurements and reducing total radiation exposure while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional intensity-only detection to photon counting spectral detection, enabling simultaneous extraction of absorption, phase, and differential phase information from a single x-ray exposure, thereby reducing radiation dosage while improving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are used to retrieve material properties, then imaging completeness is improved, but imaging time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging measurements into a single simultaneous acquisition using a coded aperture mask that encodes multiple projection angles, allowing retrieval of absorption, phase, and differential phase images from one x-ray exposure, thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pre-designed coded aperture mask that contains encoded projection angle information, allowing the system to retrieve multiple material properties from a single measurement without requiring sequential scanning or multiple exposures, thus reducing time loss
3Device complexity
If traditional transmission imaging is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but contrast sensitivity is insufficient for detecting early stage cancer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coded aperture mask as an intermediary component that encodes multiple projection angles into a single mask pattern, enabling phase contrast and differential phase contrast imaging capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple device structure without requiring complex moving components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning or multiple exposure systems with a static coded aperture mask that encodes angular information, substituting mechanical complexity with information encoding in the mask pattern, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving enhanced contrast sensitivity for detecting early stage cancer
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
Enables the retrieval of relevant material properties in a single step, reducing x-ray dosage and allowing for phase-sensitive imaging in clinical applications, applicable to soft tissue imaging, materials science, and security screening.
Implementation Method 1
a photon counting spectral detector disposed to detect x-rays passing through the object
Implementation Method 2
The x-rays are filtered through a first coded aperture mask disposed between the x-ray source and an object to be imaged. The x-rays are further filtered through a second coded aperture mask disposed on a side of the object opposite the first aperture mask.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for single step and motionless x-ray phase contrast imaging. In one embodiment, a system for single step x-ray imaging includes a clinical x-ray source, a first coded aperture mask, a second coded aperture mask, and a photon counting spectral detector. The first coded aperture mask is disposed between the x-ray source and an object to be imaged. The photon counting spectral detector is disposed to detect x-rays passing through the object. The second coded aperture mask is disposed between the object to be imaged and the photon counting spectral detector. The system can provide, from a single acquisition step, an absorption image, a phase image, and differential phase image.