Real-Time Controllable 3D X-Ray Attenuator for Dose Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face a trade-off between image quality and radiation dose, often requiring higher doses for better quality, which results in unnecessary radiation exposure and lower image contrast in less dense areas of the anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A real-time controllable 3D X-ray attenuator that adjusts X-ray radiation dose based on a 2D image intensity map, using a mixture of ferromagnetic and medium X-ray attenuation materials and thin film electric coils to filter the X-ray beam, allowing for variable radiation delivery according to anatomical density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher X-ray radiation dose is used, then image quality is improved, but radiation dose to patient increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the X-ray radiation dose according to the specific anatomical region being imaged. Different regions receive different doses based on their density requirements: dense regions like bones receive higher doses while less dense regions receive lower doses. This is achieved through the controllable attenuator that selectively modulates radiation intensity across different spatial locations, resolving the contradiction by delivering appropriate radiation doses locally rather than uniformly across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a real-time controllable attenuator that can dynamically adjust the X-ray radiation dose during the imaging process. The attenuator responds to pre-acquisition images or fluoroscopic frames by modifying the radiation beam intensity in real-time according to the detected anatomical density distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize image quality while minimizing radiation exposure adaptively throughout the imaging sequence.
2Measurement precision
If uniform X-ray radiation dose is applied to all regions, then image quality is maintained, but radiation dose is unnecessarily higher in less dense areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uniform radiation dosing with localized quality-based dosing. The controllable attenuator divides the imaging field into different regions and applies appropriate radiation doses to each region based on its anatomical density characteristics. Less dense regions receive reduced radiation doses while maintaining adequate image quality, thereby reducing overall radiation energy loss without compromising the diagnostic value of the image.
3Measurement precision
If higher X-ray radiation dose is used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but image contrast decreases in less dense areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between signal-to-noise ratio and image contrast by applying local quality principles. The controllable attenuator adjusts radiation doses region-specifically: in less dense areas where image contrast is critical, lower radiation doses are applied to preserve contrast information; in dense areas where signal-to-noise ratio is more challenging, higher radiation doses are applied to ensure adequate signal quality. This spatially differentiated approach maintains both contrast and signal-to-noise ratio where needed.
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 solution reduces overall radiation dose to the patient, enhances image quality by extending the dynamic range, and prevents image burnout, ensuring only necessary radiation is applied to different anatomical regions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one 2D pixel array coupled to at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel, the at least one 2D pixel array having a plurality of pixels of thin film electric coils and switching thin film field-effect transistors
Implementation Method 2
the open area is at least partially filled with a mixture of ferromagnetic material and medium X-ray attenuation material
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system including an X-ray source, an X-ray collimator, a real-time controllable 3D X-ray attenuator, a digital X-ray detector, and a system controller coupled to the X-ray radiation source, the collimator, the real-time controllable 3D X-ray attenuator, and the digital X-ray detector for controlling the real-time controllable 3D X-ray attenuator to reduce X-ray radiation dose and improve image quality. The real-time controllable 3D X-ray attenuator includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one sidewall joining the top panel to the bottom panel, an open area between the top panel, bottom panel, and at least one 2D pixel array coupled to at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel, the at least one 2D pixel array having a plurality of pixels of thin film electric coils and switching thin film field-effect transistors, wherein the open area is at least partially filled with a mixture of ferromagnetic material and medium X-ray attenuation material.