3D X-Ray Imaging with Beam Selection for Scatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging technologies face challenges in correlating scattered radiation with precise 3D spatial locations, leading to reduced image clarity and contrast, especially in 2D imaging systems, and are limited in sensitivity and resolution for small subjects or objects obscured by materials like plaster casts, requiring high radiation doses and time-consuming CT scans.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray imaging system with a movable x-ray source and detector configuration, combined with beam selectors and spectral detectors, allows for 3D imaging by controlling x-ray beam positions and energies, and employs contrast agent complexes for enhanced sensitivity and material decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional 2D x-ray imaging is used, then the imaging process is fast and simple, but scattered radiation reduces image clarity and contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray beam into multiple discrete beams that can be independently controlled and directed at different angles through the subject. This segmentation allows selective measurement of primary versus scattered radiation by comparing images taken from different beam angles, thereby improving image clarity while maintaining relatively fast acquisition times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D imaging to 3D imaging by adding angular dimension to the x-ray beam configuration. Multiple x-ray sources or a movable source provides beams from different angles, creating a three-dimensional measurement space that enables separation of scattered and primary radiation components, thus improving image quality.
2Measurement precision
If rotational CT is used to provide quantitative imaging data, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires high radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs partial CT by acquiring x-ray images from a limited set of discrete angles rather than continuous rotation. This partial sampling approach provides sufficient 3D quantitative information for many applications while significantly reducing imaging time and radiation exposure compared to full rotational CT.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous rotational CT process into discrete angular positions where measurements are taken. By selecting specific angles strategically, the system achieves quantitative 3D imaging with fewer measurements, reducing both time and radiation dose while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional x-ray imaging is used for subjects in plaster casts, then imaging is simple, but the cast material obscures internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different x-ray beam qualities (energies and angles) to different regions of the subject. By using multiple angles and energies, the system optimizes penetration through the cast material while maintaining sensitivity to internal structures, allowing visualization of bones and tissues obscured by the cast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 3D imaging capabilities to overcome the 2D projection limitations that cause cast material to obscure internal structures. By reconstructing three-dimensional images from multiple angular views, the system can differentiate between cast material and internal structures based on their spatial relationships and attenuation characteristics.
4Measurement precision
If high radiation dose is used to improve sensitivity for small objects, then detection capability increases, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple parameters including x-ray beam energy, angle, and configuration to optimize detection sensitivity for small objects. By using discrete beams from multiple angles and energies, the system achieves enhanced contrast and sensitivity without requiring high radiation doses, as each beam can be optimized for specific tissue types and object sizes.
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 system achieves high-resolution, real-time imaging with reduced radiation exposure, enabling clear visualization of internal structures and materials, including small objects and dynamic tracking of components with improved sensitivity and material differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
When a beam of x-rays (photons) penetrate a subject being imaged, photons of the beam can (1) penetrate the subject in a straight line (called the primary beam)
Implementation Method 2
scatter within the subject but still leave the subject and collected by the imaging detector
Implementation Method 3
a beam selector configured to selectively allow or prohibit passage of preselected beams
Implementation Method 4
an x-ray detector or detector assembly downstream of the imaging subject, the detector comprising spectral sensitive detectors
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray apparatus and method can improve x-ray imaging in a variety of ways. For example, the improve x-ray apparatus can reduce scatter from x-ray images acquired by two-dimensional detectors. An improved 2D x-ray apparatus can provide 3D imaging for medical and/or industrial applications. An improved 2D x-ray apparatus and method can produce separate material imaging, and composition analysis for characterization and correlation of image, densitometry, and composition information of individual component or individual material within a single subject. Non-rotational 3D microscopy, combining 2D or 3D full field x-ray imaging and high resolution 2D or 3D x-ray microscopy or spectral absorptiometry and spectroscopy can achieve a higher resolution and wider field of view in x-ray imaging and quantitative analysis in 3D and real time. The x-ray apparatus can improve tracking and/or surgical guidance in time and/or space.