X-ray Calibration Phantom for Real-Time AEC Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face performance degradation due to differences in system information during calibration and actual imaging, leading to less effective imaging results, as components like the high voltage generator and X-ray tube can cause errors over time.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus and method that includes an X-ray radiation unit, a detector, and a controller, which irradiates X-rays onto an object and a calibration phantom without overlap, acquires calibration information from a pre-shot image, and determines a second irradiating condition based on the object's density to optimize imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AEC calibration is performed periodically or when components are changed, then calibration frequency is reduced and operation is simplified, but system information differences cause calibration accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs AEC calibration immediately before each imaging operation using a calibration phantom, ensuring that calibration is conducted at the optimal moment when system information is most relevant. This preliminary action eliminates the time gap between calibration and imaging that causes accuracy degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the calibration function from periodic maintenance operations and integrates it into the imaging workflow itself by using a calibration phantom that can be imaged alongside the patient. This allows calibration to occur independently and immediately before each imaging operation.
2Reliability
If AEC calibration is performed periodically, then operation complexity is reduced, but imaging performance becomes less effective due to component errors accumulating over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically processing the calibration phantom image to generate correction values that are applied to subsequent patient images. This self-service approach maintains high imaging performance without requiring complex manual calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration phantom serves multiple functions: it provides calibration data for AEC correction, acts as a quality control reference, and can be used to verify imaging system performance. This multi-functionality maintains reliability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed when components are changed or periodically, then operational interruptions are minimized, but calibration information becomes outdated and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration phantom is imaged immediately before each patient imaging operation, ensuring calibration information is current and accurate. This preliminary calibration action prevents the use of outdated calibration data while maintaining workflow efficiency through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the calibration phantom imaging to automatically generate and apply correction values to the AEC algorithm. This closed-loop feedback ensures calibration information remains accurate without manual intervention or workflow disruption.
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 ensures accurate and real-time calibration, eliminating the time difference between calibration and imaging, thereby enhancing the performance and accuracy of X-ray imaging systems by continuously adjusting for component errors.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray radiation unit that irradiates an X-ray onto an object and a calibration phantom
Implementation Method 2
a detector that detects the X-ray passing through the object and the calibration phantom
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A medical imaging apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate X-rays onto an object and onto a calibration phantom, which does not overlap the object, according to a first irradiating condition for a pre-shot; a detector configured to detect the X-rays having passed through the object and through the calibration phantom; and a controller configured to acquire calibration information by using a pre-shot image acquired from the detected X-rays, and determine a second irradiating condition for main imaging by using the calibration information.