X-Ray Tube Calibration by Scanning Protocol for Faster Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray tube calibration methods in medical imaging require extensive exposure, leading to prolonged calibration times and reduced service life of the X-ray tube.

Innovation Solution

A method for medical imaging that reduces the number of exposure detections by generating calibration data based on a scanning protocol, using existing calibration data when available and updating it as needed, thereby optimizing the calibration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extensive exposure detection is performed for X-ray tube calibration under all preset scanning conditions, then calibration accuracy and imaging quality are improved, but calibration time is prolonged and X-ray tube service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the calibration process by dividing scanning conditions into commonly used and rarely used categories. Calibration data is obtained for commonly used scanning protocols through actual exposure detection, while rarely used protocols rely on predicted or interpolated data. This segmentation reduces the total exposure required while maintaining accuracy for the majority of use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing full calibration exposure detection only for commonly used scanning protocols rather than all preset protocols. This partial calibration approach reduces the total exposure dose and time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the most frequently performed examinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If extensive exposure detection is performed for X-ray tube calibration under all preset scanning conditions, then calibration accuracy and imaging quality are improved, but the service life of the X-ray tube is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidX-ray tube service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the calibration process by dividing scanning conditions into commonly used and rarely used categories. Calibration data is obtained for commonly used scanning protocols through actual exposure detection, while rarely used protocols rely on predicted or interpolated data. This segmentation reduces the total exposure required while maintaining accuracy for the majority of use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing full calibration exposure detection only for commonly used scanning protocols rather than all preset protocols. This partial calibration approach reduces the total exposure dose and time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the most frequently performed examinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If calibration data is obtained for all scanning protocols through exposure detection, then imaging quality is ensured, but the efficiency of the medical imaging system is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration data acquisition for commonly used scanning protocols during system setup or periodic calibration. This preliminary action stores calibration data in advance, allowing rapid retrieval and application to patient scans without requiring time-consuming exposure detection during actual imaging procedures, thereby improving system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a database of calibration data for commonly used scanning protocols that can be quickly retrieved and applied to patient scans. This copying approach allows the system to use pre-computed calibration information rather than performing real-time calibration measurements, significantly improving imaging speed and system efficiency while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Ensures good imaging quality while minimizing the frequency of calibration operations, extending the X-ray tube's lifespan and enhancing the efficiency of the medical imaging system.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube emits an X-ray. The X-ray passes through a test object and attenuates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission and attenuation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

A detector receives the attenuated X-ray, and converts the same into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260041388A1Method for medical imaging and medical imaging system
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US20260041388A1 patent drawing
  • US20260041388A1 patent drawing
  • US20260041388A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for imaging and an imaging system. The method includes obtaining a scanning protocol for an examination subject, which includes: obtaining calibration data associated with the scanning protocol in response to a commonly used scanning protocol calibration data set of a medical imaging system including the calibration data; or performing a calibration operation in response to a commonly used scanning protocol calibration data set of a medical imaging system not including calibration data associated with the scanning protocol, to generate calibration data associated with the scanning protocol. The method further includes scanning the examination subject based on the scanning protocol, to obtain raw imaging data, and performing reconstruction using the calibration data associated with the scanning protocol and the raw imaging data, to obtain a medical image of a scanned subject.