Non-Rectangular X-Ray Collimation for Dose and Scatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray collimation systems are suboptimal for irregular anatomical structures, leading to excessive radiation exposure and image degradation due to scatter from objects outside the structure of interest, lacking automated control schemes for non-rectangular collimators.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a non-rectangular X-ray collimator with adjustable shutters and a neural network-based algorithm to generate a subject-specific X-ray beam attenuation map, determining optimal collimator settings to minimize radiation exposure and scatter, using pixel-level attenuation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular collimator is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the radiation dose to the patient increases and image quality deteriorates due to scatter from surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator transitions from a static rectangular aperture to a dynamic system with independently controllable shutters for each column and row, allowing the field of view to be dynamically adjusted to match the irregular shape of anatomical structures. This enables precise radiation dose reduction while maintaining ease of operation through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is segmented into multiple independent shutters arranged in a grid pattern, where each shutter can be independently controlled to block or transmit X-rays. This segmentation allows the collimator to create non-rectangular fields of view that conform to anatomical structures, reducing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues while maintaining image quality.
2Device complexity
If a rectangular collimator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to scatter from objects outside the structure of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator uses dynamically controllable shutters that can be adjusted in real-time to precisely define the field of view around anatomical structures. This dynamic control eliminates the need for complex fixed non-rectangular apertures while achieving superior image quality by excluding scatter-inducing objects from the beam path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical non-rectangular collimator designs with a simpler grid-based shutter system controlled by automated algorithms. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise field of view control through electronic rather than purely mechanical means.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-rectangular collimators are used, then radiation dose is reduced and image quality is improved, but device complexity increases and automated control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator system performs self-service through automated control algorithms that automatically determine the optimal field of view based on detected anatomical structures. The system autonomously adjusts shutter positions without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining the radiation dose reduction benefits of non-rectangular collimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the collimator settings are automatically adjusted based on real-time detection of anatomical structures and scatter-inducing objects. This closed-loop control simplifies the user interface while enabling complex adaptive collimation patterns that optimize both radiation dose reduction and image quality.
4Device complexity
If manual collimation adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to lack of rapid optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator system autonomously performs rapid optimization of collimation settings by automatically detecting anatomical structures and calculating optimal shutter positions. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while keeping the control system architecture relatively simple, thereby significantly improving productivity without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control and image processing algorithms. This substitution enables rapid calculation and implementation of optimal collimation settings based on real-time image analysis, dramatically improving the speed of collimation optimization while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based solutions.
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 rapid, subject-specific optimization of X-ray collimation, reducing radiation exposure and scatter, improving image quality by dynamically adjusting collimator settings in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
The collimator typically includes X-ray opaque plates, and provides a rectangular and binary field of view, in which the X-ray signal is either 0% or 100% attenuated by the collimator
Implementation Method 2
DE102011087590 published June 6, 2013, and titled 'Contour Collimator Having a Liquid Impermeable to X-rays' discloses a contour collimator for setting a contour of a radiation path of X-rays, the contour collimator forming an aperture and comprising a liquid impermeable to X-rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for providing X-ray collimator settings that includes a controller (14) with a processor in communication with memory. The processor is configured to receive an X-ray image of a subject from an X-ray imaging device (12) with an X-ray collimator (10) configured to collimate an X-ray beam of the X-ray imaging device for imaging a subject. The processor is further configured to identify, in the X-ray image, at least one image feature indicative of at least one X-ray exposure characteristic of the subject; generate an X-ray beam attenuation map (32) defining one or more target X-ray beam attenuation values corresponding to one or more regions of the subject based on the at least one image feature; and determine at least one X-ray collimator setting for the X-ray collimator based on the X-ray beam attenuation map.