Multi-Focal-Spot X-Ray Collimation for Faster Tomosynthesis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray systems with multiple focal spots require time-consuming adjustments of the x-ray source and collimators during tomosynthesis, leading to prolonged examination times and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray system with fixed collimators allocated to each focal spot, allowing for simultaneous emission and collimation of x-rays without the need for adjustments, ensuring a simple design and reduced examination duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the x-ray source and collimator are displaced during the examination to record projections, then appropriate projection angles can be achieved for tomosynthesis, but the examination time becomes comparatively long and motion blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray source is segmented into multiple fixed focal spots arranged along an arc, each focal spot providing a specific projection angle. This eliminates the need to displace the entire x-ray source while still achieving the required angular range for tomosynthesis, thereby reducing examination time and motion blur.
2Measurement precision
If the x-ray source and collimator are displaced during the examination, then projections at different angles can be recorded, but the patient's discomfort and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray source is divided into multiple fixed focal spots, each with its own collimator, allowing projections at different angles to be recorded without mechanical displacement. This reduces the examination time and minimizes patient discomfort and radiation exposure while still achieving the necessary angular diversity for tomosynthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimators are pre-adjusted for each focal spot during manufacturing or setup, so that when each focal spot is activated, the collimator is already in the correct position to direct x-rays at the appropriate angle. This eliminates the need for real-time collimator adjustment during the examination, reducing both time and patient discomfort.
3Manufacturing precision
If collimators are adjusted during the examination to record projections, then x-ray collimation can be optimized for each projection, but the examination time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each collimator is pre-adjusted to the correct angle and position corresponding to its associated focal spot during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary configuration ensures that when each focal spot is activated, the collimator is already optimized for that specific projection angle, eliminating the need for real-time adjustments and thereby reducing examination time while maintaining collimation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each focal spot-collimator pair is self-configured through its fixed geometric relationship. The collimator is permanently set at the correct angle relative to its focal spot, so the system automatically provides optimized collimation for each projection without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or control interventions during the examination.
4Productivity
If multiple collimators are used with fixed focal spots, then examination time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray source is segmented into multiple fixed focal spots, each with its own dedicated collimator. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation of multiple projection paths, enabling rapid switching between angles without mechanical displacement, thereby increasing examination speed. The modular nature of this segmentation makes the complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple focal spots and their corresponding collimators are integrated into a single x-ray tube assembly, sharing common support structures, housing, and control systems. This merging approach allows the system to achieve multiple projection capabilities while avoiding the complexity of completely separate x-ray tubes for each focal spot, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Facilitates rapid projection recording with minimal radiation exposure by eliminating the need for collimator adjustments, thus shortening examination time and reducing motion blur and discomfort for the patient.
Implementation Method 1
x-ray system with an x-ray source which, when in operation, generates x-rays at a plurality of x-ray focal spots
Implementation Method 2
a collimator which selects the x-rays generated in the respective x-ray focal spot and directed onto a common detector
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray system includes an x-ray source which, when in operation, generates x-rays at a plurality of x-ray focal spots, with a collimator allocated in each case to each x-ray focal spot. The collimator selects x-rays generated in the respective x-ray focal spot and directed onto a common detector, collimators being in a fixed position in relation to the respective allocated x-ray focal spots. The x-ray source is embodied as an x-ray tube with at least one anode including the x-ray focal spots and with a plurality of cathodes. Or the x-ray source includes a plurality of x-ray tubes, the anodes whereof include the x-ray focal spots. The collimators are arranged in the respective x-ray tube, and the collimators are arranged on the respective anode. A method is further for operating such an x-ray system.