Multi-source X-ray Encoding for Cross-Scatter Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT systems face limitations in photon flux due to heat dissipation in x-ray tubes and inefficiencies in dual tube systems, leading to reduced imaging efficiency and increased acquisition time.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic apparatus with multiple x-ray sources and detectors that use unique encoding techniques such as frequency, phase, or duty cycle to differentiate between primary and cross scatter radiation, allowing for concurrent operation and efficient signal extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dual tubes are concurrently operated to increase photon flux, then photon flux is improved, but cross scatter radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by modulating each x-ray tube with a unique encoding pattern (frequency, phase, or duty cycle) before the tubes operate concurrently. This pre-encoding allows the detection system to later differentiate and separate the primary radiation from each tube from the cross scatter radiation through signal processing, resolving the contradiction by enabling concurrent operation without cross scatter interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding scheme that acts as a mediator between multiple x-ray tubes. Each tube is assigned a unique temporal encoding pattern that serves as an identifier, allowing the detection system to distinguish signals from different tubes even when they operate simultaneously. This intermediary encoding mechanism enables concurrent tube operation while maintaining the ability to separate primary radiation from cross scatter.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If tubes are alternately activated to mitigate cross scatter, then cross scatter is reduced, but photon emission per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuity of useful action by enabling both x-ray tubes to operate concurrently rather than alternating between them. The unique temporal encoding patterns assigned to each tube allow the detection system to continuously receive and differentiate signals from both tubes simultaneously, maintaining maximum photon emission while eliminating cross scatter interference through signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary encoding of each tube's output with a unique temporal pattern enables the system to handle concurrent operation without cross scatter problems. This pre-encoding approach allows both tubes to emit photons continuously at full power while the detection system can later separate the signals, thus maintaining high photon emission rates without the limitations of alternating tube operation.
3Measurement precision
If tube power is increased to maintain signal-to-noise ratio during alternating operation, then signal-to-noise ratio is preserved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuity of useful action by operating both tubes concurrently with unique encoding patterns, doubling the effective photon flux compared to alternating operation. This continuous full-power operation from both tubes maintains high signal-to-noise ratio while reducing acquisition time, as both tubes contribute to data collection simultaneously rather than taking turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary temporal encoding of each tube's output enables the system to process concurrent signals from both tubes efficiently. This encoding approach allows the detection system to separate and process signals from both tubes simultaneously, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while reducing the total acquisition time compared to alternating operation where only one tube operates at a time.
4Temperature
If tube duty cycle is reduced to facilitate heat dissipation, then heat dissipation is improved, but photon flux decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the total x-ray output requirement between two separate tubes, each operating at reduced duty cycles for heat dissipation. The unique temporal encoding patterns allow the system to combine the outputs of both tubes to achieve the required total photon flux, enabling each tube to operate within thermal limits while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the outputs of two x-ray tubes operating concurrently with unique encoding patterns to achieve the required total photon flux. Each tube can operate at a sustainable duty cycle for heat dissipation, and their combined encoded signals are processed to deliver the necessary photon flux, resolving the contradiction between heat management and photon output requirements.
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 enhances temporal resolution, reduces cross-scatter, and simplifies mechanical construction, enabling faster imaging and improved signal-to-noise ratio without increasing tube power or acquisition time.
Implementation Method 1
at least two x-ray sources (16) can be concurrently driven with different switching patterns to generate uniquely encoded radiation
Implementation Method 2
Each detector (20) detects primary radiation emitted by its corresponding one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) and cross scatter radiation from at least one of the other at least two x-ray sources (16)
Implementation Method 3
A decoupler (30), based on the different switching patterns, identifies at least one signal corresponding to at least one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) within the aggregate signal
Implementation Method 4
uniquely encoded radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A tomographic apparatus (10) includes at least two x-ray sources (16) that are concurrently driven with different switching patterns to generate uniquely encoded radiation. The tomographic apparatus (10) further includes at least two detectors (20) that each detect primary radiation emitted by its corresponding one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) and cross scatter radiation from at least one of the other at least two x-ray sources (16). Each of the at least two detectors (20) produces an aggregate signal representative of the detected primary and cross scatter radiation. The tomographic apparatus (10) further includes a decoupler (30) which, based on the different switching patterns, identifies at least one signal corresponding to at least one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) within the aggregate signal and associates the identified signal with its corresponding x-ray source (16).