X-ray CT Top Position and Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray computed tomography apparatuses face challenges in starting projection data acquisition from arbitrary top positions or rotational angles, especially under different acquisition conditions, leading to inconsistencies in scanning data.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a position determination unit, an angle determination unit, and a control unit that allow for precise determination and control of the top position and rotational angles of the X-ray tube and the top, enabling the acquisition of projection data from user-designated arbitrary positions and angles during both helical and conventional scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the apparatus starts acquiring projection data by being triggered by the arrival of the X-ray tube at a specific rotational angle under different acquisition conditions, then the acquisition process is simple and fast, but the starting rotational angle varies across different scans leading to inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacquisition speedVSAvoidconsistency of starting position

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit calculates and sets a preliminary correction angle based on acquisition conditions (tube current, top speed) before the scan begins. This preliminary action ensures that even though the trigger-based start method is used for speed, the effective starting position is consistently adjusted to a predetermined reference angle across all acquisition conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the correction angle parameter based on varying acquisition conditions such as tube current and top speed. By changing this parameter according to the specific scan conditions, the system maintains consistent starting positions while accommodating different productivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus uses a fixed trigger-based start method for projection data acquisition, then the operation is simple and fast, but it cannot start acquiring data from arbitrary top positions or rotational angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidflexibility of starting position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Before each scan, the control unit calculates a correction angle based on the desired starting position and the current acquisition conditions. This preliminary calculation enables the system to adapt to arbitrary starting positions while maintaining the simplicity of the trigger-based operation method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the correction angle for each scan based on the desired starting position and acquisition conditions. This dynamic adjustment provides versatility in selecting arbitrary starting positions while keeping the operational method simple and trigger-based.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus acquires projection data from different rotational angles under different acquisition conditions, then it can adapt to various scan requirements, but it creates noise and prevents accurate comparison of images across different scans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to scan requirementsVSAvoidimage comparison accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from the acquisition conditions (tube current, top speed, desired starting position) to calculate an appropriate correction angle. This feedback mechanism ensures that the starting position is consistently adjusted to a reference angle, eliminating noise and enabling accurate image comparison across different scans while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the correction angle parameter based on feedback from acquisition conditions to maintain consistent starting positions. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting to different scan requirements while ensuring measurement precision for image comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures consistent and reliable acquisition of projection data from specified positions and angles, independent of acquisition conditions, reducing noise and allowing for accurate comparison of images across different scans.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube which generates X-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS8842804B2X-ray computed tomography apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a position determination unit determines a top position at a projection data acquisition start time P by a user instruction. A first angle determination unit determines a first rotational angle at the time P by a user instruction. A second angle determination unit determines a second rotational angle at a top movement start time Q and a time interval from the time Q to the time P. A control unit controls a first driving unit to rotate the X-ray tube, controls a second driving unit to make a top start moving in response to arrival of the X-ray tube at the second rotational angle, and controls a DAS to start acquiring projection data in response to arrival of the top at the top position.