Photon-Counting X-ray Detector Energy Bin Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately estimating target substances beyond a specific tissue due to limitations in energy bin discrimination and exposure dose reduction.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an X-ray tube, detector, and imaging control circuitry to create photon count data for multiple energy bins, determining optimal imaging plans for both energy bin settings and X-ray radiation conditions based on acquired data, thereby enhancing precision and reducing exposure dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photon count data is created based on detection signal from photon-counting detector with fixed energy bins, then high-contrast image of particular target substance can be provided, but other target substances cannot be estimated with high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy bin settings adjustable and adaptable. The imaging control circuitry dynamically determines optimal energy bin settings based on the specific imaging task and target substance being examined, allowing the system to switch between different energy bin configurations to estimate various target substances with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of energy bin settings (energy thresholds, bin boundaries) to optimize estimation precision for different target substances. By adjusting these parameters based on the specific imaging requirements, the system can accurately estimate different target substances without being limited by fixed energy bin configurations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional imaging methods are used, then imaging can be performed, but exposure dose to subject cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using the acquired photon count data to determine optimal imaging plans for subsequent imaging. The imaging control circuitry analyzes the initial data and adjusts the imaging parameters (energy bin settings, X-ray radiation conditions) to achieve better estimation precision while reducing exposure dose in follow-up imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging to acquire initial photon count data before conducting the main imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to determine optimal imaging plans in advance, enabling reduced exposure dose in the main imaging while maintaining estimation precision through optimized energy bin settings and radiation conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple target substances are to be estimated, then comprehensive diagnostic information can be obtained, but imaging plan complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into distinct stages: preliminary imaging to acquire initial data, determination of optimal imaging plans based on that data, and main imaging to estimate multiple target substances. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the comprehensive imaging task into manageable steps with clear objectives for each stage
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 allows for precise estimation of multiple target substances while minimizing exposure dose, improving the diagnostic capabilities and convenience of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube that emits X-rays to a subject
Implementation Method 2
a detector that outputs a detection signal in response to incidence of the X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a detector, an acquisition circuitry, and imaging control circuitry. The acquisition circuitry creates photon count data indicating the number of photons of the X-rays incident on the detector, for each of a plurality of energy bins for identifying a plurality of target substances, based on the detection signal output by the detector. The imaging control circuitry determines an imaging plan including at least one of a setting condition that is a condition concerning setting of a plurality of energy bins used when the acquisition circuitry creates photon count data in main imaging, and an X-ray radiation condition that is a condition concerning X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube in main imaging, based on the photon count data created by the acquisition circuitry or image data of the subject.