X-ray Dose Estimation via Voxel-Based Back-Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging and treatment systems face challenges in accurately estimating and limiting X-ray exposure, particularly in ensuring that different portions of a patient receive appropriate doses based on their orientation and anatomical variations, which can lead to uneven radiation distribution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a processor-based method that estimates X-ray doses by analyzing the intensity profiles and mass of various volumes within an object, using back-projection operations to track energy interactions and determine dose values for each volume, allowing for a more accurate assessment of total and maximum doses across organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray imaging systems use uniform exposure settings for the entire imaged volume, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the radiation dose distribution is uneven and inaccurate for different anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaged volume into multiple discrete volumes (voxels or regions) and calculates dose estimates for each volume separately based on its specific attenuation properties and mass. This segmentation approach enables accurate, location-specific dose estimation rather than using a single uniform dose value for the entire volume, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity by making the dose calculation process systematic and computationally manageable.
2Measurement precision
If the system calculates dose for each individual volume based on attenuation and mass, then dose distribution accuracy improves, but computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of attenuation profiles and mass estimates for each volume before the final dose computation. By pre-processing and organizing the necessary data (attenuation coefficients, volume masses, and X-ray beam parameters) in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during the actual dose estimation phase, thereby maintaining high dose distribution accuracy while minimizing processing time.
3Reliability
If higher X-ray exposure is used to ensure adequate imaging of all regions, then image quality improves, but radiation dose to sensitive areas increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining dose estimates for each individual volume based on its specific characteristics (attenuation properties, mass, and position relative to the X-ray source). This enables the system to identify radiation-sensitive areas and adjust or limit exposure to those specific regions while maintaining adequate imaging quality in other areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between imaging reliability and radiation safety.
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 enables precise estimation of X-ray doses per voxel, region, or organ, facilitating dose-saving protocols and ensuring that radiation-sensitive areas receive appropriate exposure, thereby improving imaging and treatment outcomes while minimizing unnecessary X-ray exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The anode may include a target that is impacted by the stream of electrons. The target may, as a result of impact by the electron beam, produce X-ray radiation to be emitted toward an imaged volume.
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the radiation passes through a subject of interest, such as a patient, baggage, or an article of manufacture, and impacts a digital detector
Implementation Method 3
impacts a digital detector or a photographic plate where the image data is collected
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to projection-based volumetric dose estimation for X-ray systems, such as X-ray imaging systems. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray system is capable of estimating an X-ray dose based on an energy interaction of the X-rays with respective portions of an object. In another embodiment, the X-ray dose estimate may be provided on a per voxel, per region, and/or per organ basis.