Phase Contrast X-ray Elastic Modulus Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastography techniques using MRI and ultrasonic waves for determining the elastic modulus of viscoelastic bodies suffer from low spatial resolution, making it difficult to detect small lesions or distinguish between lesion and normal regions accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a phase contrast X-ray optical system without fringe scanning to calculate the elastic modulus by maintaining the relative positional relationship between diffraction gratings and using X-ray projection images to detect refraction and scattering, enabling high spatial resolution and reduced measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fringe scanning using phase contrast X-ray optical system is used to improve spatial resolution and sensitivity, then measurement time increases and X-ray exposure amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the fringe scanning step from the phase contrast X-ray imaging process. By using a phase contrast X-ray optical system without fringe scanning, the method directly acquires phase information from the projection images, eliminating the time-consuming grating movement required for traditional fringe scanning while maintaining high spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fringe scanning system with a computational approach. Instead of physically moving gratings to create interference fringes, the system uses phase contrast X-ray optics combined with image processing algorithms to extract phase information directly from the projection images, substituting mechanical movement with optical and computational methods
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging is performed to improve measurement accuracy, then X-ray exposure amount increases and subject movement likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous vibration of the viscoelastic body throughout the imaging process. By applying continuous vibration and continuously acquiring projection images during the vibration, the system obtains sufficient data for accurate elastic modulus calculation in a single imaging session, eliminating the need for repeated imaging while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic vibration of the viscoelastic body at a specific frequency. By exciting the object with periodic vibration and acquiring projection images during this periodic motion, the system can extract elastic modulus information from the vibration response without requiring multiple separate imaging acquisitions, thereby reducing total X-ray exposure
3Productivity
If Fourier transform method is used to calculate phase image without fringe scanning, then measurement time is reduced but spatial resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the X-ray system by using phase contrast X-ray optics with specific grating configurations. This parameter change in the optical system allows direct acquisition of phase information with high spatial resolution without requiring fringe scanning, achieving both fast measurement and high resolution simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase contrast X-ray optics as an intermediary between the X-ray source and the detector. This intermediary optical system directly encodes phase information into the projection images through phase contrast effects, eliminating the need for subsequent Fourier transform processing or fringe scanning while preserving high spatial resolution
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
The method achieves high spatial resolution in calculating the elastic modulus of viscoelastic bodies, allowing for accurate detection of small lesions and clear boundary differentiation between lesion and normal regions with reduced imaging time.
Implementation Method 1
a phase contrast X-ray optical system capable of detecting refraction or scattering of X-rays by an object
Implementation Method 2
the grating portion including a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating disposed in parallel with a self-image of the first diffraction grating
Implementation Method 3
a vibration unit that vibrates the object
Implementation Method 4
calculating an elastic modulus of the object based on a displacement amount of a wave due to the vibration
Implementation Method 5
a phase contrast X-ray optical system capable of detecting refraction or scattering of X-rays by an object
Implementation Method 6
a phase contrast X-ray optical system capable of detecting refraction or scattering of X-rays by an object
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic modulus of a viscoelastic body can be calculated with a high spatial resolution and in a relatively short measurement time. A projection image of an X-ray is detected with a detection unit by vibrating an object while maintaining a relative positional relationship between a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating. Then, an elastic modulus of the object is calculated based on a displacement amount of a wave due to the vibration in the projection image of the X-ray detected by the detection unit.