X-ray Emitter Panel Design for Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray emitter technologies, such as point-like sources and Field Emitter Arrays, face limitations in imaging geometry and information preservation due to excessive dose at the skin entry point and complex geometric constraints, leading to incomplete coverage and double images in medical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing an x-ray emitter panel with a distributed source, involving the selection of parameters like photon production, emitter density, and array patterns to optimize the pitch scale and collimation angle, ensuring sufficient photon arrival and minimizing overlap, allowing for improved image reconstruction and 3D modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single point-like x-ray source is used, then the device complexity is low, but the imaging geometry is limited and skin dose is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The single point-like source is segmented into multiple distributed emitters arranged in an array. Each emitter acts as an independent source, enabling diverse imaging geometries while sharing common detector and control systems, thus increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The source configuration transitions from a zero-dimensional point source to a two-dimensional array of emitters. This dimensional expansion enables multiple imaging angles and geometries simultaneously, allowing the system to capture objects from various perspectives without requiring mechanical movement
2Loss of time
If multiple sources are placed at fixed locations around an object, then image capture time is reduced, but the cost and bulk of sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The source array is segmented into multiple independently controllable emitters that can be selectively activated. This allows simultaneous operation of multiple sources to reduce capture time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular activation sequences
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple emitters are activated in periodic sequences rather than simultaneously. This temporal multiplexing approach enables the system to achieve multi-angle imaging benefits while controlling complexity through structured activation patterns and shared hardware resources
3Adaptability or versatility
If an array of emitters is used to produce multiple x-ray sources, then tomosynthesis is enabled, but geometric constraints become more complex and double images occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each emitter in the array is assigned specific activation patterns and collimation angles tailored to its position. This local optimization ensures that each emitter contributes uniquely to the tomosynthesis data without creating overlapping conelets that cause double images, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts collimation angles and emitter activation parameters based on the specific imaging task and object geometry. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system resolves geometric constraints and eliminates double images while preserving tomosynthesis capabilities
4Manufacturing precision
If anti-scatter grids are used to limit acceptance angle, then double images are reduced, but information available for given dose is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical anti-scatter grid is replaced with software-based image reconstruction algorithms. These computational methods separate overlapping conelets and reconstruct high-quality images without physically blocking x-rays, thereby preserving all available information while eliminating double images through digital processing
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 more efficient and accurate image capture with reduced double images and increased information preservation, facilitating better 3D object modeling by optimizing emitter and detector geometry and separation.
Implementation Method 1
Field Enhanced Emitter (FEE) arrays, sometimes referred to as Field Emitter Arrays (FEAs), such as Spindt arrays, may be used in x-ray tubes and serve as an advanced cathode
Implementation Method 2
each source being selectively activated. Such a system, would allow for a shorter overall period of image capture
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing an x-ray emitter panel 100 including the step of determining a pitch scale, r, to be used in placing x-ray emitter elements 110 on the panel 100, thereby arriving at a specific design of x-ray emitter panel 100 suitable for a specific use.