X-ray Energy Subtraction via Continuous Tube Voltage Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy subtraction imaging techniques using X-ray beams struggle to obtain appropriate energy subtraction image data in a single shot, as they rely on discrete energy changes, which may not capture the optimal energy levels required for accurate tissue differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus that continuously adjusts the energy of X-rays during a single shot, allowing for the generation and classification of multiple image data pieces, which are then weighted and subtracted to produce energy subtraction image data, enabling the extraction of soft tissue and bone regions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete energy steps are used for X-ray imaging, then the imaging process can be completed in one shot, but the ability to capture optimal energy levels for accurate tissue differentiation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static discrete energy steps to continuous energy adjustment. The X-ray tube voltage is dynamically varied continuously during a single shot to generate multiple image data pieces at different energy levels, enabling both comprehensive energy coverage and accurate tissue differentiation without requiring multiple shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter continuously rather than in discrete steps. By continuously adjusting the X-ray tube voltage during image acquisition, the system captures image data across a spectrum of energy levels, resolving the contradiction between maintaining one-shot acquisition and achieving optimal tissue differentiation at various energy levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete energy shots are taken, then more energy options are available, but the imaging time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple energy-level acquisitions into a single continuous shot. By continuously adjusting the X-ray tube voltage during one exposure sequence, the system combines what would traditionally require multiple separate shots into a single acquisition process, providing multiple energy level options without increasing imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by performing energy adjustment and image acquisition simultaneously in a continuous manner. The X-ray tube voltage is continuously varied while images are being captured, ensuring that the useful action of image acquisition never stops, thus avoiding the time loss associated with multiple discrete shots.
3Productivity
If continuous energy adjustment is implemented, then multiple image data pieces can be generated in one shot, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the existing X-ray tube's inherent voltage control capability to perform continuous energy adjustment. The system leverages the existing infrastructure of the X-ray imaging device, requiring minimal additional hardware while achieving continuous energy variation through software-controlled voltage modulation during the exposure sequence.
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 the acquisition of multiple pieces of energy subtraction image data in a single shot, ensuring accurate tissue differentiation and improving the visualization of interest regions by continuously adjusting X-ray energy, thereby overcoming the limitations of discrete energy changes.
Implementation Method 1
a subject is irradiated with X-ray beams having high energy and X-ray beams having low energy, the respective X-ray beams transmitted through the subject are captured as X-ray image data by an image detection unit
Implementation Method 2
the control unit is configured to continuously adjust energy of the radiations in one shot emitted by the irradiation unit
Implementation Method 3
an energy subtraction method is an image shooting method for improving visualization of an interest region using a difference of X-ray absorption characteristics of a material depending on energy of the X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.