X-ray Filter Assembly for Spectral Imaging Dose Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in acquiring selected dose x-ray image projections of a subject efficiently, particularly in minimizing x-ray dose while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging system incorporates a filter assembly with multiple filter members that can be strategically positioned to filter x-rays, allowing for the acquisition of image projections at selected energies, thereby reducing the x-ray dose while enhancing contrast and image detail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional x-ray imaging is used to maintain image quality, then image clarity and tissue differentiation are preserved, but x-ray dose to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray beam is segmented into multiple energy spectra by inserting different filter members (e.g., aluminum, copper, tin filters) into the beam path. Each filter segment selectively attenuates specific energy ranges, allowing the system to acquire images at different energy levels and reduce overall dose while maintaining diagnostic quality through spectral differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameters of the x-ray beam by selecting different filter members with varying atomic numbers and thicknesses. This allows optimization of the beam spectrum for specific imaging tasks, reducing patient dose by eliminating unnecessary high-energy photons while preserving the diagnostic information in the optimal energy range.
2Loss of information
If multiple x-ray images are acquired to improve diagnostic information, then tissue differentiation and contrast agent visualization are enhanced, but total x-ray dose accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between different filter members during the imaging sequence. By alternating between filtered and unfiltered beams, or between different filter combinations, the system captures complementary diagnostic information in a periodic manner, reducing the need for multiple separate exposures and thereby lowering cumulative dose.
Solution Approach 2:
A single multi-spectral imaging acquisition using filter members serves multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously. The system can differentiate between bone, soft tissue, and contrast agents in one imaging sequence, eliminating the need for separate imaging procedures and reducing total patient exposure while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information.
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 solution enables the acquisition of high-quality image projections at reduced x-ray doses, improving patient safety and image clarity, while also allowing for precise differentiation of tissue types and contrast agents.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly with a plurality of filter members configured to filter a beam of x-rays
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected using an imaging system with a selected filtering characteristic. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.