X-ray Filter Selection for Dose Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in optimizing X-ray filter selection based on object thickness and Source Image Distance (SID), leading to suboptimal image quality and increased exposure dose due to inadequate utilization of X-ray capacity.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus with a control unit that selects the appropriate X-ray filter based on object thickness and SID using a correspondence table, ensuring optimal filter thickness for imaging and fluoroscopy while minimizing exposure dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick additional filter is used to eliminate soft X-rays for small objects, then radiation quality is improved, but the filter capacity is wasted when imaging larger objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic filter selection by switching between multiple additional filters of different thicknesses based on real-time detection of object thickness and imaging conditions. The system automatically selects the appropriate filter thickness (e.g., 1st additional filter for thin objects, 2nd additional filter for thick objects) to optimize both radiation quality and filter capacity utilization for each specific imaging scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of filter thickness based on object thickness and imaging conditions. By detecting object thickness and selecting different filter thicknesses accordingly, the system adapts the filtration parameter to match the specific imaging requirements, preventing both over-filtration and under-filtration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thin additional filter is used for large objects to maintain X-ray transmittance, then filter capacity is optimized, but radiation quality deteriorates for smaller objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts filter selection based on detected object thickness. When a thin object is detected, the system switches to a thicker additional filter (1st additional filter) to ensure adequate soft X-ray elimination and maintain radiation quality. When a thick object is detected, it switches to a thinner additional filter (2nd additional filter) to optimize filter capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter adaptation by changing the filter thickness parameter according to object thickness. The system detects object thickness and selects the appropriate filter thickness parameter (thick for small objects, thin for large objects) to simultaneously optimize radiation quality and filter capacity utilization.
3Reliability
If additional filters are switched based on estimated object thickness, then radiation quality is optimized, but exposure dose increases when SID is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-parameter adaptation by considering both object thickness and SID when selecting additional filters. The system adjusts the filter thickness parameter based on the combination of object thickness and SID, selecting thinner filters for long SID to reduce exposure dose while maintaining adequate radiation quality, and thicker filters for short SID when higher filtration is needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional filters are switched based on SID, then filter capacity is optimized, but exposure dose increases regardless of object thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements combined parameter adaptation by considering both SID and object thickness together when selecting filter thickness. The system uses a decision matrix that evaluates both parameters simultaneously, selecting the optimal filter thickness that balances filter capacity utilization with exposure dose reduction, rather than relying on SID alone.
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 apparatus effectively maximizes X-ray capacity utilization, reduces exposure dose, and maintains image quality by accurately selecting filters based on object thickness and SID, even when the X-ray tube capacity has deteriorated.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray beam limiting unit which can adjust an X-ray irradiation field. The X-ray beam limiting unit includes a plurality of filters (to be referred to as additional filters hereinafter) having different thicknesses to adjust the radiation quality of X-rays. Such an additional filter (also called a radiation quality filter or beam spectrum filter) can reduce soft X-rays generated by an X-ray generation unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit, X-ray detection unit, X-ray beam limiting unit, and X-ray beam limiting control unit. The X-ray generation unit generates X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays generated by the X-ray generation unit and transmitted through an object placed on a tabletop. The X-ray beam limiting unit includes a plurality of filters to harden radiation quality of the generated X-rays. The X-ray beam limiting control unit controls the X-ray beam limiting unit to place a filter between the X-ray generation unit and the object, which filter is specified from the plurality of filters based on the thickness of the object and the distance between the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit.