X-ray Imaging System Automatic Filter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging systems face challenges in optimizing image quality and minimizing radiation exposure, particularly when dealing with different age groups, due to the complexity of selecting appropriate radiation form filters and the lack of flexible application of radiation absorption filters.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray imaging system with a computing unit that calculates an effective radiation absorption profile by averaging recorded profiles, allowing for the automatic selection of the most suitable radiation form filter based on anatomical data, thereby simplifying the filter selection process and enabling age-group-independent protocol application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual filter selection based on operator experience is used, then image quality can be optimized, but radiation exposure cannot be minimized due to lack of systematic optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system records radiation absorption profiles from previous examinations and uses them to automatically select appropriate filters for future examinations. This feedback mechanism enables continuous optimization of both image quality and radiation dose reduction based on accumulated experience data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic filter selection based on recorded profiles and examination parameters, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by using its own recorded data to make optimal filter selections, ensuring consistent optimization of image quality and radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiation form filters are provided for different applications, then image quality optimization is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radiation absorption profiles for different filter types are recorded in advance during system setup or calibration. When an examination is performed, the system automatically compares the current examination parameters against these pre-recorded profiles to select the most appropriate filter, eliminating the need for manual selection and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses examination parameters such as patient age group, body region, and imaging protocol to automatically determine the optimal filter selection. By changing parameters based on recorded profiles rather than manual intervention, the system simplifies the complex task of selecting from multiple filter types.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation form filters are manually selected for different age groups, then radiation exposure can be optimized, but ease of operation decreases due to need for specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects radiation form filters based on recorded absorption profiles and examination parameters without requiring operator expertise in filter selection. The system serves itself by using its internal database of recorded profiles to make optimal selections, greatly simplifying operation for users regardless of their specialized knowledge.
4Measurement precision
If scan protocols are created for each application with specified filters, then image quality is optimized, but device complexity increases and protocols cannot be flexibly applied across different age groups
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal approach where a single set of scan protocols can be flexibly applied across different age groups and applications. The automatic filter selection based on recorded absorption profiles allows the same protocol to adapt to different patient populations, eliminating the need for separate protocols for each age group while maintaining image quality optimization.
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 improves image quality and reduces radiation exposure by ensuring optimal filter selection, automating the process and reducing the need for specialized knowledge in creating protocols, thus enabling more flexible and effective x-ray imaging across various age groups.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation form filter is frequently arranged downstream of this diaphragm in the radiation path of the x-ray radiation, the radiation form filter also being able to change the intensity of the x-ray radiation both spatially or also spectrally
Implementation Method 2
bowtie filters (i.e. filters, which in addition focus or expand the x-ray radiation with convex or concave surfaces)
Implementation Method 3
The intensity of x-ray radiation can be reduced by a continual attenuation value for instance with the aid of a wedge filter at right angles to the propagation direction of the x-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for selecting a radiation form, to change spatial distribution of the intensity and/or the spectrum of x-ray radiation of an x-ray source of an imaging system including a plurality of radiation form filters. The method includes acquiring a plurality of radiation absorption profiles of an examination object, of which image data is to be generated with the aid of the imaging system, in parallel with the patient axis from various directions; calculating an effective radiation absorption profile by averaging the recorded radiation absorption profiles; and selecting the radiation form filter on the basis of the effective radiation absorption profile of the examination object from a plurality of radiation form filters. An x-ray imaging system is further disclosed.