X-ray Imaging Flux Modulation for Detector Dynamic Range Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging systems face challenges in managing the wide dynamic range of X-ray radiation fluxes due to variations in patient anatomy and acquisition settings, requiring detector systems with a minimum dynamic range of 1,000,000:1, which is not adequately addressed by existing techniques like 'bowtie' filters.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring multiple subviews of patient attenuation data at different radiation flux levels and combining them to form corrected views, using a system with a gantry, detector, and X-ray source controlled by a computer and modulation controller to adjust electrical energy, thereby reducing detector saturation and dynamic range requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detector system with large dynamic range is used to detect wide range of X-ray radiation fluxes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acquisition of patient attenuation data into multiple sets of subviews, each acquired at different radiation flux levels. Instead of requiring a single detector to handle the full dynamic range, the system segments the measurement task across multiple acquisitions with varied flux levels, thereby reducing the dynamic range requirement for each individual detector while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the radiation flux level between different sets of subviews acquisitions. By varying the flux level adaptively across multiple acquisitions rather than using a static high flux level, the system ensures that detector saturation is avoided while still capturing sufficient signal, thus reducing the required detector dynamic range.
2Measurement precision
If high radiation flux is used to improve signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to patient radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic acquisition of subviews at different radiation flux levels rather than continuous high-flux exposure. By alternating between different flux levels in a periodic manner across multiple acquisition sets, the system accumulates sufficient signal for precise measurement while distributing and reducing the total radiation dose to the patient compared to single high-flux acquisition.
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 reduces the stringent dynamic range requirements of X-ray imaging detectors, lowers data communication and storage needs, and minimizes patient radiation exposure by effectively managing radiation flux variations.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source for radiating an X-ray beam along an imaging plane and/or volume towards the detector system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling an X-ray imaging system. The method for controlling an X-ray imaging system includes acquiring a plurality of subviews of patient attenuation data wherein a first set of subviews of patient attenuation data is acquired at a first radiation flux level and a second set of subviews of patient attenuation data is acquired at a second radiation flux level. The first radiation flux level is different than the second radiation flux level. The method further includes combining the first set of subviews of patient attenuation data and the second set of subviews of patient attenuation data to form corrected views for subsequent image generation.