X-ray Gantry Rotation Control for 4D Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging technologies face challenges in producing high-quality 4D images of moving objects, such as the heart, while minimizing radiation dose to patients and medical staff.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a gantry that rotates during bio-signal cycles, using a prior image-based compressed sensing image reconstruction algorithm to generate 4D images from multiple 2D projection images, and controlling the X-ray generator and detector positions to reduce redundant image acquisition and adjust radiation dose based on cardiac phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gantry rotates continuously to acquire multiple 2D projection images for 4D imaging, then the quality of 4D images is improved, but the radiation dose to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by synchronizing gantry rotation with bio-signal cycles and using compressed sensing algorithms to reconstruct high-quality 4D images from fewer projection images. This allows acquiring sufficient imaging data while reducing the total number of X-ray exposures needed, thereby lowering radiation dose while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters by adjusting gantry rotation timing relative to bio-signal cycles and modifying reconstruction algorithms to use compressed sensing techniques. These parameter changes enable efficient data acquisition that reduces radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic image quality
2Ease of operation
If the gantry rotates from the same start position for each bio-signal cycle, then the operation is simple and consistent, but redundant images are acquired reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the gantry rotation start position variable rather than fixed. The start position is dynamically adjusted based on the detected bio-signal cycles, allowing the system to capture optimal imaging moments without acquiring redundant data, thereby improving imaging efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
3Measurement precision
If multiple 2D projection images are acquired during gantry rotation to generate 4D images, then the temporal resolution is improved, but the complexity of image reconstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex traditional reconstruction mechanics with computational methods. Instead of using complex mechanical or mathematical reconstruction processes, the patent employs prior image-based compressed sensing algorithms that computationally reconstruct high-temporal-resolution 4D images from fewer 2D projections, simplifying the overall reconstruction complexity while maintaining temporal resolution
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 enhances the quality of 4D imaging and reduces the radiation dose by optimizing image reconstruction and radiation exposure during cardiac cycles, improving image resolution and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator configured to transmit X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the object and convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to transmit X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the object and convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals, a gantry in which the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are installed so as to be opposite to each other, the gantry being rotatable about a bore, a controller configured to control a rotation of the gantry during bio-signal cycles of the object so that the gantry is rotated from different start positions whenever one of the bio-signal cycles is started, and an image processor configured to generate a 4D image of the object by applying a prior image-based compressed sensing image reconstruction algorithm to plural 2D projection images acquired from the electrical signals generated by converting the X-rays detected during the rotation of the gantry.