X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Automatic Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grating-based differential phase contrast and dark-field imaging technologies face challenges in building an operational clinical system for accurately identifying and quantifying widespread lung diseases like COPD and fibrosis, particularly in controlling X-ray exposure to achieve homogeneous signal-to-noise ratios in images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for X-ray imaging that determines the transmission and dark-field factors of X-ray radiation, allowing for automatic exposure control by adjusting the intensity of X-ray radiation based on these factors, ensuring optimal signal-to-noise ratios in images, thereby minimizing radiation dose and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the intensity of X-ray radiation is increased to improve image quality and signal-to-noise ratio, then the diagnostic value and image quality are improved, but the radiation dose to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic exposure control by measuring the transmission factor through the object and using this information to adjust the X-ray intensity in real-time. The control unit receives transmission data and automatically modifies the radiation intensity to achieve optimal signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing radiation dose, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to each patient's specific attenuation characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the X-ray radiation intensity parameter based on the measured transmission factor. By calculating the required intensity adjustment from the transmission measurement, the system optimizes the radiation dose for each specific imaging scenario, ensuring sufficient signal-to-noise ratio without excessive radiation exposure
2Ease of operation
If the X-ray intensity is uniformly distributed across the object, then the exposure control is simplified, but the signal-to-noise ratio becomes non-homogeneous in the resulting image
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different X-ray intensities to different regions of the object based on local transmission characteristics. By measuring the transmission factor at various positions and adjusting the intensity locally, the system achieves homogeneous signal-to-noise ratio across the entire image, with each region receiving the precise radiation level it requires for optimal imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the X-ray intensity during the imaging process rather than using a fixed uniform exposure. The control unit continuously monitors transmission and modifies the radiation intensity in real-time, creating a dynamic exposure control system that adapts to the specific attenuation properties of different body regions
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 solution enables controlled X-ray exposure to achieve desired signal-to-noise ratios across images, improving the diagnostic value of X-ray imaging by optimizing image quality while minimizing radiation dose, particularly beneficial for clinical applications like chest imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source configured to emit X-ray radiation towards a patient
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray interferometer arrangement configured to be positioned between the X-ray source and the examination region or the X-ray detector and the examination region
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray detector configured to provide data relating to detection of X-rays having at least partially passed through the X-ray interferometer arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for X-ray imaging an object. It is described to provide (20) data relating to the detection of X-rays, wherein an X-ray detector is configured to be positioned relative to an X-ray source such that at least a part of a region between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is an examination region for accommodating an object. An X-ray interferometer arrangement is configured to be positioned relative to the examination region. At least one X-ray dark field factor and at least one transmission factor are determined for the X-ray radiation transmitted through at least part of the object is determined. An intensity of X-ray radiation to be emitted towards the at least part of the object is controlled as a function of the determined at least one dark field factor and the determined at least one transmission factor.