X-ray Imaging Apparatus Multi-Spectrum Tomosynthesis Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray tomosynthesis lacks depth information and results in reduced X-ray exposure and acquired tomograms compared to CT scans due to limited X-ray scanning angles and predefined penetration distances, leading to tissue overlap in images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that radiates two X-rays with different spectra at distinct locations along a predetermined path, generating cross-section data and eventually 3D volume data by cumulating multiple cross-section data sets, allowing for improved depth representation and reduced tissue overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If X-ray tomosynthesis uses limited scanning angles to reduce X-ray exposure, then X-ray exposure is reduced, but depth information is lost and tissue overlap occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy spectrum parameter of X-rays by using multiple spectra (first and second X-ray spectra) with different penetration distances. This allows the system to adaptively select appropriate X-ray energies for different tissue depths, improving depth information resolution while maintaining reduced X-ray exposure compared to full CT scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the X-ray spectrum into multiple distinct spectra (first X-ray spectrum and second X-ray spectrum) with different penetration characteristics. By radiating these segmented spectra at different locations along the scanning path, the system can selectively penetrate different tissue depths, thereby recovering depth information that would otherwise be lost in conventional tomosynthesis
2Object-affected harmful factors
If X-ray scanning angles are limited in tomosynthesis, then X-ray exposure is reduced, but the number of acquired tomograms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple X-ray spectra parameters to compensate for the limited number of tomograms. By varying the energy spectrum (first spectrum for deeper penetration, second spectrum for shallower penetration) across different scanning locations, the system extracts more information from fewer angular views, maintaining adequate tomogram quantity for diagnosis while keeping X-ray exposure low
3Loss of information
If multiple X-ray spectra are radiated at different locations, then depth information is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray radiation unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can radiate different X-ray spectra (first and second spectra) at different locations along the scanning path. This multi-functionality allows a single radiation unit to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized sources, enhancing depth information capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the X-ray spectrum type (first or second spectrum) based on the scanning location. The X-ray radiation unit can switch between different spectral characteristics during the scanning process, allowing adaptive optimization of penetration distance for each location while maintaining a unified device architecture
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
Enhances depth information and X-ray exposure in tomosynthesis, providing clearer images with reduced tissue overlap and improved diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate a first X-ray and a second X-ray onto a target along a predetermined path, an X-ray detection unit configured to detect the radiated first X-ray and the second X-ray that have passed through the target
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus and method is provided. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate a first X-ray and a second X-ray onto a target along a predetermined path, an X-ray detection unit configured to detect the radiated first X-ray and the second X-ray that have passed through the target, and an image data generation unit configured to generate cross-section data that respectively corresponds to the detected first X-ray and the detected second X-ray and represents a predetermined cross-sectional layer of the target. The first X-ray is radiated at a location on the predetermined path that is different from a location on the predetermined path at which the second X-ray is radiated, the first X-ray including X-ray spectra that are different from X-ray spectra of the second X-ray.