X-ray Tube Pulse Flux Modulation for Spectral Imaging Noise Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectral imaging in Dual Layer detection systems suffers from noise-induced bias due to non-linear material separation processes, which negatively impacts image quality and quantification, especially when dealing with noisy input data.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid imaging system that generates X-ray pulses with varying flux levels, using high flux pulses for spectral data acquisition and low flux pulses for conventional data, allowing for spectrally resolved and integrated image data generation, which improves signal-to-noise ratio and mitigates noise-induced bias by combining data from both types of pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If spectral imaging is performed using Dual Layer detection with non-linear material separation process, then spectral information can be obtained, but noise-induced bias occurs which degrades image quality and quantification accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral imaging process into two distinct data acquisition paths: one using non-linear material separation for spectral information extraction, and another using linear processing for high-precision reference data. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific purpose, preventing noise-induced bias from affecting both types of data simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference data set acquired with linear processing that mediates between the noisy spectral data and the final quantification results. This reference data serves as a clean baseline that can be used to correct or validate the spectral measurements, reducing the impact of noise-induced bias.
2Measurement precision
If high flux X-ray pulses are used for spectral data acquisition, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but effective dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternation between high flux pulses for spectral data and low flux pulses for reference data acquisition. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio when needed while minimizing the cumulative effective dose through the use of lower flux pulses for portions of the data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using high flux pulses only for the specific spectral measurements that require high signal-to-noise ratio, while using low flux pulses for reference data acquisition. This selective application of high flux minimizes the total effective dose while maintaining measurement precision where critical.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternating high and low flux pulses are used, then hybrid sparse sampling is achieved combining conventional and spectral imaging benefits, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pulse sequence control where the X-ray tube current is rapidly modulated between high and low flux states according to a predetermined pattern. This dynamic control allows flexible adjustment of the pulse sequence to optimize the balance between spectral data quality, reference data quality, and effective dose, while adapting to different imaging scenarios.
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 system achieves high signal-to-noise ratio for spectral data while reducing noise-induced bias, enabling improved image quality and quantification with reduced effective dose, and allows for hybrid sparse sampling that combines conventional and spectral imaging benefits.
Implementation Method 1
electrons emitted from the cathode interact with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage
Implementation Method 2
electrons interact with the anode to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 3
electrons interact with the anode to generate X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3g
Figure 4a~4i
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (30) a voltage. A cathode (22) of an X-ray source (20) is positioned (220) relative to an anode (24) of the X-ray source. Electrons are emitted (230) from the cathode. Electrons emitted from the cathode interact (240) with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage. X-rays are generated (250) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. The X-ray source is controlled (260), such that a plurality of first X-ray pulses is generated each having a first X-ray flux, wherein the first X-ray pulses are temporally separated from each other. The X-ray source is controlled (270), such that a least one second X-ray pulse is generated having a second X-ray flux that is substantially less than the first X-ray flux, wherein the at least one second X-ray pulse is generated temporally between consecutive pulses of the first X-ray pulses.