X-ray Imaging Device Adaptive Pulse Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging devices with automatic exposure control face challenges in maintaining optimal image quality due to fixed parameter settings, which do not account for patient-specific conditions, leading to suboptimal results, especially in applications requiring varying time and spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray imaging device with a processing and control unit that creates x-ray images at different times, analyzes moving edges and intensity dependencies, and adjusts the pulse width based on these evaluations to optimize exposure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the tube voltage is increased to increase the signal, then the signal strength is improved, but the image contrast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pulse width adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the pulse width based on real-time evaluation of moving structures in the object, allowing optimization of signal strength while maintaining image contrast through patient-specific adaptation during the examination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter adaptively based on the evaluation of moving structures. By modifying this parameter in response to detected motion characteristics, the system optimizes the balance between signal strength and image contrast for different patient conditions and examination phases
2Illumination intensity
If the tube current is increased to increase the signal, then the signal strength is improved, but the spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pulse width parameter based on real-time detection of moving structures. This dynamic adaptation allows optimization of signal strength while maintaining spatial resolution by matching the exposure parameters to the actual motion characteristics observed during the examination
3Illumination intensity
If the x-ray pre-filtering is decreased to increase the signal, then the signal strength is improved, but the skin dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter adaptively based on evaluation of moving structures. This parameter modification allows optimization of signal strength while reducing harmful skin dose by matching the exposure duration to the actual motion characteristics, avoiding unnecessary overexposure
4Illumination intensity
If the pulse width is increased to increase the signal, then the signal strength is improved, but the time resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pulse width based on real-time evaluation of moving structures. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching the pulse width to the actual motion characteristics - using longer pulse widths when motion is minimal and shorter pulse widths when motion is significant, thereby optimizing both signal strength and time resolution adaptively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter adaptively based on the evaluation of moving structures. By modifying this parameter in response to detected motion characteristics, the system optimizes the balance between signal strength and time resolution for different patient conditions and examination phases
5Reliability
If fixed limit values are used for pulse width adjustment, then the application-specific requirements are met, but patient-specific situations cannot be taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously evaluating moving structures in the object during the examination and using this information to adaptively adjust the pulse width. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain application-specific requirements while simultaneously adapting to patient-specific situations, resolving the contradiction between fixed protocols and individualized care
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed limit values to dynamic adaptive adjustment based on real-time evaluation. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by ensuring application-specific requirements are met while simultaneously improving adaptability to patient-specific situations through continuous monitoring and adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for automatically controlling the exposure in an X-ray imaging of a moving object to be irradiated. An embodiment of the method includes generating X-ray images at different times with a predeterminable pulse width of X-ray radiation; determining at least one moving image region from at least two of the generated X-ray images; determining at least one moving edge of the moving image region; selecting at least one pixel of the edge; determining the time dependence of the intensity of the pixel from the generated X-ray images; evaluating the time dependence of the intensity; and changing the pulse width in accordance with the evaluation. Alternatively, the spatial dependency of the intensity can also be evaluated close to the edge. Advantages of ensuring an optimum image quality and reducing negative influences of a sub-optimum parameter selection are realized.