Multi-Energy X-Ray Imaging Spectral Filter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-energy X-ray imaging approaches are ineffective in visualizing contrast materials with high atomic numbers due to similar absorption in high and low energy spectra, leading to poor differentiation from soft tissue and other materials, which results in inadequate image quality and increased radiation doses.
Innovation Solution
The method generates X-ray spectra using spectrally acting filters to create a differential spectrum with a sharply delimited maximum range around the k-edge of the contrast material, ensuring high absorption, while outside this range, the spectra are substantially identical, allowing for effective dual-energy subtraction and improved contrast material visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dual-energy X-ray imaging uses low-energy and high-energy spectra with different tube voltages, then material differentiation is possible, but contrast materials with high atomic numbers show poor differentiation from soft tissue due to similar absorption in both spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by using a monochromatic or polyenergetic X-ray source with specific energy selection to create a differential spectrum that maximizes absorption contrast at the k-edge of the contrast material. This involves selecting energy ranges that exploit the abrupt change in absorption coefficient at the k-edge, rather than using conventional broad-spectrum dual-energy approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral filter or energy-selecting intermediary component between the X-ray source and the contrast material to shape the X-ray spectrum. This intermediary enables precise control over the energy distribution to enhance k-edge absorption effects while suppressing Compton scattering contributions.
2Loss of information
If conventional dual-energy imaging records two image datasets with different X-ray spectra, then material information can be derived, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively enhancing only the energy range that provides diagnostic information (the k-edge region) rather than using broad-spectrum X-rays. This allows obtaining sufficient material information with reduced total energy exposure by focusing radiation only where it provides maximum contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy distribution parameters to concentrate radiation in the specific k-edge energy window, reducing radiation in non-diagnostic energy ranges. This parameter optimization maintains material differentiation capability while minimizing overall radiation dose to the patient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If X-ray spectra with different maximum energies are used, then multi-energy imaging is achieved, but the spectral ranges are too broad leading to reduced contrast material visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad X-ray spectrum into narrow, energy-specific windows centered on the k-edge of the contrast material. By dividing the spectrum into targeted energy bands rather than using broad spectra, the method enhances contrast material visibility through focused energy selection that exploits the sharp absorption edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating highly localized energy windows around the k-edge region rather than using uniform broad-spectrum illumination. This local energy concentration provides superior contrast material visibility by matching the spectral characteristics precisely to the absorption properties of the contrast agent at its k-edge.
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 enables high-quality dual-energy X-ray imaging by maximizing contrast material visibility while minimizing anatomical background and other material interference, reducing radiation doses, and enhancing image quality with a more focused spectral range.
Implementation Method 1
the value of their differential spectrum has a maximum, sharply delimited in particular at least at its lower edge, which includes a range, beginning at the k-edge of the contrast agent material, of higher absorption by the contrast material
Implementation Method 2
the X-ray spectra are generated by using at least one spectrally acting filter, starting from a source spectrum of an X-ray source
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for multi-energy X-ray imaging of a field of view in order to display a contrast material, located in the field of view, having an atomic number of at least 65, (e.g., at least 73), and/or a k-edge of at least 60 keV. In the method, two image datasets having different X-ray spectra are recorded and are combined in order to ascertain display information of the contrast material, wherein the X-ray spectra are generated by using at least one spectrally acting filter, starting from a source spectrum of an X-ray source in such a way that the value of their differential spectrum has a maximum, which includes a range, beginning at the k-edge of the contrast material, of higher absorption by the contrast material.