X-ray Source Continuous Sweep Imaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tomosynthesis imaging systems face limitations in acquisition speed due to the risk of motion blur, which is mitigated by using tightly controlled scan parameters, resulting in suboptimal scanning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that include an x-ray source, detector, and controller, where preliminary data is acquired to determine customized acquisition parameters such as number of projections, rotational speed, and angular range, allowing the x-ray source to continuously travel along a path defined by a sweep angle, thereby optimizing the imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous sweep scanning is performed with tightly controlled predetermined parameters, then motion blur is reduced, but acquisition speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts scan parameters (scan speed, pulse duration, number of projections) based on real-time feedback from the subject's attenuation properties measured during the scan, rather than using fixed predetermined parameters. This allows optimization of both motion blur reduction and acquisition speed for each specific subject
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures attenuation properties of the subject during the continuous sweep scan and uses this feedback information to determine optimal acquisition parameters. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive parameter selection that balances motion blur reduction with faster acquisition speeds
2Productivity
If scan speed is increased to improve acquisition speed, then productivity improves, but motion blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously (scan speed, pulse duration, number of projections) based on subject-specific attenuation measurements. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system achieves faster acquisition speeds while maintaining motion blur reduction through optimized pulse durations and projection sampling
3Reliability
If pulse duration is extended to reduce motion blur, then reliability improves, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines pulse duration based on real-time attenuation measurements of the subject. Instead of using a fixed extended pulse duration, the system optimizes pulse length for each subject and scan position, reducing unnecessary time expenditure while maintaining motion blur reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs continuous sweep scanning without stopping the x-ray source, acquiring projections continuously as the source moves. This continuous acquisition approach reduces total scan time compared to stop-and-go methods, while pulse duration is optimized to maintain motion blur reduction
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 reduces the risk of motion blur, enabling faster scan times and lower x-ray doses while maintaining image quality by tailoring the acquisition sequence to the subject being scanned.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray source is operative to transmit x-rays through the subject while the x-ray source continuously travels along a path defined by a sweep angle
Implementation Method 2
The detector is operative to receive the x-rays after having passed through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging is provided. The system includes an x-ray source, a detector, and a controller. The x-ray source is operative to transmit x-rays through a subject while the x-ray source continuously travels along a path defined by a sweep angle. The detector is operative to receive the x-rays after having passed through the subject. The controller is operative to: acquire preliminary data regarding the subject via the x-ray source and the detector; determine at least one acquisition parameter from the preliminary data; and acquire one or more projections of the subject via the x-ray source and the x-ray detector based at least in part on the acquisition parameter.