X-ray Imaging Temporal Signal Processing Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging systems face limitations in speed and resolution due to noise and the mechanical rotation of x-ray tubes, which restricts data acquisition rate and complicates control, and there is a need for improved systems that can reduce noise and enhance imaging speed while allowing for multiple images to be obtained simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of temporal digital signal processing in x-ray imaging systems that generate pulsed x-ray beams and use multi-pixel sources to detect and process x-ray radiation, allowing for the removal of noise by filtering out frequencies not corresponding to the predetermined pulsing frequency, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling simultaneous acquisition of multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation of x-ray tube is used to collect multiple projection images, then multiple images can be acquired from different angles, but the data acquisition rate is limited and control is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray tube is divided into multiple independent focal spots arranged in an arc, allowing simultaneous generation of multiple x-ray beams at different angles. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical rotation while maintaining multi-angle imaging capability, thereby increasing data acquisition rate without compromising viewing angle range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsing of the electron beam to generate x-ray bursts at predetermined frequencies. By synchronizing the pulsing frequency with the detector sampling rate, multiple projection images are acquired simultaneously at different angles without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity
2Measurement precision
If higher x-ray radiation strength is used to improve image quality, then resolution is improved, but patient dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of the electron beam at optimized frequencies to generate x-ray bursts that are synchronized with detector integration periods. This timing optimization allows maximum signal capture during the pulse while minimizing background noise and unnecessary radiation exposure, thereby improving image resolution without proportionally increasing patient dose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with an electronically controlled multi-focal-spot x-ray tube. This substitution enables precise temporal and spatial control of x-ray generation, allowing radiation to be delivered only when and where needed for image acquisition, thus improving image quality while reducing overall radiation dosage
3Device complexity
If single-frequency x-ray beam is used, then system is simpler, but noise cannot be effectively separated from signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsing of the electron beam at a predetermined frequency to generate x-ray bursts. The detector is synchronized to sample at this same frequency, creating a temporal signature that distinguishes the x-ray signal from background noise. This periodic action enables effective signal-to-noise separation without requiring complex multi-frequency systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback synchronization between the electron beam pulsing frequency and the detector sampling rate. By monitoring the actual pulsing frequency and adjusting the detector integration timing accordingly, the system maintains optimal signal-to-noise ratio while keeping the overall system architecture simple and unified
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 significantly increases imaging speed, improves resolution, and reduces the required x-ray radiation strength, facilitating low-dose imaging applications such as breast CT and pediatric radiography, while enabling faster data acquisition in CT scanners and other imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam operable to pulse a plurality of electron beams of different frequencies and to direct the electron beams to the target
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray source operable to generate a pulsed x-ray beam having a predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray detector adapted to detect x-ray radiation from the object and generate temporal data based on the x-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
X-ray imaging systems and methods are provided that use temporal digital signal processing for reducing noise and for obtaining multiple images simultaneously. An x-ray imaging system can include an x-ray source adapted to generate a pulsed x-ray beam having a predetermined frequency and apply the pulsed x-ray beam to an object to be imaged. An x-ray detector can be adapted to detect x-ray radiation from the object and generate temporal data based on the x-ray radiation. A temporal data analyzer can be adapted to apply a temporal signal process to the temporal data to remove at least a portion of the temporal data having a different frequency than the predetermined frequency.