Integrated Test Phantom for X-ray Imaging Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging instruments, including X-ray systems, require frequent calibration and use of different phantoms for measuring various parameters, which is time-consuming and complicates the assessment of image quality, as each phantom is used for specific corrections, making it difficult to show the state relationship between them.
Innovation Solution
A test phantom comprising a phantom fin with arithmetical series sizes of circular grooves and line pairs, along with an edge plate, designed for X-ray imaging, which can be used with a stellated phantom to measure multiple standard parameters, allowing for intuitive judgment of image resolution and contrast ratio, and calculating spatial resolution, modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different phantoms are used for measuring various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate phantoms (stellated phantom for focal spot, slot phantom for spatial resolution, edge phantom for MTF, and uniform phantom for NPS/DQE) into a single integrated test phantom. This unified phantom contains all necessary structural elements (stellated pattern, slot, edge, and uniform regions) that can be used to measure all required parameters, thereby reducing the number of separate devices from four to one while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated test phantom is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It can measure focal spot size, spatial resolution, modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) all through a single device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between different specialized phantoms for different measurements, making the system universally applicable for comprehensive X-ray quality assessment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different phantoms are used for measuring various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all necessary measurement structures into one integrated phantom, the patent eliminates the time required to physically replace multiple different phantoms during calibration operations. The unified design allows all measurements to be performed using a single device, significantly reducing the time spent on phantom replacement and setup while maintaining the precision benefits of having specialized structures for each measurement type.
3Measurement precision
If multiple different phantoms are used for measuring various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate phantoms into one integrated unit, which greatly simplifies the operational process. Instead of requiring operators to select and replace different phantoms based on which parameter needs to be measured, the unified phantom allows all measurements to be performed using a single device, making the operation process straightforward and intuitive while preserving the measurement precision of specialized structures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple different phantoms are used for measuring various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all measurement functions into one integrated phantom, the patent dramatically improves calibration productivity. The unified phantom allows all required measurements (focal spot, spatial resolution, MTF, NPS, DQE) to be performed in a single calibration session without the need to switch between multiple separate phantoms, thereby streamlining the workflow and significantly increasing the efficiency of the calibration process while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables efficient calibration of X-ray imaging systems by allowing multiple parameters to be measured simultaneously, reducing the need for repetitive use of different phantoms and providing a comprehensive analysis of image quality, including focal spot measurement, without wasting time on correction operations.
Implementation Method 1
provide an X-ray imaging device comprising an X-ray source and an image detector
Implementation Method 2
a phantom fin and an edge plate that is attached to one side of the phantom fin. It has a plurality of different arithmetical series sizes of circular grooves and a plurality of different arithmetical series thickness of the line pairs
Implementation Method 3
select one edge plate of the test phantom set to obtain an edge spread function (ESF)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a test phantom for X-ray imaging, which comprises a prosthetic fin and an edge patch; wherein the prosthetic fin has a plurality of different arithmetical series sizes of circular grooves and plurality of different arithmetical series thickness of the line pairs; wherein the edge patch connects on one side of the prosthetic fin. The present invention further provides a test phantom combination for X-ray imaging and a method for measuring parameters and focal spot.