X-ray Tube Current Control for Artifact Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray diagnostic systems face issues with artifacts such as overflow and dark-band artifacts due to tube current adjustments being limited within predetermined maximum and minimum values, degrading image quality in tomographic images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic system and method that includes a tube current setting section, an X-ray tube, detector, data collector, image processor, genuine data generator, threshold value setter, and adjustor, which sets and adjusts the tube current based on a comparison between the X-ray dose in genuine data and threshold values to prevent artifacts, allowing for more precise control beyond system capacity limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube current is adjusted within the limited range of maximum and minimum values determined by system capacities, then the system operates within its designed parameters, but artifacts such as overflow artifacts and dark-band artifacts occur, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tube current adjustment that adapts to different anatomical regions and patient sizes. The system automatically modifies tube current parameters in real-time during scanning, transitioning from static predetermined values to dynamic adaptive control. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to operate beyond fixed limits while maintaining reliability through automated control algorithms that prevent artifact formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tube current parameter from fixed maximum/minimum values to a continuous adjustable range. By implementing fine-grained parameter control with incremental adjustment steps, the system can optimize tube current for each specific scanning condition. This resolves the contradiction by allowing precise parameter tuning that prevents overflow and dark-band artifacts while maintaining system reliability through controlled parameter modification.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tube current is increased to prevent dark-band artifacts, then image quality improves, but the risk of overflow artifacts increases when the tube current exceeds system capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the tube current values and their effects on image quality in real-time. The system uses the scanograms to assess patient anatomy and automatically adjusts tube current accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback approach resolves the contradiction by continuously optimizing tube current to prevent both dark-band artifacts (by increasing current when needed) and overflow artifacts (by limiting current when approaching system capacity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment using scanograms before the actual tomographic scanning. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine appropriate tube current values based on patient anatomy visible in the scanograms. By taking this preliminary measurement and calculation step, the system can set optimal tube current parameters in advance, preventing both types of artifacts during the main scanning process without needing to exceed system capacity limits.
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 effectively suppresses artifacts like overflow and dark-band artifacts, improving the quality of tomographic images by allowing for dynamic adjustment of tube current within a broader range, optimizing radiation exposure and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube for radiating an X-ray to the subject on the basis of the tube current for taking the scanogram, the tube current set by the tube current setting section
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray radiated by the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnostic system according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray tube for radiating an X-ray to the subject on the basis of a tube current for taking a scanogram of a subject; an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray radiated by the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject; a data collector for collecting X-ray dose distribution data, which shows the dose distribution of the X-ray; an image processor for creating the scanogram from the X-ray dose distribution data; a genuine data generator for generating genuine data showing the dose distribution of the X-ray, from the scanogram; a threshold value setting section for setting a threshold value for the genuine data; and a tube current adjustor for adjusting a tube current for taking a tomographic image of the subject in accordance with a comparison between the X-ray dose in the genuine data and the threshold value.