X-ray Tube Current Profile Adaptation via Optical Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic dose control systems for X-ray imaging require additional topograms, which increase patient radiation exposure, and do not optimize X-ray tube current profiles effectively for reduced dose and desired image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method using a three-dimensional optical sensor image to determine patient-specific attenuation distribution for adapting the X-ray tube current profile, eliminating the need for additional topograms and reducing patient dose by selecting a dose-reducing tube current profile based on patient-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If topograms are recorded to determine X-ray attenuation distribution for automatic dose control, then tube current profile can be adapted to patient-specific attenuation properties, but additional radiation dose is applied to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray-based topogram measurement system with an optical imaging system. Optical sensors capture images of the patient's body surface, and through image processing and 3D reconstruction, the system derives attenuation distribution data without exposing the patient to additional X-ray radiation. This substitution eliminates the harmful radiation effect while maintaining the measurement capability needed for tube current modulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional automatic dose control systems use topograms to determine tube current profile, then desired image quality can be achieved, but the overall radiation dose to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of patient attenuation properties using optical imaging before the actual X-ray image acquisition. By obtaining 3D surface data and deriving attenuation distribution in advance, the system can pre-calculate the optimal tube current profile. This preliminary action using non-ionizing optical radiation enables subsequent X-ray imaging to use minimized doses while maintaining image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional topograms are recorded for dose optimization, then tube current can be adapted individually, but the examination time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system serves multiple functions: it captures patient positioning information, measures body surface geometry, and derives attenuation distribution data all in a single non-ionizing measurement process. This multi-functional approach replaces the separate topogram acquisition step, enabling individual dose adaptation without adding examination time or process complexity.
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 total radiation dose to the patient by directly determining the X-ray tube current profile from a three-dimensional image, ensuring optimal image quality with minimized radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is designed to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected and/or emitted by the patient
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray source; an X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a tube current profile for the recording of at least one X-ray image of body region of a patient with an X-ray image recording device, a corresponding computer program, a machine-readable data carrier and an X-ray image recording device are disclosed. The method includes acquisition of an image recorded via an optical sensor wherein the image has a field of view including at least the body region of the patient to be depicted by way of an X-ray image; determination of at least one piece of patient-specific, body-related information for the patient from the image; determination of an X-ray attenuation distribution of the patient at least for the body region to be depicted by way of an X-ray image with reference to the at least one piece of patient-specific, body-related information; and determination of the tube current profile with reference to the X-ray attenuation distribution determined.