X-Ray Tube Voltage Control During Inter-Frame Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems fail to adjust the actual tube voltage to the target tube voltage in a timely manner during pulsed fluoroscopy, leading to reduced imaging quality and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the voltage of an X-ray imaging system by adjusting the actual tube voltage based on initial and target tube voltages using a processor to manage the working state of devices like the high voltage generator and discharge loads within an inter-frame period, ensuring the actual tube voltage matches the target voltage before imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power device of the high voltage generator is turned off after loading the initial tube voltage, then energy consumption is reduced, but the actual tube voltage cannot be adjusted to the target tube voltage in time, reducing imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the actual tube voltage to the target tube voltage during the inter-frame period of time, before the next imaging frame is acquired. This allows the voltage to be ready in advance, ensuring imaging quality is not compromised while still allowing the power device to be turned off during the inter-frame period to reduce energy consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube current is turned off using a grid to reduce radiation dose, then radiation exposure is reduced, but the high voltage generator operates without load, affecting voltage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discharge load as an intermediary element that provides a controlled discharge path for the high voltage generator when the X-ray tube is not in use. This maintains voltage stability by preventing free discharge while allowing the grid to remain open for radiation dose reduction. The discharge load acts as a mediator between the need for radiation protection and voltage stability.
3Illumination intensity
If the loading parameter is adjusted in real time using Auto Brightness Control, then image brightness consistency is maintained, but the voltage adjustment lag remains, reducing imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing voltage adjustment during the inter-frame period of time, before the next frame acquisition begins. This allows the Auto Brightness Control system to adjust the loading parameter and simultaneously adjust the actual tube voltage to the target value in advance, eliminating the voltage adjustment lag that previously reduced imaging quality while maintaining image brightness consistency.
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 enables rapid adjustment of the actual tube voltage to the target voltage, improving imaging quality and reducing radiation exposure by maintaining or adjusting the voltage within the inter-frame period, thereby enhancing the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting an actual tube voltage of the X-ray imaging system by controlling a working state of one or more devices of the X-ray imaging system based on the initial tube voltage and the target tube voltage
Implementation Method 2
an equivalent load resistor in a circuit discharges freely
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling a voltage of an X-ray imaging system and X-ray imaging systems are provided. A method includes: obtaining an initial tube voltage and a target tube voltage; and adjusting an actual tube voltage of the X-ray imaging system by controlling a working state of one or more devices of the X-ray imaging system based on the initial tube voltage and the target tube voltage in an inter-frame period of time. An output voltage of a high voltage generator is changed to the target tube voltage required when the X-ray imaging system starts imaging to obtain the target frame in the inter-frame period of time, so that the actual tube voltage is equal to or close to the target tube voltage when the target frame is loaded.