X-ray Voltage Measurement via Attenuation Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive imaging systems, particularly X-ray based systems, face challenges in independently assessing the operating voltage without relying on the system's instrumentation, which may be defective, and conventional measurement devices are unsuitable due to high voltages, leading to obtrusive and time-consuming methods requiring highly trained personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a processor-based system to acquire and process scan datasets from different attenuating media, calculating a mean attenuation ratio and its natural logarithm to indirectly measure the voltage used in X-ray generation, allowing for independent and non-invasive assessment of the operating voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional measurement devices are used to measure voltage in X-ray imaging systems, then measurement can be performed with standard equipment, but the devices are unsuitable due to high voltages and require obtrusive methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (contrast agent or phantom material with known attenuation properties) to indirectly measure the X-ray tube voltage. Instead of directly measuring the high voltage with conventional devices, the method measures the attenuation of X-rays through the intermediary material, which correlates to the tube voltage. This resolves the contradiction by using standard measurement equipment to measure a proxy quantity rather than the high voltage directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical voltage measurement (mechanical/electrical system) with optical/radiological measurement of X-ray attenuation. By substituting the measurement mechanism from direct electrical sensing to radiological imaging-based inference, the method enables voltage assessment using standard imaging equipment rather than specialized high-voltage measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If field engineers perform voltage assessment using conventional methods, then measurement can be conducted, but the process is time consuming and requires highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs self-diagnosis by using its own imaging capabilities to measure tube voltage. The system automatically acquires images through contrast agents or phantom materials, processes the attenuation data, and calculates the voltage without requiring external field engineers. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to assess its own operating parameters using routine imaging procedures already part of normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary imaging function and voltage assessment function using the same hardware and software infrastructure. The same X-ray tube, detectors, and processing system used for patient imaging are also used for voltage measurement, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and specialized personnel.
3Ease of operation
If system instrumentation is used to measure voltage, then measurement is integrated into the imaging system, but the instrumentation may be subject to defects or problems associated with the imaging system
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using dedicated voltage sensing instrumentation that could fail, the patent inverts the approach by using the imaging system's primary function (X-ray generation and detection) to infer the voltage. Rather than adding specialized measurement hardware that could be defective, the method uses the existing imaging chain in reverse - using image attenuation data to calculate the tube voltage that produced it. This provides an independent verification path.
4Adaptability or versatility
If obtrusive methods are used to measure voltage, then conventional devices can be employed, but the imaging system must be opened and highly trained personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage measurement capability from the physical imaging system hardware and implements it as a software-based calculation using imaging data. By separating the measurement function from physical intrusion into the high-voltage components, the method eliminates the need to open the system or expose personnel to high voltages. The measurement is performed on extracted imaging data rather than through direct hardware intervention.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of X-ray generation voltage, reducing the need for obtrusive and time-consuming methods, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards without requiring highly trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
Certain of these imaging modalities may operate by generating electromagnetic energy, such as X-rays, that is attenuated upon passing through subject or object being imaged. The differential attenuation of the X-rays or other energy may be used to formulate an image
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are generally described for measuring a voltage used by an imaging system to generate radiation used in imaging. In embodiments, different datasets are acquired using different degrees of attenuation of the radiation. The differently attenuated datasets are processed to derive a ratio of the differential attenuation. The attenuation ratio is processed to derive a measure of the voltage used by the imaging system to generate the radiation used to acquire the different datasets.