X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Electronic circuit – With switching means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-12
2001-04-24
Bruce, David V. (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Electronic circuit
With switching means
C378S062000, C378S098300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222907
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the use of automatic x-ray technique control in fluoroscopic and record x-ray acquisition modes.
BACKGROUND ART
The x-ray techniques used to optimize image quality also strive to minimize exposure of the patient to x-ray radiation. These goals are independent of system limitations. Also, optimization varies with the type of medical exam being performed and the objective of the exam. These optimal techniques are required to successfully operate the x-ray system. The successful operation applies to a wide variety of clinical procedures and patient sizes performed on a x-ray system. The x-ray system can be a fluoroscopic or radiographic x-ray system. For example, vascular procedures typically require kVp settings in the 70 to 90 kVp range for imaging iodinated vessels. Conversely, gastrointestinal (GI) studies, which can be performed on the same system, prefer higher kVp for penetrating barium contrast media. In general, there are several parameters that are optimized versus patient size in order deliver exceptional image quality. These include focal spot size, x-ray beam quality through the use of spectral filtration, kVp, mA, exposure time, quantum noise level (i.e. detector entrance exposure per frame) and patient entrance exposure rate. Each of these parameters has an optimal setting, which is unique for each case.
Additionally, an order of complexity is added when trying to determine the optimal techniques allowed within the operational range of the x-ray system and/or local regulatory requirements. This is not necessarily the same technique as the true optimum independent of the x-ray system limitations.
It would be desirable to have a system and method for optimizing image quality. It would further be desirable to optimize image quality while meeting clinical imaging requirements. Finally, it would be desirable to optimize image quality while operating within the boundary of the system hardware and local regulatory requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A x-ray technique for image quality optimization is provided. Optimal x-ray technique, which affects image quality, can be accurately predetermined to use for any application. A computer simulation of the x-ray system allows x-ray technique optimization to be performed quickly and efficiently. The optimization can be performed for multiple image quality parameters being weighted for importance to the current medical procedure.
A model-based optimization is used to determine x-ray techniques for optimal image quality performance. The first step for achieving model-based optimization is to determine optimized techniques for a fixed spectral filter and focal spot to define a basic trajectory. The spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are then optimized. The determined optimized techniques and the optimized spectral filter and focal spot versus patient size are used to create a functional trajectory which includes a Basic Trajectory Selector Table (indicating optimized spectral filter/focal spot) and the associated basic trajectories.
Accordingly, the present invention provides image quality regulation and optimization. The model-based optimization for determining x-ray techniques can achieve optimal image quality for fluoroscopy or radioscopy applications.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5473663 (1995-12-01), Hsieh
patent: 6005916 (1999-12-01), Johnson et al.
Co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Serial No. 09/351,755, entitled Exposure Management and Control System and Method, filed Jul. 12, 1999.
Gordon, III Clarence L.
Relihan Gary F.
Bruce David V.
Cabou Christian G.
General Electric Company
Haushalter Barbara Joan
Price Phyllis Y.
LandOfFree
Image quality optimization using an X-ray model based... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Image quality optimization using an X-ray model based..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Image quality optimization using an X-ray model based... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2468890