Filter assembly for X-ray filter system for medical imaging contrast enhancement
AssigneeFartech, Inc.
InventorsIoan Niculae Bogatu, Jin-Soo Kim
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for creating an image of the internal features of an object includes an X-ray source and detector array positioned to interpose the object between the X-ray source and the detector array. An X-ray beam is passed through the object along a first path. While passing through the object, the beam is successively filtered twice, each time with a different filter. The successive filtration of the beam results in the production of two electrical signals by the detector which are processed to create an image signal for the path. The process is repeated for a plurality of paths through the object and the resulting image signals are combined using traditional computer tomography techniques to produce a composite image of the object.
Claims35
A system for creating an image of an object, said object containing a first chemical element having a KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT, said system comprising:
- an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam along a first path through said object;
- means for moving said beam onto successive paths through said object;
- a first filter and a second filter, said first filter comprising a chemical element having a KEDGE greater than KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT and said second filter comprising a chemical element having a KEDGE less than KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT;
- a means for successively positioning said filters on each said path to filter said beam and produce a first filtered radiation signal and a second filtered radiation signal for each said path through said object;
- a detector for receiving said first and second radiation signals after said signals have passed through said object and producing a first and second electrical signal for each said path, said electrical signals produced by said detector being proportional to the intensity of the radiation received by said detector;
- and
- a processor connected to said detector to generate an image signal for each said path through said object wherein said image signal is proportional to a difference between said first and second electrical signals, said processor configured to produce an image of said object from said image signals.
A system for creating an image of an object that contains a contrast agent, said system comprising:
- a means for directing a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation onto a plurality of paths, each said path extending through said object;
- a first filter and a second filter, each said filter comprising at least one chemical element having a KEDGE within said spectrum of said electromagnetic radiation;
- a means for successively interposing each said filter on each said path to create a first filtered radiation signal and a second filtered radiation signal for each said path;
- a means for receiving said filtered radiation signals and producing an electrical signal for each said filtered radiation signal received, each said electrical signal being proportional to the intensity of radiation received;
- and
- a processor for operation on said electrical signals to produce an image of said object.
A method for creating an image comprising the steps of:
- providing an object;
- directing a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation onto a plurality of paths, each said path extending through said object;
- providing a first filter and a second filter, each said filter comprising at least one chemical element having a KEDGE within said spectrum of said electromagnetic radiation;
- successively interposing each said filter on each said path to create a first filtered radiation signal and a second filtered radiation signal for each said path;
- receiving said filtered radiation signals for each said path and producing an electrical signal for each said filtered radiation signal received, each said electrical signal being proportional to the intensity of radiation received;
- and
- processing said electrical signals to produce an image of said object.
A system for creating an image of an object, said object containing a first chemical element having a KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT, said system comprising:
- a means for directing X-ray radiation through said object;
- a plurality of filter pairs with each said filter pair having a first filter comprising a chemical element having a KEDGE greater than KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT and a said second filter comprising a chemical element having a KEDGE less than KEDGE, FIRST CHEMICAL ELEMENT, each said filter pair positioned to filter said radiation and produce a pair of filtered radiation signals;
- a plurality of detector pairs, each said detector pair for receiving one said pair of filtered radiation signals from one said filter pair and producing a pair of electrical signals in response, with each said electrical signal being proportional to the intensity of radiation received by a said detector;
- and
- a processor connected to said detector pairs to generate an image signal for each said detector pair, wherein said image signal is proportional to a difference between electrical signals in each said pair of electrical signals to produce an image of said object from said image signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.