Advanced SPECT Imaging System with Optimized Photon Transmission
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept discloses an advanced SPECT imaging system that incorporates a collimator with multi-pinholes having filters to optimize photon transmission rates, resulting in improved image resolution and reduced noise.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Imaging systems and methods', disclosed a SPECT system with a collimator having multi-pinholes. However, the original patent had limitations in terms of image resolution and noise. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing filters in the collimator to adjust photon transmission rates, thereby improving image quality.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced SPECT imaging system comprises a detector configured to detect photons and a collimator having at least two sets of pinholes, each set equipped with filters. The filters are configured to adjust photon transmission rates to optimize image resolution and reduce noise. The system can also include a detector with enhanced sensitivity to detect photons transmitted through the collimator. The collimator's pinholes can be dynamically adjustable to optimize photon transmission rates in real-time during imaging. The system can process detected photons to generate high-resolution images with reduced artifacts.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the use of filters in the collimator to adjust photon transmission rates, which is not disclosed in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of the filters with the multi-pinholes collimator to achieve optimized photon transmission rates, resulting in improved image quality.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different types of filters, such as absorptive or diffractive filters, or varying the arrangement of the pinholes and filters. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other imaging modalities, such as PET or CT.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced SPECT imaging system has potential commercial applications in the medical imaging industry, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The improved image quality and reduced noise can lead to better patient outcomes and increased market share for companies adopting this technology.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B6/5235 |
| A | A61 | A61B6/037 |
| G | G01 | G01T1/1642 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical imaging technologies, specifically single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, involving detector design, collimator configurations, and photon detection techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in nuclear medicine imaging, advanced detector technologies, radiation detection principles, and signal processing techniques, typically holding a PhD or equivalent professional experience in medical physics or biomedical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that adding filters to a multi-pinhole SPECT collimator represents a predictable engineering solution to optimize photon transmission and image quality. The source patent's multi-pinhole collimator design provides a clear technical foundation for introducing transmission-modifying elements. A PHOSITA would understand that filtering techniques are well-established in medical imaging for improving signal-to-noise ratios and reducing artifacts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,357 |
|---|---|
| Title | Imaging systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD. |