X-ray CT Crosstalk Correction via Segmented Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT apparatuses face challenges in efficiently correcting crosstalk, leading to blurred images and artifacts, with previous methods either increasing calculation time or requiring costly high-performance components, and struggling to accurately assess emergency patient status.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus performs crosstalk correction by first correcting locally attenuating components and then the whole component, using a method that measures signal spreading and sensitivity correction to reduce calculation quantity and enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If crosstalk correction is performed using conventional methods, then image quality improves, but calculation time increases and response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the crosstalk correction process into two distinct parts: locally attenuating component correction and whole component crosstalk correction. The local correction is performed on individual detector elements, while the whole component correction is performed during image reconstruction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain image quality while reducing overall calculation time by distributing computational tasks across different processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary correction of locally attenuating components before the main image reconstruction process. By pre-correcting the local variations in detector response and attenuating components, the system reduces the computational burden during the subsequent whole component crosstalk correction phase, thereby improving response speed without sacrificing image quality.
2Productivity
If calculation speed is increased using high performance components, then throughput improves, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the crosstalk correction into local and whole component stages, the patent enables efficient use of standard computational resources. The local correction can be performed with simple per-detector calculations, while the whole component correction leverages the image reconstruction pipeline. This segmentation avoids the need for expensive high-performance specialized hardware while maintaining high calculation throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing image reconstruction infrastructure to perform the whole component crosstalk correction, rather than requiring separate high-performance calculation hardware. By integrating the correction process into the existing reconstruction pipeline, the system achieves high throughput using already-available computational resources, avoiding additional device cost.
3Measurement precision
If conventional crosstalk correction is applied, then image artifacts are reduced, but calculation quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides crosstalk correction into local and whole component parts, where local correction handles detector-specific variations with minimal calculations, and whole component correction addresses systematic crosstalk during reconstruction. This segmentation maintains image accuracy by comprehensively correcting both local and global errors while significantly reducing the total calculation quantity compared to conventional uniform correction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction strategies to different aspects of the data: local attenuating component correction is applied to individual detector elements based on their specific characteristics, while whole component crosstalk correction is applied uniformly during image reconstruction. This localized approach to correction maintains image accuracy for each detector's unique properties while avoiding redundant calculations across all detectors.
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 decreases calculation quantity and enhances throughput, providing accurate crosstalk correction while reducing the risk of artifacts and operational costs, particularly beneficial for emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The X ray incident to the detector is converted into photons (fluorescence). The photon is photoelectrically converted with a photodiode in the detector into an electric signal to be processed in a circuit at a rear stage.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus includes: an X-ray generating unit configured to generate an X ray; an X-ray detecting unit including a plurality of X-ray detectors, each configured to detect the X ray generated from the X-ray generating unit and transmitted through an object; and an image generating unit configured to correct and reconstruct signals acquired by the X-ray detecting unit. While crosstalk correction of a plurality of the X-ray detectors is performed at the image generating unit, correction of a locally attenuating component is previously performed and correction of a whole component of the crosstalk is performed when the image is reconstructed.