X-ray CT Detector Temperature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT apparatuses face challenges in obtaining accurate projection data due to temperature instability of the X-ray detector, leading to artifacts in radiographic data correction, especially in emergency situations where power management is constrained, and existing correction data methods fail to account for changing detector temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus includes a processing circuitry that determines the stability of the X-ray detector's temperature before imaging and uses either emergency or normal correction data to correct radiographic data accordingly, generating emergency correction data if necessary to ensure accurate imaging even during temperature instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If correction data are generated based on phantom data at a predetermined base time point, then correction data can be prepared in advance, but the correction data become inaccurate when detector temperature changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic correction data generation by continuously acquiring phantom data at the actual imaging time point rather than using static pre-generated correction data. The processing circuitry updates correction data based on current detector temperature conditions, making the correction process adaptive to temporal changes in detector characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring detector temperature and using this information to determine when and how to generate updated correction data. The correction data generation is triggered based on detected temperature changes, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts correction parameters based on actual detector state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray detector is energized consecutively for twenty-four hours to handle emergency cases, then the system can respond to unscheduled examinations, but the detector temperature becomes unstable and affects imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature stability assessment before imaging by determining whether the detector temperature has stabilized. The processing circuitry evaluates temperature conditions and decides whether to proceed with imaging or wait for stabilization, preparing the system in advance to ensure accurate imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by adjusting the timing of imaging based on detector temperature stability. Instead of fixed scheduling, the system dynamically determines imaging timing based on thermal equilibrium conditions, allowing flexible operation during continuous energization while maintaining image quality.
3Productivity
If imaging is performed during unstable temperature state of the X-ray detector, then imaging can be conducted immediately, but artifacts occur in the corrected radiographic data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature stability assessment before imaging by determining whether the detector temperature has stabilized. The processing circuitry evaluates temperature conditions and decides whether to proceed with imaging or wait for stabilization, preparing the system in advance to ensure accurate imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates correction data specifically for the current imaging session based on real-time phantom data acquisition rather than relying on long-lived pre-generated correction data. This session-specific correction approach ensures accuracy for each imaging event without requiring extended detector stabilization periods.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes a storage circuit and processing circuitry. The storage circuit stores correction data for emergency and/or correction data for normal time. The processing circuitry outputs a command to perform imaging of a patient and acquire radiographic data, and determines whether imaging time of the patient is in a first period during which temperature of an X-ray detector is stable or in a second period during which the temperature is not stable, before the imaging of the patient. In addition, the processing circuitry corrects the radiographic data by using the correction data for emergency when the imaging time is in the second period, and corrects the radiographic data by using the correction data for normal time when the imaging time is in the first period.