CT Image Noise Reduction via Material Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging methods in computed tomography face challenges with unfavorable CT value shifts and increased image noise, particularly in fat-containing and air-containing volume elements, due to material breakdown during the evaluation of stenoses using X-ray quantum energy distributions.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures image datasets based on different X-ray quantum energy distributions, performs basis material decomposition to identify materials like calcium and contrast media, and adapts background image values to generate a resultant image dataset, reducing noise and improving image quality by subtracting tissue image values and applying adapted background images to the original datasets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If material breakdown is performed to identify calcium and contrast media, then material identification capability is improved, but CT value shift and image noise increase in fat-containing and air-containing volume elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct steps: first performing material breakdown to identify calcium and contrast media, then separately processing fat-containing and air-containing volume elements through adaptive CT value correction. This segmentation allows material identification to proceed while preventing CT value shifts in sensitive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific processing: fat-containing and air-containing volume elements receive adaptive CT value correction based on their material composition, while other regions undergo standard material breakdown. This localized approach preserves measurement precision where needed while maintaining reliability in sensitive regions.
2Measurement precision
If material breakdown is performed to remove calcium attenuation, then evaluation of stenoses is improved, but image noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of fat-containing and air-containing volume elements before executing material breakdown. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare adaptive correction parameters in advance, enabling subsequent noise reduction processing to compensate for the inevitable noise increase from calcium removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of increased image noise into a benefit by applying adaptive CT value correction that specifically targets fat-containing and air-containing regions. The noise increase from calcium removal is compensated by enhancing the quality of corrected regions, turning a disadvantage into an advantage for overall image evaluation.
3Reliability
If adaptive CT value correction is applied to fat-containing and air-containing regions, then CT value shift is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adaptive correction process into distinct processing steps: identification of fat-containing and air-containing regions, calculation of adaptive correction parameters, and application of CT value correction. This segmentation manages processing complexity by organizing operations into manageable, sequential tasks rather than a monolithic complex process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically identify fat-containing and air-containing volume elements and apply appropriate corrections without manual intervention. The adaptive correction parameters are calculated and applied autonomously, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining high CT value stability.
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 effectively reduces noise and improves image quality by isolating material contributions, allowing for precise evaluation of structures like calcifications and stenoses without disruptive influences from calcium-containing structures.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging methods are often based upon the capture of X-ray radiation wherein so-called projection scan data is generated
Implementation Method 2
with the aid of the X-ray detector positioned opposite thereto, image datasets in the form of projection scan data or X-ray projection data are captured
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of images of the same object volume can be reconstructed which differ in the X-ray attenuation caused by the material present by reason of the different X-ray spectra
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for generating a resultant image dataset of a patient based on spatial distributions of materials in the patient.