CT Image Artifact Reduction via Weighted Total Variation Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal artifact reduction techniques in CT image reconstruction often compromise image resolution while attempting to eliminate artifacts, particularly white-band artifacts caused by high X-ray absorption materials like metal substances.
Innovation Solution
A method involving total variation processing and initial metal artifact reduction, followed by weighted image generation and combination of original and reduced images to produce a final artifact-free image, which retains resolution and eliminates white-band artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing metal artifact reduction techniques are applied, then white-band artifacts are reduced, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: initial metal artifact reduction processing to remove prominent artifacts, followed by total variation processing to restore fine details and resolution. This segmentation allows each processing stage to focus on specific aspects without compromising overall image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different regions of the image. Metal artifact reduction is applied specifically to regions containing metal objects and their associated artifacts, while total variation processing is applied to restore local details in affected areas, preserving local image quality where needed
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing metal artifact reduction techniques are applied, then artifacts are reduced, but image detail is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary metal artifact reduction processing first to remove prominent artifacts and interference patterns. This preliminary action creates a cleaner baseline image that preserves more original detail information, which is then further refined by total variation processing to recover fine structures
Solution Approach 2:
Total variation processing acts as an intermediary step between initial artifact reduction and final image output. It mediates by filling in missing detail information and restoring edges and structures that may have been affected by the artifact reduction process, thereby recovering lost image information
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing artifacts in Computed Tomography (CT) image reconstruction. The method comprises acquiring an original reconstructed image, then conducting total variation processing for the original reconstructed image generating a total variation reconstructed image, conducting an initial metal artifact reduction processing for the original reconstructed image generating an initial metal artifact reduction reconstructed image, generating a weighted image based on the total variation reconstructed image and the initial metal artifact reduction reconstructed image, wherein the weighted image reflects that the original reconstructed image contains white-band artifactsd combining a portion of the original reconstructed image and a portion of the initial metal artifact reduction reconstructed image through the weighted image to generate a final image, wherein the final image does not contain white-band artifact.