X-ray CT Inference Selection for Diagnostic Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inference results from X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatuses equipped with a photon counting CT function vary depending on whether material decomposition image data or CT image data is used, leading to inconsistent diagnostic outputs.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with multiple inference units performing tasks on material decomposition image data, CT image data, and composite image data, along with a selection unit that chooses the appropriate inference result for display based on differences between these results, ensuring accurate and consistent diagnostic outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple inference units process different image data types (material decomposition image data, CT image data, composite image data), then the accuracy and appropriateness of inference results are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple inference units and a selection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the inference processing into three separate inference units, each dedicated to processing a specific type of image data (material decomposition image data, CT image data, and composite image data). This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its data type, improving inference accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A selection unit is introduced as an intermediary component that receives inference results from all three inference units, compares them, and selects the most appropriate result for output. This mediator resolves the complexity of directly integrating multiple inference outputs by providing a centralized decision-making mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inference is performed on multiple types of image data, then diagnostic consistency is improved, but the processing time and loss of time increase due to multiple inference operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by simultaneously executing all three inference operations on their respective image data types before the selection unit compares results. This parallel preliminary processing ensures that all necessary inference work is completed upfront, maintaining diagnostic consistency while minimizing subsequent processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the results from three separate inference operations into a single selected output through the selection unit. By combining multiple inference outcomes and selecting the best one, the system achieves diagnostic consistency without requiring sequential processing of all inference types.
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
The solution ensures the display of appropriate inference results by selecting the most accurate outcome from material decomposition, CT, or composite image data inference, enhancing diagnostic consistency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube configured to radiate X-rays; a detector configured to detect X-rays radiated by the X-ray tube and passed through a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to radiate X-rays; a detector configured to detect X-rays radiated by the X-ray tube and passed through a subject; a reconstruction processing unit configured to reconstruct imaging data output by the detector and generate CT image data and material decomposition image data; a first inference unit configured to perform inference on the material decomposition image data; a second inference unit configured to perform inference on the CT image data; a third inference unit configured to perform inference on composite image data; a selection unit configured to, in a case where an inference result of the first inference unit is different from an inference result of the second inference unit, select an inference result of the third inference unit; and a display control unit configured to cause the selected inference result to be displayed.