CT Detection Values Processing via K-Edge Filter Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computed tomography systems using bowtie filters face challenges in image quality due to the adverse effects of K-edge filter material on energy-dependent detection values, leading to reduced quality of reconstructed images.
Innovation Solution
A detection values processing apparatus that applies a component decomposition technique to differentiate between K-edge attenuation values and additional component attenuation values, allowing for the reconstruction of images without using K-edge attenuation values, thereby minimizing the adverse impact of the filter and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a bowtie filter with K-edge filter material is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation dose is reduced, but the quality of detection values and reconstructed images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attenuation components into K-edge filter material attenuation and additional component attenuation (photoelectric and Compton effects). By decomposing the detection values into these separate components, the system can reconstruct images using only the additional components, thereby eliminating the adverse impact of the K-edge filter material while preserving the radiation dose reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the K-edge attenuation values from the total attenuation measurement. By separating and removing the K-edge filter material contribution from the detection values, the system obtains purified attenuation data that reflects only the additional components, enabling high-quality image reconstruction without the filter's adverse effects.
2Loss of energy
If a bowtie filter with K-edge filter material is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation dose is reduced, but the quality of reconstructed images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attenuation components into K-edge filter material attenuation and additional component attenuation (photoelectric and Compton effects). By decomposing the detection values into these separate components, the system can reconstruct images using only the additional components, thereby eliminating the adverse impact of the K-edge filter material while preserving the radiation dose reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the K-edge attenuation values from the total attenuation measurement. By separating and removing the K-edge filter material contribution from the detection values, the system obtains purified attenuation data that reflects only the additional components, enabling high-quality image reconstruction without the filter's adverse effects.
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 enables the reconstruction of images that are less or not adversely affected by the filter, resulting in improved image quality by separating and correcting for the effects of the K-edge filter material, specifically addressing the photoelectric and Compton effects.
Implementation Method 1
a filter which comprises K-edge filter material having a K-edge within the energy range of the polychromatic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the radiation, which has traversed the examination zone, is detected by a detector for generating energy-dependent detection values
Implementation Method 3
a component decomposition unit adapted to apply a component decomposition technique to the detection values for determining K-edge attenuation values being first component attenuation values, which are indicative of an attenuation caused by the K-edge filter material, and additional component attenuation values
Implementation Method 4
a reconstruction unit adapted to reconstruct an image of the examination zone from the additional component attenuation values and adapted to reconstruct an image of the examination zone from a combination of the second component attenuation values and the third component attenuation values
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detection values processing apparatus. Energy- dependent detection values are provided, which are indicative of polychromatic radiation (4) after having traversed an examination zone (5). The radiation is filtered by a filter (15) which comprises K-edge filter material. A component decomposition technique is applied to the detection values for determining K-edge attenuation values being first component attenuation values, which are indicative of an attenuation caused by the K-edge filter material, and additional component attenuation values, which are indicative of an attenuation caused by additional components of the examination zone, wherein an image of the examination zone is reconstructed from the additional component attenuation values. An image can therefore be reconstructed, which is not adversely affected by the filter, because the K-edge attenuation values are not used for reconstructing the image. This can improve the quality of the reconstructed image.