X-ray CT Apparatus Monochromatic Image Decomposition for CT Value Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray computed tomography (CT) images acquired using dual energy techniques often lack CT value information, making it difficult to improve image quality through conventional correction processing.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with image processing and decomposition circuitry that generates monochromatic X-ray image data of different energies, decomposes these images into basis material data, and performs correction processing to produce images with CT value information, enabling improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual energy CT imaging is performed with two different tube voltages to acquire basis material images, then various kinds of images (monochromatic X-ray image, density image, effective atomic number image) can be acquired, but the acquired images are often not images of CT value information, making conventional correction processing inapplicable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating monochromatic X-ray image data of different energies from the two basis material images before final image reconstruction. This intermediate step preserves CT value information that can then be used for conventional correction processing, while still enabling the generation of various specialized images later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces monochromatic X-ray image data as an intermediary between the basis material images and the final diagnostic images. This intermediary retains CT value information for correction processing while serving as a basis for generating various specialized images, thus bridging the gap between quantitative and qualitative imaging needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional correction processing is applied to dual energy basis material images, then image quality improvement is intended, but the processing is inapplicable because the images lack CT value information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation by generating monochromatic X-ray image data with CT values from the basis material images. This parameter transformation enables the application of conventional correction processing algorithms that require CT value information, thereby improving image quality while maintaining processing compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If basis material decomposition is performed to separate projection data into two basis materials, then material-specific images can be generated, but the resulting images lose conventional CT value information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into distinct stages: first performing basis material decomposition to separate projection data into material-specific components, then reconstructing monochromatic X-ray images from these separated components. This segmentation allows both material specificity and CT value preservation to be achieved in different stages of the process.
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 apparatus enhances image quality by generating monochromatic X-ray images with CT value information, allowing for applicable correction processing and improved image quality in dual energy imaging scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube 12, an X-ray detector 13
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector 13 configured to detect X-ray detection data
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to embodiments includes image processing circuitry and decomposition circuitry. The image processing circuitry is configured to perform an image processing on each of a plurality of pieces of monochromatic X-ray image data of different energies, the plurality of pieces of monochromatic X-ray image data being generated from projection data. The decomposition circuitry is configured to decompose, for each of a plurality of basis materials specified in advance, the plurality of pieces of monochromatic X-ray image data after the image processing, to generate basis material image data of each of the plurality of basis materials.