Dual-Energy CT Pixel Grouping for Material Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CT scan images, distinguishing between objects with similar X-ray absorption levels, such as bone tissue and calcified blood vessels, is challenging, and current methods requiring contrast agents and multiple scans increase X-ray dose.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing dual-energy CT scan images involves filtering and grouping pixels, performing material decomposition, and determining pixel groups to identify contrast agents and other objects based on decomposition results, allowing for accurate differentiation without additional scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If material decomposition is performed on all pixels in the dual-energy CT scan image, then the identification accuracy of different objects is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel processing task by dividing all pixels into multiple pixel groups based on their spatial positions in the dual-energy CT scan image. Material decomposition is then performed separately on each pixel group rather than on all pixels simultaneously. This segmentation approach maintains identification accuracy while reducing the computational burden and processing time through parallel or sequential group-based processing.
2Illumination intensity
If contrast agent is applied to highlight different objects in the target, then the visibility of objects is improved, but the difficulty of distinguishing contrast agent from bone tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the different energy absorption characteristics of contrast agents and bone tissue by performing material decomposition at two different X-ray energy levels. This parameter change approach (using dual-energy) allows the system to differentiate between contrast agent and bone tissue based on their distinct decomposition ratios, even when both appear bright in the CT image. The material decomposition process transforms the visibility enhancement into a distinguishable material signature.
3Measurement precision
If multiple CT scans are performed to identify contrast agent, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the X-ray absorption dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by performing material decomposition at two different X-ray energy levels (dual-energy) within a single scan acquisition. This periodic variation in energy levels allows the system to obtain sufficient information for accurate contrast agent identification without requiring multiple separate scans, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while minimizing the total X-ray absorption dose to the patient.
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
Enables the identification of different objects in CT scan images, reducing the need for multiple scans and X-ray dose by accurately distinguishing contrast agents and other tissues in a single dual-energy CT scan.
Implementation Method 1
The gray scales of the pixels are proportional to the density of the target object to be scanned. Areas of different densities in the target to be scanned differ in terms of the level of X-ray absorption.
Implementation Method 2
In this technology, X-rays of two different energies are used to scan the target to be scanned, thereby obtaining a dual-energy CT scan image of the target.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for processing a dual-energy CT scan image, which includes filtering the pixels in a dual-energy CT scan image to obtain pixels to be grouped; grouping the pixels to be grouped into a plurality of pixel groups based on the positions of the pixels to be grouped in the dual-energy CT scan image; performing material decomposition on the pixels in each pixel group; and determining the object corresponding to each pixel group based on the results of material decomposition. By using the method, the scan time and the X-ray dose radiated to a target (e.g., a user to be diagnosed) are reduced.