X-ray CT Reconstruction Processor Parallel Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses require several minutes for reconstruction processing, making it inefficient for quick examinations and resulting in wasted processing when further imaging is needed, especially in scenarios like group medical examinations.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray CT apparatus employs a reconstruction processor to perform first reconstruction processing in parallel with scanning at a reduced image thickness, followed by second reconstruction processing at a higher image thickness once the first is complete, allowing for rapid determination of the need for further imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reconstruction processing is carried out at high image thickness based on all detection data, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reconstruction processing is divided into two segments: first reconstruction processing at reduced image thickness for quick evaluation, and second reconstruction processing at high image thickness for final diagnosis. This segmentation allows rapid determination of whether further imaging is needed without waiting for complete high-quality reconstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first reconstruction processing is performed preliminarily during or immediately after X-ray scanning to quickly determine whether the site to be imaged is included in the detection data. This preliminary action prevents wasted time on complete reconstruction when further imaging is required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If complete reconstruction processing is performed before determining whether further imaging is needed, then accurate determination is enabled, but examination efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidexamination efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing complete reconstruction processing, the system performs partial reconstruction (first reconstruction) at reduced image thickness which is sufficient to determine whether further imaging is needed. This partial action maintains determination reliability while dramatically improving examination efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If first reconstruction processing is performed in parallel with X-ray scanning, then time for initial image acquisition is reduced, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial image acquisition timeVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts processing based on results: first reconstruction is performed in parallel with scanning using simplified parameters, then conditional logic determines whether second reconstruction is needed. This dynamic approach reduces average processing time while managing complexity through conditional execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach significantly reduces the time required for initial image acquisition, enabling quicker decision-making on further imaging needs and preventing unnecessary reconstruction processing.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator for radiating X-rays onto the subject E

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector for detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject E

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9538972B2X-ray CT apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.01.10 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US9538972B2 patent drawing
  • US9538972B2 patent drawing
  • US9538972B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An X-ray CT apparatus, which is capable of quickly acquiring information for determining whether further CT imaging is required, is provided. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment comprises a reconstruction processor, a setting unit, and a controller. The reconstruction processor carries out first reconstruction processing to be carried out at a first image thickness based on detection data to be sequentially acquired by X-ray scanning of the desired site of a subject, and second reconstruction processing to be carried out at a second image thickness based on all detection data acquired by the X-ray scanning. The setting unit sets the first image thickness based on the second image thickness set in advance. The controller allows the reconstruction processor to initiate the first reconstruction processing in parallel with the X-ray scanning at the set first image thickness and initiate the second reconstruction processing at the second image thickness once the first reconstruction processing is completed.