CT Scan Background Correction via Dual-Collection Interpolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

CT scan data sets are contaminated with background noise due to dark currents and noise during data conversion, leading to suboptimal image quality and potential ring artefacts when using a single background data set for correction.

Innovation Solution

Collecting a first background data set before and a second background data set after the CT scan, followed by interpolation to simulate background changes during the scan, allowing for accurate subtraction of background noise from the CT scan data set.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single background data set is used for correction, then the correction process is simple, but the image quality deteriorates due to ring artefacts and suboptimal correction accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection process complexityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the background correction process into multiple segments: collecting a first background data set before the CT scan, collecting a second background data set after the CT scan, and using interpolation to generate multiple corrected background data sets corresponding to different time points during the scan. This segmentation allows for more accurate background subtraction at each projection angle, reducing ring artefacts and improving image quality while maintaining reasonable process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If background noise is not corrected, then the processing is faster, but the image quality deteriorates due to contamination from dark currents and conversion noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary background correction by collecting background data sets before and after the CT scan, then using interpolation to pre-calculate corrected background data sets for all projection angles during the scan. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient background subtraction during image reconstruction, maintaining high processing speed while effectively removing dark current and conversion noise contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If detector status changes during scanning are not accounted for, then the correction method is simpler, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate background subtraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection method complexityVSAvoidbackground subtraction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accounts for detector status changes during scanning by dynamically adjusting the background correction. It collects background data at different time points (before and after the scan), uses interpolation to generate time-dependent corrected background data sets, and applies the appropriate background subtraction based on the projection angle and timing. This dynamic approach accurately tracks detector status changes while maintaining a manageable correction method.

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 method enhances the quality of reconstructed CT images by accurately accounting for changes in detector status, reducing ring artefacts and improving image clarity.

Implementation Method 1

the detector converts the received signal into a digital signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10169888B2Background correction for computed tomography scan data

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 NEUSOFT MEDICAL SYST CO LTD

AI summary

A background correction method for CT scan data is provided. A background collection may be performed to collect a first background data set and background data before a CT scan. The CT scan may then be performed to collect one or more CT scan data sets, and status information for collecting each of the CT scan data sets. A second background collection may additionally be performed to collect a second background data set after the CT scan, and status information for collecting the second background data set may also be recorded. The first background data set, the second background data set and corresponding status information may then be used to obtain a background data set for collecting each of the CT scan data sets. The corresponding background data set may be removed from each of the CT scan data set to obtain a background-corrected CT scan data set.