CT Imaging Scatter Separation via Narrow Beam SPR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Computed Tomography (CT) systems using cone-beam x-rays suffer from significant scattered radiation, which degrades image contrast and noise ratio, leading to blurred images and shading artifacts, despite the benefits of volumetric imaging.

Innovation Solution

A CT or ultrasound imaging system that employs a collimating device to generate both narrow and wide beams, with a processing circuit to determine the scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) and separate the primary component from the scattered component, using analytical models or Monte Carlo algorithms to construct images with improved contrast.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a wide beam (cone-beam) is used for volumetric imaging, then imaging coverage and productivity are improved, but scattered radiation increases causing degraded image contrast and noise ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric imaging coverageVSAvoidscattered radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wide beam measurement into multiple narrow beam measurements at different positions. By dividing the wide beam path into discrete narrow beam segments and measuring scatter-to-primary ratio at each segment, the system can calculate and remove scattered radiation contributions from the total wide beam signal, thereby resolving the contradiction between volumetric coverage and scatter degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces narrow beam measurements as an intermediary tool to characterize scattered radiation. These narrow beam measurements serve as a mediator that provides scatter-to-primary ratio data, which is then used to correct the wide beam measurements, enabling the system to achieve both volumetric coverage and reduced scatter effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If scattered radiation is not separated, then device complexity is reduced, but image contrast and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging system structureVSAvoidimage contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical scatter removal devices (such as physical collimators or grids) with a computational approach. By using narrow beam measurements to determine scatter-to-primary ratios and applying mathematical corrections to wide beam data, the system achieves scatter separation through processing rather than mechanical means, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving image contrast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If narrow beam measurements are performed at multiple positions to determine SPR, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescatter-to-primary ratio accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary narrow beam measurements at multiple positions to establish the scatter-to-primary ratio characteristics before conducting the main wide beam volumetric imaging. This preliminary characterization allows the system to use pre-determined SPR data for correcting subsequent wide beam measurements, reducing the time penalty of multiple narrow beam scans while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances image contrast and accuracy by isolating the primary component, reducing the impact of scattered radiation, and allows for more precise imaging with lower radiation doses, particularly for foreign objects like needles or catheters within the body.

Implementation Method 1

a collimating or a blocking device configured to generate both a narrow beam and a wide beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to detect radiation or ultrasound wave from the radiation or ultrasound wave from the radiation or ultrasound source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

determine a scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of the wide beam based on the narrow beam; determine a primary component of the wide beam based on the SPR to thereby separate the primary component from a scattered component of the wide beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS9226722B2Medical imaging system and method with separate primary and scattered components

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 CTPRIMES LLC

AI summary

A computed tomography (CT) or ultra sound imaging system and method are configured to construct images of an object. The imaging system includes: a radiation or ultrasound source including a collimating or a blocking device configured to generate both a narrow beam and a wide beam; a detector configured to detect radiation or ultrasound wave from the radiation or ultrasound wave from the radiation or ultrasound source; and at least one processing circuit configured to: determine a scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of the wide beam based on the narrow beam; determine a primary component of the wide beam based on the SPR to thereby separate the primary component from a scattered component of the wide beam; and construct an image of an object inside a patient using the primary component to thereby improve a contrast of the object.