X-ray CT Scattered Ray Reduction via Trained Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT apparatuses face image degradation due to the influence of scattered rays, which affects the definition of CT images.
Innovation Solution
The use of a trained model to generate fourth projection data by inputting third projection data to a first trained model, where the first trained model is generated through learning using first projection data collected by a first X-ray detector significantly affected by scattered rays and second projection data less affected by scattered rays, or by subtracting scattered ray component data obtained from a second trained model from the third projection data, to reduce the influence of scattered rays in the third projection data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wide cone angle X-ray source is used to increase scanning efficiency, then productivity is improved, but scattered rays increase causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple energy windows (first energy window and second energy window) to separately detect photons with different energy levels. This segmentation allows the system to process scattered rays and non-scattered rays differently, thereby reducing the harmful effect of scattered rays while maintaining wide cone angle scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter by detecting photons in different energy windows. By identifying and separating photons based on their energy characteristics (scattered vs. non-scattered), the system can selectively process or eliminate scattered ray data, thus reducing scattered ray influence while preserving the benefits of wide cone angle scanning.
2Manufacturing precision
If scattered ray correction methods are applied to improve image quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical hardware solutions (such as additional collimators or shielding structures) with an information-processing approach using multiple energy window detection and computational methods. This substitution achieves scattered ray correction through software-based energy discrimination rather than additional mechanical components, thereby improving image definition without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 improves the definition of CT images by effectively reducing the impact of scattered rays on the reconstructed images, resulting in enhanced image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray detector 15 to detect the X rays 100
Implementation Method 2
a scintillator 152 and an optical sensor 153. The scintillator 152 has a function to generate light in accordance with an amount of input X rays
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor 153 to detect light 154 emitted from the scintillator 152
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus of embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to input third projection data to a first trained model to generate fourth projection data, the first trained model being generated through learning using first projection data collected by a first X-ray detector included in a first scanner and relatively greatly affected by scattered rays as learning data of an input side and using second projection data relatively less affected by scattered rays as learning data of an output side, the first trained model being configured to generate, on the basis of the third projection data collected by a second X-ray detector included in a second scanner, the fourth projection data in which the influence of scattered rays in the third projection data has been reduced. The first projection data is collected by the first X-ray detector in a case where a collimator provided in a first X-ray source included in the first scanner has a first opening width. The second projection data is collected by the first X-ray detector in a case where the collimator has an opening width smaller than the first opening width.