X-ray CT View Number Segmentation for Scan Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray CT apparatuses, the transition from a first scan to a second scan is delayed due to the larger view number in the first scan, leading to prolonged X-ray exposure in areas outside the intended imaging range, which increases radiation doses and scanning time.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus adjusts the view number in the first scan to match the smaller view number of the second scan during the transition period, allowing for earlier X-ray shutdown in the second scan by setting a boundary range with a smaller view number and using a narrower helical pitch, thereby reducing radiation exposure to areas outside the imaging range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the first scan uses a greater number of views for reconstruction, then the manufacturing precision of the image reconstruction is improved, but the scan time is prolonged and the radiation dose to areas outside the imaging range is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The scan range is divided into a first scan range and a second scan range. The first scan uses a greater number of views for high-precision reconstruction in the first scan range, while the second scan uses a smaller number of views for faster reconstruction in the second scan range. This segmentation allows different view numbers to be applied to different regions, resolving the contradiction between reconstruction precision and scan time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of image reconstruction are applied to different regions. The first scan range requires higher reconstruction quality (greater number of views), while the second scan range accepts lower reconstruction quality (smaller number of views). This local differentiation optimizes the balance between precision and time for each specific region.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first scan uses a greater number of views, then the image reconstruction quality is improved, but the radiation dose to areas outside the imaging range is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The scan is segmented into two distinct ranges with different view numbers. The first scan range uses greater views for high precision, while the second scan range uses fewer views, reducing the duration of X-ray exposure and thereby reducing the radiation dose to areas outside the intended imaging range.
Solution Approach 2:
High reconstruction quality (greater views) is localized to the first scan range where it is most needed, while the second scan range accepts lower quality with fewer views. This localized approach minimizes unnecessary radiation exposure in regions where high precision is not critical.
3Reliability
If the transition from first scan to second scan is delayed due to completing all views in the first scan, then the image reconstruction completeness is improved, but the scanning time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is segmented into two independent scan ranges that can be executed in sequence. The first scan completes its required views for reconstruction completeness, while the second scan begins independently with fewer views, avoiding delays and improving overall scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The scan plan is pre-configured to define two separate scan ranges with different view requirements. This preliminary planning allows the system to efficiently transition between scans without delays, as the parameters for each scan are predetermined and optimized for their specific purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus is adapted to perform helical scanning on a subject placed on a couch top and perform reconstruction processing based on acquired projection data. The X-ray CT apparatus sets a first imaging range within an imaging range for the helical scanning, sets at least one of a start range and an end range in the first imaging range as a boundary range, sets a first view number for use in the reconstruction processing for a non-boundary range other than the boundary range in the first imaging range, and sets a view number for use in the reconstruction processing for the boundary range to be smaller than the first view number.