X-ray CT Tube Voltage Switching for Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses with a single X-ray tube and multi-row detector suffer from image quality degradation due to miss registration artifacts caused by body motion during dual energy scans, leading to inefficient X-ray utilization and increased exposure.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus rapidly switches between two X-ray tube voltages during each view, utilizing a conversion processor to correct transient energy projection data and reconstruct images, thereby improving X-ray utilization efficiency and reducing exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the X-ray tube voltage is switched at high speed every view to reduce miss registration artifact, then the image quality is improved, but the proportion of transient tube voltage increases and X-ray utilization efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the X-ray tube voltage between predetermined voltage levels (e.g., 80 kV and 140 kV) for each view. The voltage switching is controlled based on view number and scan position, allowing the system to optimize between image quality and X-ray utilization efficiency by changing the voltage parameter rather than using a fixed voltage throughout the scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the X-ray tube voltage variable rather than static. The voltage switches dynamically between low and high levels during the scan based on the view number and scan position, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging requirements at different positions while maintaining both image quality and efficient X-ray utilization.
2Manufacturing precision
If the X-ray tube voltage is switched at high speed every view to reduce miss registration artifact, then the image quality is improved, but the number of unused X-ray projection data increases leading to increased exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the balance between image quality and exposure. By switching the X-ray tube voltage between predetermined levels based on view number and scan position, the system ensures that all projection data is utilized effectively, reducing unnecessary exposure while maintaining high image quality through proper voltage selection at each view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that every view contributes useful projection data to the final image reconstruction. The voltage switching is designed so that both low and high voltage views are appropriately distributed throughout the scan, maximizing the utilization of all acquired data and eliminating wasted exposure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the X-ray tube voltage is switched at high speed every view to reduce miss registration artifact, then the image quality is improved, but the transient state voltage increases reducing X-ray utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the X-ray tube voltage to switch between predetermined levels (e.g., 80 kV and 140 kV) based on view number and scan position. This controlled parameter switching reduces the proportion of transient voltage states while maintaining high-speed switching capability, thereby improving both image quality and X-ray utilization efficiency simultaneously.
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 quality and reduces unnecessary exposure by effectively utilizing all X-ray projection data, including transient energy data, during dual energy scanning.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiation unit for applying X-rays based on a first X-ray tube voltage and an X-ray based on a second X-ray tube voltage different from the first X-ray tube voltage to a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray irradiation unit for applying X-rays based on a first X-ray tube voltage and X-rays based on a second X-ray tube voltage to a subject by being switched every one view, a projection data acquisition unit for acquiring projection data by which X-ray tube voltage information about the applied X-rays are identified, and an image reconstruction unit for identifying first energy projection data based on the first X-ray tube voltage, second energy projection data based on the second X-ray tube voltage, and transient energy projection data acquired upon switching between the first and second X-ray tube voltages based on the X-ray tube voltage information, the image reconstruction unit including a conversion processor that converts the transient energy projection data to another data using the transient energy projection data and performs image reconstruction using the data subsequent to the conversion process.