Dual-Energy Material Decomposition Using Simulated Intensity Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-energy techniques face challenges in accurately decomposing low-density materials due to narrow decomposition boundaries and difficulties in achieving reproducibility, leading to limitations in quantitative material analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a dual-energy technique that involves obtaining intensity change information between radiographic images of a decomposition material phantom and an equivalent material phantom, converting image intensity, and calculating a material decomposition constant to effectively decompose low-density materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dual-energy technique with equivalent material phantom is used, then high density material can be decomposed with high accuracy, but low density material decomposition is limited due to narrow decomposition boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image intensity by applying intensity change information obtained from simulation to the dual energy image. This transforms the image intensity values to expand the decomposition boundary, enabling accurate decomposition of low-density materials while maintaining the capability to decompose high-density materials.
2Measurement precision
If calibration phantom with sophisticated equivalent material is used, then low density material decomposition accuracy is improved, but reproducibility is not guaranteed due to difficulty in showing equivalent linear attenuation coefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the calibration process through simulation. Instead of relying on physical phantoms with difficult-to-match properties, the simulation generates intensity change information that replicates the ideal calibration conditions, ensuring both accuracy and reproducibility across different measurements and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical calibration system (actual phantoms and measurements) with a computational simulation system. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in physical phantom preparation and measurement, providing consistent and reproducible intensity change information.
3Measurement precision
If tomographic imaging equipment is used to decompose low density material, then decomposition accuracy is improved, but overexposure and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intensity change information obtained from simulation as an intermediary element. This intermediary transforms the standard dual energy image into a modified image with expanded decomposition boundary, achieving low-density material decomposition accuracy without requiring complex tomographic equipment or additional hardware modifications.
4Productivity
If dual energy technique is used to obtain thickness information, then material decomposition is achieved, but quantitative material analysis is limited because image information values differ from actual radiographic image results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using intensity change information (derived from known physical properties and simulation) to adjust and correct the dual energy image intensity values. This feedback mechanism ensures that the decomposed image values align with actual radiographic attenuation values, enabling accurate quantitative material analysis while maintaining decomposition capability.
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 enables accurate and effective decomposition of low-density materials, allowing for the conversion of dual-energy images into radiographic attenuation images, which facilitates quantitative material analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the dual energy imaging technique decomposes a material by attenuating or amplifying signals of a material with a high density and a material with a low density using an attenuation difference according to materials of radiation having two different energies
Data Source
AI summary
A dual energy technique based material decomposing method according to the present disclosure includes obtaining intensity change information between a radiographic image of a decomposition material phantom formed of a first material and a second material to be decomposed and a radiographic image of an equivalent material phantom formed of a first equivalent material and a second equivalent material corresponding to the first material and the second material, respectively, using a simulated radiographic imaging system, converting an image intensity of the equivalent material phantom using the intensity change information from a dual energy image, obtaining a material decomposition constant based on the dual energy image with a converted image intensity, and decomposing the first material and the second material from a dual energy image of an object including the first material and the second material using the material decomposition constant.