Low- and High-Energy Difference Imaging for Temporal Contrast Permeation

The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct energy groups: low-energy images (first energy group) and high-energy images (second energy group). By categorizing images based on energy levels and selectively combining them, the system reduces the total number of images needed while maintaining the ability to observe temporal contrast changes. This segmentation allows the processor to generate difference images using only representative low-energy images and multiple high-energy images, rather than requiring equal numbers of both types.

The patent extracts and utilizes only the necessary high-energy images for generating difference images, while using a single representative low-energy image. The processor extracts contrast information by comparing high-energy images against the low-energy baseline, thereby observing temporal changes without capturing and processing an equal number of low-energy images. This extraction approach reduces the overall image quantity while preserving diagnostic information.

The patent segments radiation exposure into two energy levels and applies them differently: low-energy radiation is applied once to capture a baseline image, while high-energy radiation is applied multiple times to capture temporal changes. This segmentation strategy reduces cumulative exposure dose by minimizing low-energy exposures (which contribute more to dose) while relying on high-energy images for temporal observation, thereby lowering overall harmful radiation exposure.

The patent changes the energy parameter of radiation between different imaging phases. By switching from low-energy to high-energy radiation and adjusting the number of exposures at each energy level, the system optimizes the balance between diagnostic quality and exposure dose. The processor generates difference images by combining images at different energy levels, allowing temporal observation with reduced total dose through parameter optimization.