Image Artifact Reduction via Physical Parameter Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging systems, particularly computed tomography (CT) and electron microscopy, scanning objects in limited angular ranges leads to significant artifacts in reconstructed images due to missing frequency components, which existing methods struggle to accurately address.
Innovation Solution
The method constrains the measured linear attenuation coefficient of image pixels using diffraction profiles, effective atomic numbers, and packing fractions, employing a processor and imaging system with energy sources, scatter detectors, and a processor to generate images and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If limited angular range scanning is performed, then scanning time is reduced and object accessibility is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to artifacts from missing frequency components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of angular scanning range from the conventional full 360-degree or wide-angle scan to a limited angular range, thereby reducing scanning time. Simultaneously, it compensates for the resulting image quality degradation by using alternative measurement parameters (diffraction profiles, effective atomic numbers, packing fractions) to constrain and correct the reconstructed image, ensuring acceptable manufacturing precision is maintained despite the reduced scanning angle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary parameters (diffraction profiles, effective atomic numbers, and packing fractions) that act as mediators between the limited angular scan data and the final image reconstruction. These intermediaries provide additional constraints and information that compensate for the missing frequency components, allowing high-quality reconstruction from limited angular data without requiring extensive scanning
2Loss of information
If Fourier interpolation is used to estimate missing frequency components, then image reconstruction is achieved, but artifacts are generated in the reconstructed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reconstructed image is iteratively refined by comparing measured diffraction profiles, effective atomic numbers, and packing fractions against the reconstructed data. Discrepancies are used to update and correct the image, reducing artifacts that would otherwise result from simple Fourier interpolation of missing frequency components
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on Fourier interpolation of missing frequency components, the patent changes the approach by incorporating additional physical parameters (diffraction profiles, effective atomic numbers, packing fractions) as constraints in the reconstruction process. This alternative parameter set provides more accurate information for reconstructing the object structure without introducing the artifacts typical of Fourier-based interpolation methods
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 effectively reduces artifacts in images by accurately determining pixel coefficients, minimizing false alarms, and improving image quality in limited angular range scans.
Implementation Method 1
a scatter detector configured to detect a portion of the energy upon passage of the energy through the substance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing an artifact within an image of a substance is described. The method includes generating the image of the substance, and constraining a measured linear attenuation coefficient of a pixel of the image based on at least one of a measured diffraction profile, a measured effective atomic number, and a measured packing fraction of the substance.