Non-Contrast CT Image Reconstruction for Minute CT Value Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contrast CT imaging struggles to accurately diagnose conditions like hyperacute cerebral infarction due to minute differences in CT values, often leading to confusion even for experienced doctors.
Innovation Solution
A non-contrast CT imaging diagnostic aid system that applies a non-linear transformation, such as raising CT values to a power, and reconstructs images to enhance distinguishable differences, potentially using color maps and artificial intelligence for disease classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If non-contrast CT imaging is used for rapid diagnosis, then examination time is reduced and immediate treatment is enabled, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to minute CT value differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a power function transformation to the CT values, changing the parameter representation from linear to exponential scale. This transformation amplifies minute differences in CT values, making hyperacute cerebral infarction lesions detectable while maintaining the speed of non-contrast CT imaging.
2Measurement precision
If MRI is used for accurate diagnosis of cerebral infarction, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination availability deteriorates due to scheduling delays and longer examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a transformed copy of the CT image data by applying power function transformation. This copied and transformed data provides MRI-level diagnostic accuracy for hyperacute infarction detection while using the faster non-contrast CT modality, effectively copying the diagnostic capability without the time penalty.
3Productivity
If conventional CT image processing is used, then image reconstruction is simple and fast, but lesion detectability deteriorates due to insufficient contrast enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the CT value parameter space by applying a power function, which enhances the contrast between normal tissue and infarcted tissue. This parameter transformation maintains computational efficiency while dramatically improving lesion detectability through enhanced contrast.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide an aid system capable of accurate diagnosis in a non-contrast CT imaging diagnosis even when a difference in CT values is minute as in cases such as immediately after onset. The present invention relates to a non-contrast CT imaging diagnostic aid system including: (1) means for acquiring a non-contrast CT image; and (2) means of applying a non-linear transformation to a CT value of each pixel in the CT image to reconstruct the CT image.