Optical Path Movable Component Detection Using Air Correction Charts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting abnormalities in movable components of optical paths in medical imaging devices, such as CT scans, often require additional scanning or image reconstruction, and are not effective in correcting data without air correction charts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the acquisition of differences in air correction charts with and without movable components, followed by low-pass and high-pass filtering to identify abnormalities, utilizing existing air correction charts without additional scanning or image reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional scanning or image reconstruction is performed to detect abnormalities in movable components, then detection capability is improved, but testing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection capabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using air correction charts that are obtained in advance during normal CT operation. These charts are prepared beforehand and can be directly used for abnormality detection without requiring additional scanning or image reconstruction procedures. The method compares current air correction charts with reference charts to detect abnormalities in movable components like the ultra-high resolution comb, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming additional tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If additional scanning is performed to detect movable component abnormalities, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the air correction chart serve multiple functions. Originally used for correcting beam hardening artifacts, the air correction chart is now also used for detecting abnormalities in movable components. This multi-functional approach allows the same data and processing steps to be used for both correction and detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate detection systems or additional scanning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional inspection methods are used for optical path components, then immovable components can be detected, but movable components cannot be effectively inspected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent inspection capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to movable components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by adapting the inspection method specifically for movable components. Unlike conventional static inspection methods, this approach uses air correction charts that capture the dynamic state of movable components during their normal operation. The method detects abnormalities in the ultra-high resolution comb and other movable components by analyzing changes in the air correction data as these components move through their operational ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4650759A1Method for detecting abnormality in movable component in optical path, computer program, computer-readable storage medium and medical imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4650759A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650759A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4650759A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for detecting an abnormality in a movable component in an optical path, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium and medical imaging device. The method comprises: acquiring a difference Diff(k, l, seg, r) between air correction charts with and without the movable component; determining a second difference DIFF'(k, l, r) according to the difference Diff(k, l, seg, r); subjecting the second difference DIFF'(k, l, r) to low-pass filtering to obtain a smooth signal Ssmooth; suppressing the influence of module response difference according to the smooth signal Ssmooth to obtain a reference signal S(k, l, r); subjecting S(k, l, r) to high-pass filtering in a channel direction to obtain a high-pass signal SHP; comparing the high-pass signal SHP with a threshold T, to determine an abnormality in the movable component. The present invention utilizes existing air correction charts to comprehensively investigate abnormalities in movable components, without the need for additional scanning or image reconstruction.