PCCT Energy Range Setting for Lower Data Burden Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in data volume due to enhanced materials discrimination in photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) systems leads to a greater burden in data transfer and processing, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that adjusts the number of partitioned energy ranges and weight coefficients for each radiogram interpretation target, allowing for optimized data management and maintaining accuracy in materials discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of partitioned energy ranges is increased to enhance materials discrimination accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the data volume increases leading to greater data transfer and processing burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of partitioned energy ranges based on the specific imaging requirements and materials being examined. By changing the parameter of energy range partitioning from a fixed value to a variable one, the system can optimize between measurement precision and data volume for different diagnostic scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static energy range partitioning to dynamic adjustment where the number of partitions can be modified in real-time based on diagnostic needs. This allows the apparatus to adapt the data acquisition strategy to balance materials discrimination accuracy with data management burden
2Measurement precision
If the number of partitioned energy ranges is increased to enhance materials discrimination accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to greater data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary number of energy range partitions required for specific diagnostic tasks rather than consistently using the maximum number of partitions. This reduces unnecessary data processing complexity while maintaining sufficient materials discrimination accuracy for each particular imaging scenario
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
Reduces data volume while maintaining accuracy in materials discrimination, thereby alleviating the burden on data transfer and processing in PCCT systems.
Implementation Method 1
A computed tomography apparatus of the photon counting type (hereinafter, called a photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) apparatus) is capable of performing materials discrimination by counting the number of X-ray photons in each of a plurality of energy ranges.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus (40) according to an embodiment sets an image generation condition for photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) imaging; and includes an input unit (4422), an obtaining unit (4423), and a setting unit (4424). The input unit (4422) receives an input that specifies a radiogram interpretation target. Based on target-by-target setting information in which, for each radiogram interpretation target, energy range setting is defined which is related to an energy range meant for discriminating the photons originating from the X-rays that have passed through the subject, the obtaining unit (4423) obtains the energy range setting corresponding to the radiogram interpretation target received by the input unit (4422). The setting unit (4424) sets the energy range setting as obtained by the obtaining unit (4423).