Multi-Energy Data Generation from Phase Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray spectral computed tomography systems face challenges in directly accessing multi-energy data, often resulting in high noise levels in Compton and photoelectric basis data sets, and require enhanced Dual Energy data for accurate material visualization.
Innovation Solution
The system generates multi-energy data by combining phase contrast imaging data with attenuation data, allowing for the creation of two basis data sets, such as Compton and Photoelectric data, which can enrich material decomposition and improve noise performance, enabling the representation of a region of interest as images of virtual materials like water and iodine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectral data acquisition is used, then multi-energy data can be obtained, but noise levels in Compton and photoelectric basis data sets are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase contrast imaging data with conventional spectral attenuation data to generate multi-energy basis data sets. By merging these two data types, the system improves the signal-to-noise ratio in Compton and photoelectric basis images while utilizing existing hardware capabilities, thus reducing the need for more complex dedicated multi-energy acquisition systems
2Loss of information
If dual-energy CT acquisition is performed, then material decomposition can be achieved, but direct access to multi-energy data is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of phase contrast imaging data to extract refractive index information, which is then combined with spectral attenuation data. This preliminary extraction and preparation of multi-energy information from phase contrast data enables direct access to Compton and photoelectric basis data sets without requiring complex real-time multi-energy acquisition hardware
3Loss of information
If phase contrast imaging data is processed alone, then refractive index information can be obtained, but multi-energy basis data sets cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processing system multi-functional by enabling a single integrated workflow that simultaneously processes phase contrast imaging data and spectral attenuation data. The system can extract refractive index information from phase contrast data while also generating complete multi-energy basis data sets, thus achieving multiple objectives without requiring separate dedicated systems
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 enhances the generation of multi-energy information from phase contrast imaging, improving the noise of Compton and photoelectric data sets and enabling the representation of a region of interest as images of multiple basis materials, overcoming limitations of conventional spectral data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
the phase contrast signal is proportional to an electron density of the object
Implementation Method 2
generating Compton scattering data from the phase contrast imaging data
Implementation Method 3
generating photoelectric attenuation data from the phase contrast imaging data and the spectral attenuation data
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating multi energy data from phase contrast imaging data. It is described to provide (210) phase contrast X-ray image data of a region of interest of an object. Attenuation X-ray image data of the region of interest of the object is also provided (220). A first basis data set is generated (230) from the phase contrast X-ray image data. A second basis data set is generated (240)from the phase contrast X-ray image data and the attenuation X-ray image data.