Photon-Counting CT Calibration with In-Rotation Energy Bin Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collection of correction data in photon counting CT apparatuses is time-consuming due to the need to change multiple energy bin thresholds during calibration, which prolongs the scanning process.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus switches between different energy bin sets during a single rotation of the X-ray tube and detector, reducing the time required to collect correction data by efficiently managing threshold sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple threshold sets of energy bins are collected by rotating the X-ray tube and detector multiple times, then comprehensive correction data for different energy bands is obtained, but the correction data collection time is significantly prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy bin thresholds changeable during rotation. Specifically, the threshold values are dynamically adjusted according to the rotation angle, allowing different energy bin configurations to be implemented without stopping or completing full additional rotations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive correction data collection (improving measurement precision) while reducing total collection time (reducing time loss) through continuous dynamic adaptation during a single rotation cycle.
2Measurement precision
If the number of target threshold sets is increased to improve energy discrimination capability, then substance discrimination accuracy is enhanced, but the time required to collect correction data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of energy bin thresholds during the rotation process. Different threshold sets corresponding to different energy bands are activated at different rotation angles, enabling the system to maintain high substance discrimination accuracy (improving measurement precision) while completing all necessary corrections within a single rotation cycle (maintaining high scanning efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by associating different threshold sets with specific rotation angle ranges. As the X-ray tube and detector rotate, the system periodically switches between different energy bin configurations, allowing comprehensive correction data for multiple energy bands to be collected systematically throughout one complete rotation, thus enhancing substance discrimination without proportionally increasing collection time.
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 significantly reduces the time needed to collect correction data, enhancing the efficiency of the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
a direct detector such as a semiconductor detector with a high energy resolution
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus of an embodiment includes a rotating unit and processing circuitry. The rotating unit is configured to rotatably hold the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. The processing circuitry is configured to switch energy bin sets related to discrimination of photons detected by the X-ray detector between a first energy bin set and a second energy bin set in which at least a part of an energy bin combination is different from the first energy bin set during one rotation of the rotating unit and collect correction data for each of the first energy bin set and the second energy bin set during one rotation in response to switching between the first energy bin set and the second energy bin set.