Photon Counting CT Data Compression via Energy Band Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon counting type X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems face challenges in data transmission and storage due to the large amount of data generated when dividing the energy region into multiple bands, requiring increased bandwidth and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an information compression method that compares values between energy bands to compress raw data, allowing for efficient transmission and storage by transmitting reference data and difference data instead of raw data for each energy band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the energy region is divided into a large number of regions for photon counting, then the measurement precision and energy discrimination capability are improved, but the amount of data to be transmitted and stored increases in proportion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy spectrum into multiple regions and processes each region separately, allowing for precise energy discrimination while managing data through region-specific counting and processing strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of energy threshold values to define different energy regions, enabling the system to discriminate between different photon energy levels without proportionally increasing the total data volume through intelligent region-based processing
2Loss of information
If the number of divided energy regions is increased, then the information content and diagnostic value are improved, but the bandwidth and storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy spectrum into multiple regions and processes each region independently, which preserves comprehensive energy information while enabling manageable data handling through region-specific processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing processing resources on specific energy regions of interest, rather than uniformly processing all energy data, thereby reducing overall bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining diagnostic information quality
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 reduces the amount of data to be transmitted and stored, eliminating the need for increased bandwidth and storage capacity, even when the number of energy bands is increased, thereby achieving space-saving and efficient data management.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor detector configured, by using a detecting element, to perform direct conversion of photons derived from X-rays incident on the detector
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured, by using a scintillator, a light guide, or a photomultiplier tube, to perform indirect conversion of the photons
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured, by using a scintillator, a light guide, or a photomultiplier tube, to perform indirect conversion of the photons
Data Source
AI summary
A photon counting type X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a detector, a raw data generating section, an information compression section, and a data transmission section. The X-ray tube is configured to irradiate an X-ray. The detector is configured to count photons derived from the irradiated X-ray. The raw data generating section is configured to collect results of counting performed by the detector and to generate, from the results of counting, raw data for each of a plurality of energy bands. The information compression section is configured to compare values of the raw data between the raw data generated respectively for the energy bands, and to perform information compression of each of the raw data. The data transmission section is configured to transmit the raw data compressed by the information compression.