Photon-Counting CT Image Processing for Dual Color and Grayscale Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon counting CT images generated using color maps lack information for grayscale display, making it difficult to generate grayscale CT images when color display is not possible or desired.
Innovation Solution
A medical information processing apparatus that includes processing circuitry to acquire CT images from a photon counting CT apparatus, generate both color and grayscale images based on associated condition information, and provide these images to a terminal device for flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a CT image is generated using a color map in a photon counting CT apparatus, then energy information can be acquired and displayed through color mapping, but the generated image lacks information for grayscale display such as CT values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CT image data into separate grayscale image data and color map image data. The processing circuitry divides the task of image generation into distinct components, where grayscale information is preserved in one data stream and color mapping information is handled separately, allowing both display modes to coexist without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal image processing system that can generate both grayscale CT images and color map images from the same input data. The processing circuitry is designed to handle multiple display requirements simultaneously, making the system adaptable to different display capabilities and user needs while maintaining all necessary information.
2Measurement precision
If only color map CT images are generated, then energy information can be visualized effectively, but grayscale CT images cannot be displayed when color display is not possible or desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image generation where the processing circuitry can adaptively create different types of images (grayscale or color map) based on the display requirements. The system dynamically adjusts the image generation process to match the capabilities of the target display device, ensuring optimal visualization while maintaining energy information precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the CT image data that preserves grayscale information while also generating color map visualizations. By maintaining parallel copies of the image data in different representations, the system ensures that energy information remains intact while providing display options suitable for various scenarios including monochrome displays.
3Loss of information
If conventional indirect detector CT images are displayed in grayscale, then CT values can be read, but in photon counting CT apparatus with color map display, grayscale information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the CT image data to separate and preserve grayscale information before color mapping is applied. By preparing the image data in advance and organizing it into distinct grayscale and color components, the system ensures that grayscale CT values remain available even when color display is used, without adding excessive processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical information processing apparatus of an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a CT image obtained by a photon counting CT apparatus, generates a color image corresponding to the acquired CT image, generates a grayscale image corresponding to the color image on the basis of the acquired CT image or the generated color image, and provide both the generated color image and the generated grayscale image.