Photon Counting CT Energy Bin Alignment for Conventional Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Comparing medical images captured using conventional CT apparatuses with those captured using photon counting CT apparatuses is challenging due to differences in tube voltage and energy bin settings, making it difficult to match imaging conditions and observe changes in subject conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus and method that acquire imaging conditions, determine a range of energy bins for generating a photon counting CT image corresponding to a past CT image, and reconstruct the image using count values within the determined energy bins, thereby aligning the imaging conditions for comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional CT apparatus uses different tube voltages (e.g., 80 kVp) for imaging, then the imaging conditions can be arbitrarily adjusted for different subjects, but the image appearance differs when compared with photon counting CT images (120 kVp or 140 kVp), making comparison difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy bin parameters of the photon counting CT image to match the tube voltage conditions of the conventional CT image. By adjusting the energy bin ranges and selecting appropriate energy bins based on the conventional CT's tube voltage, the patent creates comparable images at matching energy levels, resolving the contradiction between parameter flexibility and comparison accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy bin selection and energy level matching as an intermediary process between conventional CT and photon counting CT images. This intermediary step of standardizing energy parameters enables accurate comparison while preserving the ability to use different tube voltages for different imaging scenarios
2Loss of information
If a photon counting CT apparatus uses multiple energy bins for capturing images, then spectral information and material differentiation are enhanced, but comparing images captured with different energy bin settings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiple energy bins of the photon counting CT into specific energy ranges that correspond to conventional CT energy levels. By dividing and selecting appropriate energy bins based on the conventional CT's tube voltage, the patent maintains spectral information while enabling straightforward comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the energy bin parameters based on the conventional CT's imaging conditions. By selecting and combining count values from appropriate energy bins according to the conventional CT's tube voltage, the patent simplifies the comparison process while preserving spectral capabilities
3Reliability
If conventional CT images and photon counting CT images are captured at different energy levels, then each apparatus can optimize imaging for its specific conditions, but the images cannot be simply compared without additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameters of the photon counting CT image to match the conventional CT's tube voltage conditions. By selecting energy bins that correspond to the conventional CT's energy level, the patent maintains optimized imaging quality for both apparatus types while enabling direct comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary energy bin selection and energy level matching before comparison. By pre-processing the photon counting CT data to align with conventional CT energy levels, the patent maintains the reliability of both imaging systems while simplifying the subsequent comparison process
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
Enables effective comparison of medical images captured under different imaging conditions by aligning them at the same energy level, supporting medical examinations and allowing for the generation of spectral images unique to photon counting CT apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
photon counting CT apparatuses that use photon counting detectors, which are semiconductor detectors
Implementation Method 2
tube voltage of an X-ray tube set to 120 kVp or 140 kVp
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus of an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire imaging conditions including a tube voltage of an X-ray tube used at the time of capturing a past CT image of a subject, determine a range of energy bins to be used to generate a photon counting CT image corresponding to the past CT image among a plurality of energy bins set for counting X-ray photons detected by new imaging of the subject using a photon counting CT apparatus for each energy band based on the acquired imaging conditions, and generate the photon counting CT image using count values of X-ray photons in the determined range of energy bins.