Photon Counting Image Processing Apparatus for Material Decomposition Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material decomposition images using photon counting technology only show discriminated materials, making it difficult to grasp the structure of tissues containing other materials nearby, and there is a need to compare these images with conventional radiation intensity images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that obtains intensity images of radiation and material decomposition images using photon counting technology, and displays them juxtaposed, switched, or superimposed on a display unit to facilitate easy comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If material decomposition images are displayed alone, then material discrimination is achieved, but tissue structure context is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges material decomposition images with conventional intensity images by providing a display apparatus that shows both images simultaneously in a combined view, allowing physicians to see material discrimination results while maintaining context of overall tissue structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new display dimension by showing material decomposition images and intensity images in different visual layers or panels simultaneously, enabling comparison across multiple dimensions without losing information from either image type
2Measurement precision
If only specific discriminated materials are shown, then material identification is improved, but comprehensive tissue assessment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus provides multi-functionality by simultaneously displaying both material decomposition images (for specific material identification) and intensity images (for comprehensive tissue assessment), allowing the system to serve multiple diagnostic purposes at once
3Reliability
If intensity images and material decomposition images are displayed separately, then image quality is maintained, but comparison efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display of intensity images and material decomposition images into a single integrated display interface, maintaining the quality and integrity of both image types while enabling direct visual comparison to improve diagnostic efficiency
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 easy comparison of intensity and material decomposition images, allowing for better understanding of tissue structures and relationships between different materials, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a photon counting type X-ray detector measures the intensity of the X-rays by capturing each incident X-ray as a photon and counting the number of photons. Further, a photon counting type X-ray detector generates a charge amount corresponding to the energy of the X-ray photon when converting the X-ray photon into the electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is provided that comprises: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an intensity image of radiation obtained by imaging a subject using the radiation, and a material decomposition image indicating a discriminated material and obtained by imaging the subject by counting photons of the radiation; and a display controlling unit configured to cause the intensity image of radiation and the material decomposition image to be juxtaposed, switched, or superimposed and displayed on a display unit.