Spectral Imaging Phantom for Material Decomposition Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectral imaging methods, such as CT, face distortion and artefacts due to changes in scanner status and object properties during scanning, leading to inaccurate material decomposition and image quality issues, particularly due to energy dependency and scatter effects, necessitating frequent recalibration and improved calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A spectral imaging phantom with inserts mimicking human body attenuation characteristics, including different ratios of Compton scatter and photo-electric absorption, is used to simulate the subject's response, allowing for precise spectral property distinction and image correction, and is embedded in a spectral x-ray imaging system for simultaneous scanning with the subject to provide reliable image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectral imaging is performed with material decomposition, then quantitative material images are provided, but image distortion and artefacts occur due to changes in scanner status and object properties during scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing spectral calibration before actual imaging using a phantom with known material properties. The calibration process establishes reference data that accounts for scanner status and spectral characteristics, which is then used during subsequent imaging to correct for variations and maintain measurement precision without requiring frequent recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral calibration phantom as an intermediary object between the scanner and the patient. This phantom contains materials with known attenuation properties and is scanned simultaneously with the patient to provide reference measurements that mediate the correction of spectral variations and artefacts in the patient images
2Measurement precision
If look-up table approach is used for material decomposition, then quantitative imaging is achieved, but cross-talk and artefacts occur due to energy dependency of attenuation and detector spectral responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a spectral calibration phantom with materials having different atomic numbers and attenuation characteristics. The phantom is scanned at multiple energy levels to capture the energy-dependent attenuation behavior, allowing the system to model and correct for cross-talk and artefacts caused by varying spectral responses across different detector bins and materials
3Measurement precision
If spectral calibration is performed frequently to maintain image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but scanning time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs spectral calibration in advance using a phantom scan that can be completed quickly and reused for multiple patient scans. This preliminary calibration establishes reference data that remains valid for a period, reducing the frequency of full calibration procedures and improving overall scanning productivity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the phantom scan data to automatically update calibration parameters and correct spectral variations without requiring manual intervention or full recalibration. The phantom serves as a self-calibrating reference that enables the system to maintain accuracy through automated corrections rather than frequent manual recalibration procedures
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
The phantom improves image quality and reliability by correcting for crosstalk and artefacts, enabling more accurate material decomposition and reducing the need for frequent recalibration, thus enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first insert comprising a material with a first Compton scatter and a first photo-electric absorption
Implementation Method 2
a first insert comprising a material with a first Compton scatter and a first photo-electric absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards spectral imaging, wherein a dedicated spectral imaging phantom is scanned with a spectral x-ray device to obtain spectral imaging data of the spectral imaging phantom. Said imaging data of the spectral imaging phantom is used as input for obtaining improved further imaging data of a subject of which a spectral scan is performed subsequent to or simultaneous with the spectral scan of the spectral imaging phantom. Improved further imaging data may be obtained by using the spectral phantom imaging data as input for imaging data correction, for providing a recommendation and/or for further data processing.