Tomographic Image Processing Iterative Scattered Ray Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tomographic image processing techniques struggle to accurately remove scattered ray components from images, leading to suboptimal image quality due to incomplete removal of these components.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic image processing device and method that reconstructs and processes multiple projected images using a radiation source movement, calculates body thickness, estimates scattered ray components, and performs repetitive removal processing based on virtual grid characteristics to produce high-definition images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a grid is disposed between the subject and radiation detector to remove scattered rays, then the contrast of the radiation image is improved, but the burden on work arrangement and patient during imaging becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical grid system with a computational approach. Instead of physically blocking scattered rays with a grid, the system uses image processing algorithms to estimate and remove scattered ray components from the projection images. This substitution eliminates the need for physical grid arrangement while achieving scattered ray removal, thereby resolving the contradiction between image contrast improvement and operational burden reduction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a grid is used to remove scattered rays, then scattered ray removal effect is achieved, but density unevenness and moire patterns may occur in the radiation image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical grid with a computational scattered ray removal method. By estimating scattered ray components based on subject thickness information and removing them through image processing, the system achieves scattered ray removal without introducing density unevenness or moire patterns that are inherent to physical grid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of scattered ray distribution based on subject thickness information obtained from the radiation image. This virtual model is then used to estimate and remove scattered ray components, avoiding the need for physical grids that cause image artifacts.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If scattered ray component estimation is performed based on tomographic image to remove scattered rays from projected image, then scattered ray removal is achieved, but the estimated scattered ray component cannot completely coincide with the actual scattered ray component in the projected image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an iterative feedback mechanism where the scattered ray removal process is repeated multiple times. In each iteration, scattered ray components are estimated based on the current state of the image and removed, with the results fed back into the next iteration. This iterative refinement progressively improves the accuracy of scattered ray component estimation and removal, addressing the inaccuracy issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs scattered ray removal through periodic iterative processing. The estimation and removal operations are executed in repeated cycles, with each cycle refining the scattered ray component estimation based on updated image information, thereby progressively improving removal accuracy.
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
Accurately removes scattered ray components from tomographic images, enhancing image quality by iteratively refining the removal process until a threshold is met or a predetermined number of iterations is reached, especially effective for thicker subjects.
Implementation Method 1
there is a problem that the radiation is scattered within the subject to produce scattered rays
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projected images from a CT apparatus. A reconstruction unit reconstructs the plurality of projected images to produce a plurality of tomographic images. A scattered ray removal unit removes scattered ray components included in radiation transmitted through the subject from the plurality of projected images based on the tomographic images. The repetition unit performs repetition processing of repeating production of a new tomographic image obtained by reconstructing the projected images from which the scattered ray components are removed, and the removal of the scattered ray components from the plurality of projected images based on the new tomographic image.