Tomography Beam Hardening Correction via Energy Band Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam hardening artifacts in tomography imaging systems degrade image quality and hinder accurate diagnosis, as existing methods fail to effectively correct the beam hardening effect across different energy bands.
Innovation Solution
A tomography imaging apparatus and method that utilize separate beam hardening correction coefficients for each energy band, employing a photon counting detector to distinguish and correct beam hardening effects, thereby improving image resolution by removing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single beam hardening correction method is used for all energy bands, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate due to ineffective correction across different energy bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad energy spectrum into multiple energy bands (e.g., first energy band and second energy band) and applies separate beam hardening correction coefficients to each band. This segmentation allows tailored correction for each energy range, improving overall image quality while managing complexity through structured multi-band processing
2Manufacturing precision
If separate beam hardening correction coefficients are applied for each energy band, then artifacts are effectively removed and image resolution is improved, but the processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The correction process is segmented into multiple energy bands, each with its own correction coefficients. This segmentation enables precise artifact removal in each band while organizing the computational complexity into manageable, structured processing stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the correction parameters (beam hardening correction coefficients) according to energy band. By adjusting these parameters specifically for each energy range, the system achieves high-resolution artifact-free images while the parameter-based approach keeps processing systematic and controllable
3Reliability
If conventional beam hardening correction is used without energy band differentiation, then the processing time is reduced, but beam hardening artifacts remain and hinder accurate diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments projection data into multiple energy bands and applies differentiated correction to each segment. This enables reliable diagnostic images free of artifacts while the segmented approach allows efficient parallel or sequential processing that minimizes time loss
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 approach effectively corrects beam hardening artifacts across energy bands, enhancing image resolution and accuracy in tomography imaging, leading to improved diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a photon counting detector that separately detects X-rays for each of a plurality of energy bands
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray generator that generates and emits X-rays toward an object
Data Source
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AI summary
A tomography imaging apparatus and a tomography imaging method are provided. The tomography imaging apparatus includes a data acquirer configured to acquire first X-ray data of an object for each of energy bands, and an image preprocessor configured to perform a beam hardening correction on the first X-ray data for each of the energy bands, to generate second X-ray data of the object. The tomography imaging apparatus further includes an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct a tomography image of the object based on the second X-ray data.