3D Imaging Projection Method Reducing Calculation Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional imaging methods in radiological medicine face challenges in reducing calculation time due to the complexity of system matrices in iterative reconstruction algorithms, particularly in computed tomography, where large matrices and time-consuming computations hinder the achievement of high-resolution imaging.

Innovation Solution

A projection method that breaks down the imaging process into smaller sub-voxels and projects these onto two 2D detection planes, calculating sub-geometric factors by rotating plane detectors to simplify calculations and reduce computational time, forming a geometric factor matrix for image reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If iterative reconstruction algorithms with precise systematic matrix models are used to improve imaging quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming computations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3D imaging space into multiple 2D detection planes, allowing the system matrix to be divided into smaller sub-matrices that can be processed independently and in parallel, thereby reducing overall computation time while maintaining imaging quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the 3D reconstruction problem into multiple 2D projection problems by introducing a detection plane dimension. This dimensional reduction allows for more efficient matrix operations and parallel processing, significantly decreasing calculation time while preserving the ability to reconstruct high-quality 3D images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of light beams is increased by segmenting the detector model to improve imaging precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the number of light beams by segmenting the detector in 3D space, the patent introduces a 2D detection plane dimension to represent detector positions. This approach achieves the same goal of improving imaging precision by capturing more spatial information while avoiding the exponential increase in system complexity that would result from excessive beam segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If ray tracing techniques are used to calculate geometric factors for image reconstruction, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to computational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric factor accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ray tracing calculation by dividing the 3D space into multiple 2D detection planes. Each plane's geometric factors can be calculated independently using simplified 2D ray tracing algorithms, which are computationally less intensive than full 3D ray tracing, thereby reducing calculation time while maintaining geometric factor accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reduces the computational complexity of ray tracing by transforming 3D geometric calculations into multiple 2D projection calculations. This dimensional reduction allows for more efficient computation of geometric factors while preserving the accuracy needed for high-quality image reconstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3016073B1Projection method of three-dimensional imaging
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
  • EP3016073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3016073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3016073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A projection method of three-dimensional imaging includes the steps of respectively projecting a radiation field emitted from a radiation source with respect to one specific detector of a plurality of detectors and a three-dimensional sub-voxel onto two two-dimensional planes; rotating the specific detector to one specific axis of the two dimensional plane; performing a calculation for obtaining a sub-geometric factor corresponding to each specific detector and each voxel; and, finally, forming a geometric factor by combining each sub-geometric factor defined by each detector and each voxel.