CT Functional Imaging Using Simulated PET Features

The patent combines PET and CT imaging into a single integrated PET-CT system that acquires both functional and anatomical images simultaneously or in close succession, eliminating the temporal gap that causes patient motion between separate studies. This merging approach maintains functional detection capability while ensuring accurate co-registration by reducing the time window for motion artifacts.

The patent creates a simulated PET image that copies the functional information typically obtained from radiotracer-based PET imaging, but derives it instead from standard CT images through advanced image processing and transfer learning techniques. This copying approach replicates the functional imaging capability without requiring expensive radiotracers or cyclotron facilities, making functional imaging accessible in常规CT settings.

The patent extracts the essential functional imaging capability from the radiotracer injection process itself, separating the functional information acquisition from the harmful injection step. By using transfer learning to map anatomical features from CT to functional features typically seen in PET, the method removes the need for radiotracer administration while preserving the functional imaging benefit, thereby eliminating injection-related complications and allergies.

The patent makes the standard CT scan serve multiple functions: it provides both the常规anatomical imaging function and, through transfer learning and simulated PET generation, also provides functional imaging capability. This multi-functionality allows functional feature detection to be achieved using the same CT radiation dose that would normally be used for anatomical imaging alone, avoiding additional radiation exposure while expanding diagnostic capability.