CT Image Processing Device Synchronization Using Projection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray CT scanning technologies face challenges in obtaining clear images of moving organs like hearts and lungs due to blurring caused by heartbeat and breathing, requiring mechanical control of the gantry and often involving invasive procedures that increase operator risk and scanning time, while existing methods are not effective in eliminating these motion artifacts efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A CT image processing device that calculates specific information for Region of Interest (ROI) synchronization using projection data to track periodic motion, allowing for simple synchronization processing without dedicated devices like ECG or respiratory sensors, thereby eliminating blurring and improving image quality by obtaining strong synchronization signals from ROI signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical control of the gantry is implemented to synchronize with periodic motion, then image blurring due to breathing beat is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gantry control system with a software-based synchronization method. The controller calculates synchronization signals by processing projection data to detect periodic motion characteristics, then uses these signals to sort projection data into phase groups for image reconstruction. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical phase-shifting mechanisms while achieving the same goal of preventing motion-induced blurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own periodic motion to generate synchronization signals. By analyzing the projection data itself to detect breathing and heartbeat patterns, the system creates its own synchronization reference without requiring external sensors or mechanical control systems. This self-service approach simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If ECG measurement with electrode puncture is performed to obtain heartbeat signal, then heartbeat influence is eliminated, but operator safety cannot be ensured and scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts heartbeat and breathing signals directly from the projection data acquired during normal CT scanning. By analyzing periodic variations in the projection data, the system obtains synchronization signals without requiring any additional sensors, electrode punctures, or separate measurement devices. This eliminates safety risks to operators and additional scanning time while maintaining the ability to eliminate motion artifacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If ECG measurement with electrode puncture is performed, then heartbeat signal is obtained, but artifacts are easily generated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system derives synchronization signals from the projection data itself, eliminating the need for external ECG electrodes and their associated artifacts. By detecting periodic motion directly from the X-ray projection data, the method avoids artifacts generated by electrode puncture while maintaining accurate heartbeat and breathing phase detection for artifact-free image reconstruction.
4Measurement precision
If ROI position is calculated for each scanning angle to track periodic motion, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but calculation load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of a single reference ROI position at a predetermined scanning angle before the actual CT scanning. This reference position is then reused for sorting projection data at all other scanning angles, eliminating the need to recalculate ROI positions for each angle. This preliminary action significantly reduces calculation load while maintaining synchronization accuracy through phase-based data sorting.
Data Source
AI summary
A CT image processing device 5 which processes projection data in synchronization with a periodic motion of a portion of a subject includes an ROI calculation unit 36 which calculates specific information on an ROI for synchronization for each scanning angle so as to track the target portion of the subject. As a result, a strong synchronization signal is obtained, a characteristic amount in which breathing beat and heartbeat sufficiently appear can be measured, and simple synchronization processing is made possible by using the projection data. A dedicated device for obtaining the heartbeat or breathing beat such as ECG and a respiratory measuring device is not required, and a heartbeat signal and a breathing beat signal can be obtained from an ROI signal of the projection data. As a result, blurring on an image caused by the heartbeat can be eliminated, and an image quality is extremely improved.