X-ray CT Motion Phase Selection via Image Quality Scores
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray CT imaging of moving targets like the heart, existing techniques face challenges in determining the optimum motion phase for image reconstruction, leading to potential decreases in image quality due to subject motion during rotation, and complicate the work of setting the correct phase, especially when motion correction is applied.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with an arithmetic operation unit that calculates an image quality score and provides auxiliary information for determining the optimum phase, incorporating motion correction reconstruction and image quality evaluation to improve phase search accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If motion correction reconstruction is applied to improve image quality during subject motion, then image quality is improved, but the complexity of determining the optimum phase increases and work cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates image quality scores for multiple motion phases and identifies the optimum phase without requiring manual operator intervention. The arithmetic operation unit performs self-service by autonomously evaluating image quality across different phases and selecting the optimal reconstruction phase, thereby reducing work complexity while maintaining high image quality through motion correction reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by calculating image quality scores for each motion phase and using this information to determine the optimum phase. The arithmetic operation unit computes quality metrics based on motion correction reconstruction results and feeds this information back to identify the best phase for image reconstruction, enabling automated optimization without increasing operational complexity
2Loss of information
If scanner rotation is performed for 180 degrees or more to reconstruct one cross section, then complete image data is acquired, but image quality decreases due to subject motion during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the image reconstruction process by applying motion correction reconstruction that accounts for subject motion during scanner rotation. The arithmetic operation unit modifies the reconstruction algorithm to compensate for motion effects, enabling complete image data acquisition through full scanner rotation while maintaining image quality by dynamically correcting for subject movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion correction by detecting subject motion during the scanning process and pre-compensating for these movements in the reconstruction algorithm. The arithmetic operation unit calculates motion trajectories and applies correction factors before final image reconstruction, allowing complete cross-section data acquisition while preventing image quality degradation from subject motion
Data Source
AI summary
A center phase (image reconstruction phase) of reconstruction can be appropriately set even in a case in which motion correction is applied to reconstruct an image, to ensure a good image quality, and to support optimum phase search work by a doctor, an examination technician, or the like (hereinafter, referred to as an operator). An arithmetic operation unit that performs image reconstruction in an X-ray CT apparatus includes a motion correction reconstruction unit that detects motion information of a subject and performs motion correction reconstruction, and an image quality score calculation unit that calculates an image quality score for evaluating an image quality in one or a plurality of motion phases with respect to an image reconstructed by the motion correction reconstruction unit. An interface that can perform a phase search while comparing motion correction using the displayed image quality score is provided.