2.5D Iterative Reconstruction for Multislice CT Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iterative reconstruction methods for multislice CT imaging, which combine separate two-dimensional processing of individual planes, fail to produce adequate results in challenging cases due to noise and limited measurement issues, especially with limited X-ray dosage.

Innovation Solution

A 2.5-dimensional iterative reconstruction algorithm is developed by combining a two-dimensional forward projection function with a three-dimensional stabilizing function to generate an iterative reconstruction algorithm for multislice CT imaging, allowing for improved image quality while reducing computational requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate two-dimensional iterative reconstruction is applied to individual planes, then computational complexity is reduced, but image quality becomes inadequate in challenging cases with limited measurements and high noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational complexityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple 2D projection data sets from different planes into a unified 3D reconstruction framework. By merging the data from multiple slices and applying a 3D forward projection function, the system achieves better noise suppression and image quality while maintaining computational feasibility through the integrated approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from separate 2D reconstruction of individual planes to a 3D reconstruction approach by incorporating the third dimension (depth/slice direction). This dimensionality change allows the algorithm to utilize information from multiple planes simultaneously, improving image quality in challenging cases with limited measurements.

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

2Measurement precision

If three-dimensional iterative reconstruction is used, then image quality and regularization benefits are improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3D reconstruction problem into manageable components by processing multiple 2D projection data sets through a unified algorithmic framework. The 3D forward projection function processes data from multiple slices in an organized manner, achieving 3D regularization benefits while maintaining computational tractability through structured processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If more X-ray measurements are taken to improve image quality, then measurement precision increases, but radiation dosage to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidradiation dosage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The iterative reconstruction algorithm incorporates feedback mechanisms where the reconstructed image is continuously refined by comparing forward-projected data with actual measurements. This feedback loop allows the system to achieve high image quality with limited initial measurements, reducing the need for additional high-dosage X-ray scans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7327822B2Methods, apparatus, and software for reconstructing an image
Publication Date: 2008.02.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • US7327822B2 patent drawing
  • US7327822B2 patent drawing
  • US7327822B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of reconstructing an image includes combining a two-dimensional forward projection function and a three-dimensional stabilizing function to generate an iterative reconstruction algorithm, and using the obtained iterative reconstruction algorithm to perform a multislice Computed Tomography (CT) reconstruction to generate an image.