Computed Tomography Volumetric Data Mapping for High-Resolution Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging systems, such as CT and line-scan systems, face challenges in generating high-resolution 2D projection images from volumetric data, which is essential for effective automated threat detection in security applications, as conventional CT systems produce images of lower resolution compared to line-scan systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate high-resolution projection images from volumetric data by defining a surface about which the projection image is focused, mapping portions of the volumetric data corresponding to multiple views to this surface, and interpolating data for regions not directly intersected by rays, allowing for the creation of high-resolution 2D images from volumetric data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CT system is used to generate 2D projection images from volumetric data, then volumetric analysis capabilities are maintained, but the image resolution is lower compared to line-scan systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 3D volumetric data into 2D projection images by mapping volumetric pixels onto a 2D detector array through mathematical projection operations. This dimensional transformation allows the system to produce high-resolution 2D images suitable for security screening while maintaining the advantage of volumetric data acquisition from multiple angles, effectively resolving the contradiction between image resolution and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a line-scan system is used to generate 2D projection images, then high resolution images are produced, but volumetric analysis capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the CT system to perform multiple functions: it acquires volumetric data for 3D analysis and automated threat detection, while simultaneously generating high-resolution 2D projection images for security personnel review. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing a single system to provide both high-resolution imaging and volumetric analysis capabilities that were previously available only through separate systems.
3Measurement precision
If conventional CT systems generate 2D projection images from volumetric data, then the process is simple, but the resulting images have lower resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of volumetric data by organizing and pre-computing projection data from multiple views before generating the final 2D images. This preliminary action includes mapping volumetric pixels to detector elements and applying reconstruction algorithms in advance, which enables the generation of high-resolution images while managing computational complexity through structured data preparation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the production of high-resolution 2D projection images from volumetric data, improving the ability to detect potential threats by providing clearer and more detailed images than conventional CT systems, while maintaining the volumetric analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The object is exposed to rays of radiation photons (e.g., x-ray photons, gamma ray photons, etc.) and radiation photons traversing the object are detected by a detector array
Implementation Method 2
A degree to which the radiation photons are attenuated by the object (e.g., absorbed, reflected, etc.) is measured to determine one or more properties of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, computed tomography (CT) systems and/or techniques for generating projections images of an object(s) under examination via a CT system are provided. The projection images of the object may represent a projection of the entire object or merely a portion of the object, such as a slice of the object. A surface about which the projection image is focused is defined and data yielded from a plurality of views of the object is mapped to the surface. In some embodiments, such a mapping comprises mapping data corresponding to a first view and yielded from a first detector cell to a first point on the surface, mapping data corresponding to the first view and yielded from a second detector cell to a second point on the surface, and/or mapping data corresponding to a second view and yielded from the first detector cell to a third point on the surface.