Dynamic PET Imaging with Intermediate Image Sequence Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic PET imaging requires long scan and image reconstruction times with low image quality, necessitating improved imaging efficiency and quality.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for PET imaging that divides scan data into target sets based on preset conditions, generates intermediate images using motion field and image generation models, and constructs a target image sequence, reducing reconstruction time and enhancing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional PET scanners with many detectors are used, then image quality and detection sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The PET scanner is divided into multiple detector rings arranged around the patient table, with each ring containing multiple detectors. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage and high image quality while managing complexity through modular design, where each ring can be independently configured and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detector rings are nested concentrically around the patient table, with inner rings closer to the patient and outer rings farther away. This nested arrangement maximizes detection efficiency and image quality within a compact footprint, allowing photons to be detected at multiple distances and angles simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If traditional PET scanners with many detectors are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detector system is segmented into multiple independent rings, each containing a manageable number of detectors. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by allowing each ring to be produced, tested, and assembled separately, rather than requiring a single complex assembly of all detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector rings are designed with universal components and standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple rings. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the same detector modules and support structures to be reused throughout the system, reducing the need for custom-made parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If detector rings are positioned close to the patient table, then detection efficiency is improved, but space for patient movement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidpatient movement space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector rings are arranged in multiple concentric dimensions around the patient table, rather than forming a single plane. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows detectors to be positioned close to the patient for high detection efficiency while maintaining adequate space in other dimensions for patient movement and table insertion.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detector rings are nested at different radial distances from the patient table, with inner rings providing close detection and outer rings providing additional coverage. This nested configuration optimizes detection efficiency while maintaining compact overall dimensions that preserve patient movement space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The system improves imaging efficiency and quality by generating intermediate images without reconstruction, utilizing motion field and image generation models, and performing de-noise and resolution-improvement operations.

Implementation Method 1

A positron-emitting radiotracer is administered to a patient. The radiotracer decays by positron emission, transforming a proton into a neutron and emitting a positron

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

The emitted positron travels a short distance through the patient's tissue, where it annihilates with an electron. This annihilation event produces two gamma rays that travel in opposite directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnihilation:

Implementation Method 3

A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner detects the coincident gamma rays and reconstructs images reflecting the distribution of the radiotracer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoincidence detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4510935B1Systems and methods for positron emission tomography imaging
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • EP4510935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4510935B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4510935B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system and a method for PET imaging. The method comprises:obtaining scan data of an object collected by a PET scan over a scan time period (410); determining a plurality of target sets of scan data from the scan data based on a preset condition, wherein each of the plurality of target sets of scan data corresponds to a target sub-time period in the scan time period (420); generating, based on the plurality of target sets of scan data, one or more intermediate images corresponding to one or more sub-time periods different from the plurality of target sub-time periods in the scan time period (430); and generating a target image sequence of the object based on the plurality of target sets of scan data and the one or more intermediate images (440).