ECG-Synchronized CT Image Processing for Fast Stationary Phase Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for accurately specifying the stationary phase in radiation computed tomography imaging require significant processing time.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires projection data synchronized with electrocardiogram phases, generates corrected reconstructed images within specific phase ranges, and specifies the stationary phase based on these images, using various reconstruction conditions to enhance accuracy and reduce processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a significant amount of processing is performed to detect the stationary phase with higher accuracy, then the measurement precision of the stationary phase is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stationary phase detection process into multiple stages: first generating a preliminary stationary phase from initial projection data, then using this preliminary phase to identify a target phase range, and finally generating corrected projection data only for this narrowed range to produce the final stationary phase. This segmentation allows accurate detection while reducing overall processing time by avoiding full-range analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first generating a preliminary stationary phase and identifying a target phase range before conducting the final stationary phase detection. This preliminary analysis narrows down the search space, enabling the subsequent accurate detection to be performed more efficiently with reduced processing time.
2Loss of time
If the phase range for reconstruction is narrowed to reduce processing time, then the loss of time is reduced, but the measurement precision of the stationary phase may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary reconstruction to generate a preliminary stationary phase and identify a target phase range before the final reconstruction. This preliminary action enables the system to narrow the phase range for the final reconstruction without losing accuracy, because the preliminary analysis ensures the target range contains the true stationary phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by incorporating motion correction based on the preliminary stationary phase into the generation of corrected projection data. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when the phase range is narrowed, the motion correction compensates for any potential loss of information, maintaining detection accuracy while reducing processing time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a processor that: acquires projection data corresponding to a phase specified by an electrocardiogram of a subject, the projection data being imaged in synchronization with the electrocardiogram using radiation sequentially emitted from plural directions to an imaging portion of the subject, specifies a provisional stationary phase assumed to be a stationary phase of the subject based on a first reconstructed image reconstructed from the projection data corresponding to a phase included in a first phase range among the phases, generates a second reconstructed image in which a movement of the subject is corrected, the second reconstructed image being reconstructed from the projection data corresponding to a phase included in the first phase range and included in a second phase range including the provisional stationary phase, among the phases, and specifies the stationary phase of the subject based on the second reconstructed image.