ECT Image Reconstruction Using Dynamic Gate Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emission Computed Tomography (ECT) images often suffer from motion blur due to respiratory motion and cardiac movements, leading to reduced image quality, especially during chest or upper abdomen examinations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for reconstructing ECT images by determining gate numbers based on motion information of voxels, which involves sorting ECT projection data into bins and using a temporal spread function to reduce motion blur and noise, allowing for the generation of high-quality images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ECT image reconstruction is used, then the scanning process is simple and fast, but motion blur occurs due to respiratory motion and cardiac movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECT projection data into multiple bins based on gate numbers, where each bin corresponds to a specific motion phase. This segmentation allows the reconstruction process to handle motion blur by separating data according to temporal or motion-based categories, thereby reducing motion blur while maintaining manageable computational complexity through systematic data organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic gate numbers that vary based on the motion characteristics of different voxels. Instead of using a fixed reconstruction approach, the system adapts the gate numbers dynamically according to the specific motion ranges detected in each voxel, enabling the reconstruction process to adjust to varying motion conditions and improve image quality without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
2Manufacturing precision
If gate numbers are determined based on motion information, then motion blur is reduced, but the reconstruction process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the system automatically determines motion information and gate numbers based on the projection data itself. The motion ranges are extracted directly from the data without requiring external intervention or complex pre-processing, allowing the system to self-optimize the gate numbers for each voxel based on its specific motion characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gate numbers from fixed values to variable values that are determined based on motion information. By adjusting the gate numbers as a function of motion ranges and temporal spread functions, the system optimizes image resolution for each voxel individually, balancing the increased computational requirements with significant improvements in diagnostic quality
3Manufacturing precision
If motion information is processed for each voxel, then image quality improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by processing motion information and determining gate numbers selectively for voxels that exhibit significant motion. Rather than uniformly processing all voxels with the same complexity, the system identifies and processes only those voxels where motion correction is most needed, based on detected motion ranges, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high image quality in critical regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for reconstructing an Emission Computed Tomography (ECT) image. The systems, having at least one machine each of which has at least one processor and storage, may perform the methods to obtain ECT projection data, the ECT projection data corresponding to a plurality of voxels; determine a plurality of gate numbers for the plurality of voxels, the plurality of gate numbers relating to motion information of the plurality of voxels; and reconstruct an ECT image based on the ECT projection data and the plurality of gate numbers.