Iterative Registration Refinement in Multi-Modal Emission Tomography Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The registration between emission tomography and computed tomography volumes is often sub-optimal due to processing burdens and properties of the volumes, leading to less accurate registration and artifacts, particularly when the emission modality has lower resolution and higher noise.
Innovation Solution
A method for multi-modal reconstruction that refines the registration between emission tomography and anatomical information from computed tomography iteratively during the reconstruction process, using a registration matrix to align the volumes and correct for attenuation, allowing for continuous refinement of the registration matrix within each iteration of the emission reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If registration is performed before emission reconstruction using initial volumes, then processing burden is reduced, but registration accuracy deteriorates due to sub-optimal alignment from lower resolution and higher noise in emission data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs an initial registration before emission reconstruction to establish a starting alignment, but then applies iterative refinement during the reconstruction process. This preliminary action provides an initial configuration that reduces processing burden while setting the stage for subsequent accuracy improvements through iteration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous refinement of the registration matrix throughout the emission reconstruction iterations. Rather than performing registration as a single discrete step, the registration is continuously updated and refined alongside the reconstruction process, ensuring that alignment improves as the emission volume becomes clearer.
2Device complexity
If emission tomography data is used directly for registration, then processing burden is reduced, but registration accuracy deteriorates due to lower resolution and higher noise in emission modality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the CT volume as an intermediary reference during the registration process. The CT data provides a stable, high-resolution anatomical reference that mediates the alignment between emission and CT volumes. The registration matrix is refined by comparing updated emission reconstructions against this intermediary CT reference, improving accuracy without requiring complex direct emission-to-emission alignment.
3Measurement precision
If registration is refined iteratively during reconstruction, then registration accuracy is improved, but processing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic refinement of the registration matrix at specified intervals during the reconstruction iterations rather than continuously at every step. This periodic action allows the registration to be updated at strategic points when the emission reconstruction has progressed sufficiently to provide improved alignment information, balancing accuracy gains with processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Emission tomography is registered with computed tomography or other modality in reconstruction. The anatomical information is used in the emission tomography reconstruction. In addition to an initial registration to use the anatomical information in the reconstruction, the registration is refined one or more times during other iterations refining the reconstruction of the emission volume. The registration is performed as part of the reconstruction. This multi-modal reconstruction may result in an emission tomography volume better aligned with the anatomical information.