Motion-Corrected CT Reconstruction for Fast Stationary Phase Detection
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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 to 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 measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stationary phase detection process into two segments: (1) initial detection using a first reconstructed image from projection data in a first phase range to identify a candidate stationary phase, and (2) verification using a second reconstructed image from projection data in a second phase range including the candidate phase. This segmentation allows the system to avoid processing all phase ranges with high computational effort, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first reconstructing an initial image from a limited phase range to identify a candidate stationary phase before performing the more computationally intensive verification step. This preliminary detection narrows down the search space, preventing the need to process all possible phases with full computational resources, thus reducing total processing time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the phase range for reconstruction is widened to improve stationary phase detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase range processing into two stages: first, a broad phase range is processed to identify candidate stationary phases; second, a narrower phase range around the candidate is processed for verification. This segmentation enables the system to achieve accurate detection without processing the entire phase spectrum at high resolution, thereby maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary phase ranges at high computational effort. Specifically, the first reconstructed image uses a broader phase range for initial detection, while the second reconstructed image focuses only on the second phase range including the candidate stationary phase. This partial processing approach achieves sufficient detection accuracy without the excessive computational burden of processing all phases at maximum detail.
Data Source
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.