Adapting Acquisition Time in Nuclear Imaging via FSNR Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear imaging techniques face challenges in optimizing acquisition time, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased radiation exposure due to fixed acquisition times that do not account for varying signal-to-noise ratios within regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
Adapting acquisition time based on the footprint signal-to-noise ratio (FSNR) by determining minimum acquisition time and dwell times for specific viewing angles, allowing for optimized data collection and reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed acquisition time is used for nuclear imaging, then the imaging process is simple to control, but image quality deteriorates due to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratio and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acquisition time variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the total acquisition time and individual dwell times based on real-time evaluation of the footprint signal-to-noise ratio (FSNR) within the region of interest. This allows the imaging process to adapt to varying signal conditions, optimizing image quality while minimizing radiation exposure by acquiring data only until the desired FSNR is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of acquisition time from a fixed value to a variable parameter that is continuously adjusted based on FSNR evaluation. By monitoring the FSNR during the imaging process and adapting the acquisition time accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between image quality and radiation exposure, ensuring sufficient signal-to-noise ratio while avoiding unnecessary prolonged exposure.
2Productivity
If fixed acquisition time is used for nuclear imaging, then the imaging protocol is easy to implement, but productivity decreases due to suboptimal data collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously evaluating the footprint signal-to-noise ratio (FSNR) during the nuclear imaging process and using this information to adapt the acquisition time. The system monitors the quality of acquired data in real-time and adjusts the imaging protocol accordingly, optimizing data collection efficiency while maintaining manageable protocol complexity through automated FSNR-based control.
3Measurement precision
If extended acquisition time is used, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but radiation exposure increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring nuclear imaging data only until the desired footprint signal-to-noise ratio is achieved within the region of interest, rather than using a fixed extended acquisition time. This approach avoids excessive data collection that would increase radiation exposure and time consumption without providing additional diagnostic value, thereby optimizing the balance between signal-to-noise ratio and resource utilization.
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
This approach enhances image quality by ensuring a desired signal-to-noise ratio within regions of interest, reducing the time required for image acquisition and minimizing radiation exposure to patients.
Implementation Method 1
detects emitted radiation with a detector system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of determining an acquisition time adapted to a region of interest for a nuclear imaging process of a patient include detecting radiation from at least a first viewing angle during a first test amount of time, generating first test data from the detected radiation, reconstructing a nuclear event distribution from the first test data, determining a test signal-to-noise ratio for the reconstructed nuclear event distribution within the region of interest, and determining the acquisition time using the test signal-to-noise ratio and the first test amount of time.