PET Image Processing With Backscatter-Based Motion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PET image processing methods face challenges in accurately registering PET images due to subject movement and the use of highly selective and specific radioactive tracers, leading to image registration failures and the need for additional radiation doses from multiple CT scans.

Innovation Solution

The method determines reference data for backscatter and background events in PET scans, using these to calculate a motion vector field that corrects anatomical images and PET images, eliminating the need for additional scans and reducing radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple CT scans are performed to correct for subject movement, then image registration accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registration accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts harmful backscatter events and background events, which were previously considered noise to be rejected, into useful reference data for motion estimation. By determining reference data specifically from backscatter and background events in PET data, the system creates motion correction capability without requiring additional ionizing radiation from CT scans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using PET-derived reference data from backscatter and background events as a mediator between the PET image data and the motion correction process. This intermediary reference data enables accurate motion estimation and image registration without directly using CT scans, thereby avoiding additional radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If highly selective and specific radioactive tracers are used, then diagnostic precision is improved, but image registration reliability deteriorates due to subject movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic precisionVSAvoidimage registration reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the challenge of subject movement, which causes misregistration when using highly selective tracers, into an opportunity by deriving motion information from backscatter and background events. These events provide a stable reference that is independent of the tracer distribution, enabling reliable motion correction that maintains both diagnostic precision and registration reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If additional CT scans are performed for motion correction, then image registration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registration accuracyVSAvoidscan protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing PET scan multi-functional by extracting both diagnostic information from coincidence events and motion correction reference data from backscatter and background events within the same scan. This eliminates the need for separate CT scans or additional imaging procedures, reducing device complexity and scan protocol requirements while maintaining high image registration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 registration accuracy by utilizing backscatter and background events data, ensuring accurate PET image correction without additional radiation, even with highly selective tracers, and reduces the reliance on CT scans.

Implementation Method 1

The first target events at least include first backscatter events. The second target events at least include second backscatter events.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscatter: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The first background events and the second background events are caused by radioactive decay of a crystal material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS20250288263A1Methods and systems for image processing

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 UIH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for image processing are provided. The methods may include obtaining first positron emission tomography (PET) data and second PET data of a subject. The methods may include determining, based on the first PET data, first reference data relating to first target events occurred in the first PET scan. The first target events at least include first backscatter events. The methods may include determining, based on the second PET data, second reference data relating to second target events occurred in the second PET scan. The second target events at least include second backscatter events. The methods may further include determining a motion vector field based on the first reference data and the second reference data.