Iterative Reconstruction Using Phase-Linked Initial Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Iterative reconstruction methods in radiation image diagnostic apparatuses, particularly in low-dose imaging, face significant challenges with prolonged calculation times, especially during dynamic scans where the number of phases increases, leading to inefficient image processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radiation image diagnostic apparatus that uses the previous phase's optimal image as the initial image for iterative reconstruction in subsequent phases, reducing the need for repeated calculations and shortening the overall reconstruction time by leveraging previously corrected images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative reconstruction is performed independently for each phase in dynamic scan, then image quality (noise reduction, spatial resolution, contrast resolution) is improved, but calculation time increases in proportion to the number of phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the optimal image obtained from the previous phase's iterative reconstruction as the initial image for the current phase's iterative reconstruction. This prepares a high-quality starting point in advance, reducing the number of iterations needed and thus shortening calculation time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by establishing a continuous workflow where the output of one phase's iterative reconstruction directly becomes the input for the next phase. This eliminates redundant calculations and maintains the quality improvement benefits across all phases while reducing total processing time.
2Measurement precision
If iterative reconstruction is used to improve low-dose image quality, then noise is reduced and resolution is improved, but the reconstruction calculation time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
By using the previous phase's optimal image as the initial image, the patent performs a preliminary quality improvement that carries forward to subsequent phases, reducing the computational burden while maintaining high image quality standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively copies the high-quality image characteristics from the previous phase and uses them as the starting point for the current phase, avoiding redundant quality improvement calculations and thus improving reconstruction efficiency.
3Loss of information
If the number of phases in dynamic scan is increased to improve imaging coverage, then diagnostic information is enhanced, but calculation time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous quality improvement across all phases by using each previous optimal image as the next initial image, allowing multiple phases to be processed efficiently without linearly increasing total calculation time, thus preserving diagnostic information while managing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a radiation image diagnostic apparatus includes a gantry and image reconstruction circuitry. The gantry images a subject with radiation over a plurality of phases and acquires a plurality of imaging data sets for the plurality of phases. The image reconstruction circuitry executes an iterative reconstruction for the plurality of imaging data set to generate a plurality of reconstruction images for the plurality of phases. The image reconstruction circuitry executes the iterative reconstruction using, as the initial image, the first reconstruction image obtained by executing the iterative reconstruction based on the imaging data set of the first phase, generating a second reconstruction image for the second phase different from the first phase.