Predictive Motion Compensation for Low-Artifact CT Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion compensated reconstruction methods in computed tomography (CT) are time-consuming and potentially erroneous due to their reliance on iterative estimation of motion, which can limit the quality of image reconstruction and hinder clinical workflow.

Innovation Solution

A predictive motion compensation method that uses previously determined motion parameters to perform a motion-corrected reconstruction of subsequent CT scans, reducing motion artifacts and improving the quality of first-pass reconstructions by extrapolating motion trajectories based on physical models and camera data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If iterative estimation of motion is used for motion compensated reconstruction, then motion compensation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and may produce errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion compensation accuracyVSAvoidreconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using camera data captured during the CT scan to pre-determine motion parameters before reconstruction. This allows the system to have motion compensation information ready in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative estimation during the reconstruction process while maintaining accurate motion compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If iterative estimation of motion is used, then motion can be compensated, but the quality of first-pass reconstruction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage reconstruction qualityVSAvoidcomplexity of motion estimation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using camera data as an intermediate source to determine motion parameters. Instead of directly estimating motion from the CT data itself (which requires complex iterative processes), the system uses the camera as an intermediary to capture and analyze subject motion, providing accurate motion parameters for reconstruction without the complexity of iterative estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If motion artifacts are present in initial images, then motion can be measured, but the motion compensation quality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion parameter accuracyVSAvoidmotion artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting motion information from the camera data stream separate from the CT imaging data. This allows the system to obtain accurate motion parameters without being affected by motion artifacts present in the CT images, as the camera captures motion independently of the CT scanning process and its associated artifacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4586198A1Predictive motion compensation
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4586198A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4586198A1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

The present invention relates to motion compensated reconstruction. A computer-implemented method is proposed to use predicted motion based on the motion trajectory obtained for the previous CT scans to perform a motion-corrected reconstruction of a subsequent CT scan within the sequence of CT scans. The CT scan reconstructed in this way contains less motion artifacts, which in turn makes its registration to the adjacent CT scans easier. Thus, the proposed approach may improve the quality in the first pass reconstruction. Compared to the existing approach that iteratively estimates motion and performs the motion compensated reconstruction, the method disclosed herein is less time-consuming and potentially more accurate process, thereby improving clinical workflow.