RSOM Axial Displacement Correction for Motion Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) imaging is affected by motion artifacts due to subject movement, particularly in three-dimensional reconstructions, which degrade image quality and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for optoacoustic imaging that includes an irradiation unit, a detection unit, and a processing unit to correct axial displacements in detection signals by determining and reducing offsets in the time or spatial courses of detection signals, allowing for improved reconstruction of images by accounting for object movement during data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data acquisition time is extended to improve image quality through averaging, then image quality improves, but subject motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary motion correction step before image reconstruction. Detection signals are analyzed to determine axial displacement, and correction values are calculated in advance. These correction values are then applied to the detection signals before they are used for image reconstruction, thereby eliminating motion artifacts prior to the final imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical motion restriction methods (such as suction or adhesive tape) with a signal processing approach. Instead of physically constraining the subject, the system uses computational methods to detect and correct axial displacement in detection signals, substituting mechanical constraints with electronic/digital correction mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If axial displacement correction is applied to detection signals, then image resolution improves up to 5-fold, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correction process is segmented into distinct steps: (1) determining axial displacement from detection signals, (2) calculating correction values based on the determined displacement, and (3) applying corrections to the detection signals. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and facilitates implementation in existing imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detection signals themselves to determine the axial displacement that caused motion artifacts. The same detection signals that contain the artifacts also provide the information needed to correct them, eliminating the need for separate motion tracking sensors or additional measurement systems.
3Reliability
If motion correction is implemented in real-time, then image quality improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Motion correction is performed as a preliminary step before image reconstruction. By correcting the detection signals in advance, the system avoids the need for complex post-processing or iterative reconstruction methods, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical motion restriction methods with rapid signal processing. The electronic/digital correction of axial displacement in detection signals occurs much faster than physical constraint methods, reducing processing time while achieving superior motion artifact elimination.
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 significantly reduces motion artifacts, enhancing image resolution up to 5-fold by accurately correcting for axial displacements, thereby improving the quality of optoacoustic images in RSOM.
Implementation Method 1
Optoacoustic imaging is based on the photoacoustic effect, according to which ultrasound waves are generated due to absorption of transient electromagnetic radiation by an object, e.g. a biological tissue, and a subsequent thermoelastic expansion of the object.
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound waves are detected and converted into electrical signals, based on which an image can be reconstructed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to system for optoacoustic imaging, in particular for rasterscan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), and an according method for optoacoustic imaging data processing. The system comprises: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate an object comprising biological tissue with electromagnetic radiation, a detection unit configured to detect acoustic waves generated in the object at a plurality of locations along an axial dimension and along at least one lateral dimension, which is perpendicular to the axial dimension, in response to irradiating the object with electromagnetic radiation and to generate a plurality of according detection signals, and a processing unit configured to determine an axial displacement of the course of one or more first detection signals along the axial dimension relative to the course of one or more second detection signals along the axial dimension, to correct the detection signals by reducing and/or eliminating the axial displacement, and to reconstruct at least one image of the object based on the corrected detection signals. The invention allows for a correction and/or elimination of effects caused by motion of the object in a simple and reliable way.