SPECT Image Motion Correction via System Matrix Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nuclear imaging techniques like SPECT face challenges in correcting motion artifacts due to patient and system motion, especially in non-parallel collimation systems, which result in visual distortions in generated images.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves acquiring projection data at multiple views and time intervals, registering slices to determine transformation vectors, and generating an updated system matrix to correct for translational motion, allowing for the reconstruction of motion-free or reduced artifact images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-parallel collimation techniques are employed in SPECT imaging, then imaging versatility and field of view are improved, but motion artifact correction becomes more difficult and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into multiple passes, with separate motion correction and image reconstruction phases. Motion parameters are estimated from preliminary reconstructed images, then used to correct the system matrix before final high-quality reconstruction, allowing independent optimization of each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Motion parameters are estimated in advance from preliminary reconstructed images before the final image reconstruction is performed. This preliminary motion estimation allows the system matrix to be pre-corrected for motion artifacts, improving the quality of the final reconstructed image

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If motion correction processing is applied to SPECT images, then image quality is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Motion correction is applied selectively based on detected motion parameters. When motion is detected above a threshold, correction processing is activated; otherwise, standard reconstruction is used, avoiding unnecessary processing time for stable cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from preliminary reconstructed images to detect motion and adjust the correction strategy. Motion parameters estimated from initial reconstructions feed into the correction algorithm, which then refines the final image with appropriate motion compensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8421021B2Motion correction of SPECT images

Publication Date: 2013.04.16 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS ISRAEL LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates approaches for removing or reducing the effects of motion in parallel and non-parallel data acquisitions using a nuclear medicine imaging system. In certain embodiments, translation vectors are derived based on a registration performed on transaxial slices generated from the acquired projection data. The translation vectors may be employed to update a system matrix such that images generated using the updated system matrix are free or motion artifacts or have reduced motion artifacts.