Temporally Gated 3D Imaging Data Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic CT imaging with a large field-of-view suffers from low temporal resolution due to the need for large gating windows, which is disadvantageous for imaging small features like tumors in the lungs, especially when using big-bore CT scanners.
Innovation Solution
A data processor that segments the body part of interest, calculates specific temporal gating functions for these voxels, and reconstructs images in multiple phases, allowing for improved temporal resolution and image quality by separating the processing of voxels within and outside the region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large gating windows are used for large field-of-view imaging, then image quality is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field-of-view into a region of interest (ROI) and a non-ROI. Different gating windows are applied to each segment: a first gating window for the ROI and a second gating window for the non-ROI. This allows the ROI to use a smaller gating window for better temporal resolution while the non-ROI uses a larger gating window for better image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gating window sizes to different spatial regions. The ROI receives a customized gating window optimized for its specific imaging needs, while the non-ROI receives a different gating window. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to have optimal parameters for its specific requirements.
2Measurement precision
If large gating windows are used to cover large distance from rotation axis, then image quality is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging space into segments based on distance from the rotation axis. Voxels within a threshold distance (ROI) use one gating window, while voxels beyond the threshold (non-ROI) use another gating window. This segmentation allows optimized temporal resolution for nearby voxels while maintaining image quality for distant voxels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different gating window characteristics to different radial distances from the rotation axis. The gating window size and shape are customized for each region, allowing the system to optimize for both image quality and temporal resolution in different spatial locations simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If single set of temporal gating windows is used for all voxels, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates for large field-of-view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voxel set into at least two groups: ROI voxels and non-ROI voxels. Each group is assigned its own temporal gating window calculated based on its specific characteristics. This segmentation improves image quality for large field-of-view while keeping the additional complexity manageable through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the local quality principle by calculating and applying different gating windows to different voxel groups. The ROI receives a gating window optimized for its specific motion characteristics, while the non-ROI receives a gating window optimized for its characteristics. This localized optimization improves overall image quality without requiring completely separate processing for each voxel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a data processor (1) for processing 3D radiographic imaging data. The processor comprises an input (2) for receiving the imaging data and for providing a motion signal indicative of a motion of the imaged subject. The processor comprises an image segmenter (4) for segmenting a body part of interest in a first image included in or derived from the imaging data, and a gating function calculator (5) for calculating temporal gating functions for voxels that belong to the body part taking the motion signal into account. The processor comprises an image reconstructor (3) for reconstructing the imaging data into reconstructed three-dimensional images, by taking the temporal gating functions into account such as to associate each of the reconstructed three- dimensional images with a corresponding phase of the motion.