Tomography Imaging Apparatus Motion Artifact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT imaging systems face challenges in reconstructing clear images of moving objects due to motion artifacts, which degrade image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The system divides tomography data into partial angle pairs, reconstructs partial images, and uses motion information to correct for object motion, allowing for accurate reconstruction of images at specific time points and reducing motion artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a full rotation is performed to obtain raw data for reconstructing a cross-sectional CT image, then the completeness of raw data is improved, but the imaging time increases causing motion artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the full rotation imaging process into multiple partial rotation segments, each covering less than 180 degrees. Multiple sets of projection data are acquired from different partial rotations and then integrated through iterative reconstruction algorithms to form a complete cross-sectional image, thereby reducing motion artifacts while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary acquisition of projection data from multiple partial rotations before completing the full reconstruction. By collecting data from multiple angular positions in advance and using iterative reconstruction, the system can compensate for motion effects that would occur during a continuous full rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple cross-sectional images are acquired to reconstruct a 3D CT image, then the comprehensiveness of imaging coverage is improved, but the total imaging time increases causing more motion artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidtotal imaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3D imaging process into multiple partial rotation acquisitions, where each partial rotation captures a subset of the required angular data. The iterative reconstruction algorithm then integrates data from these segments across multiple time points, reducing the temporal duration of each acquisition while maintaining 3D reconstruction quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic iterative reconstruction algorithms that can handle data acquired at different time points during object motion. The algorithm dynamically adjusts reconstruction parameters and integrates motion information to produce accurate 3D images despite the segmented, time-distributed acquisition process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the imaging cycle time is reduced to minimize motion artifacts, then the reduction of motion artifacts is improved, but the completeness of raw data for accurate reconstruction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion artifactsVSAvoidimage reconstruction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the required projection data acquisition into multiple partial rotation passes, each taking less time than a full rotation. The iterative reconstruction algorithm then synthesizes the complete image from these segmented data sets, achieving both reduced motion artifacts and maintained reconstruction accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses iterative reconstruction algorithms that incorporate feedback loops to progressively refine the image reconstruction. The algorithm repeatedly processes the partially acquired projection data, adjusting the reconstructed image to maximize consistency with the available data while compensating for the incomplete angular coverage from shortened acquisition times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 improves the accuracy of motion measurement and image quality by effectively reducing motion artifacts in reconstructed CT images, enhancing diagnostic precision.

Implementation Method 1

a tomography imaging apparatus performs tomography imaging on an object and obtains raw data. The raw data may be projection data obtained by projecting X-rays to the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray projection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10937209B2Tomography imaging apparatus and method of reconstructing tomography image
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US10937209B2 patent drawing
  • US10937209B2 patent drawing
  • US10937209B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a tomography imaging apparatus and a method of reconstructing a tomography image which may more accurately measure a motion of an object to be tomography-imaged. In detail, the tomography imaging apparatus and the method of reconstructing a tomography image may obtain information indicating a motion of a moving object according to a time, may perform motion correction based on the obtained motion information, and may reconstruct a target image with reduced motion artifacts.