Tomography Apparatus Motion Artifact Reduction via Partial Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion artifacts in CT images caused by moving objects during scanning degrade image quality, leading to blurred edges and unclear images, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
Innovation Solution
A tomography apparatus and method that reduces motion artifacts by acquiring and reconstructing images using a half reconstruction method, which involves acquiring raw data over a reduced angular section, allowing for faster data acquisition and increased temporal resolution, and employing motion correction techniques to align image data accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full rotation CT scan is performed to acquire complete raw data, then image reconstruction accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases and motion artifacts worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring raw data only over a reduced angular section (e.g., 180 degrees plus fan angle) rather than a full 360-degree rotation. This partial data acquisition is sufficient for reconstruction when combined with the half reconstruction method, thereby reducing scanning time and motion artifacts while maintaining adequate image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image reconstruction process into two stages: first acquiring raw data over a reduced angular range, then applying a half reconstruction algorithm that mathematically completes the reconstruction using only this partial data. This segmentation allows bypassing the need for complete rotational data acquisition.
2Measurement precision
If a full rotation CT scan is performed to acquire complete raw data, then image reconstruction accuracy is improved, but motion artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
By acquiring data only over a reduced angular section rather than completing a full rotation, the scanning time is minimized. This reduces the duration during which object motion can occur, thereby decreasing motion artifacts while the half reconstruction method ensures adequate image quality from the partial data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the unnecessary portion of the rotation (beyond the reduced angular section) and rushes through the essential data acquisition phase quickly. This approach captures the necessary information before significant motion occurs, reducing motion artifacts while maintaining reconstruction accuracy.
3Productivity
If a reduced angular section scan is performed, then scanning time is reduced and temporal resolution is improved, but data completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent demonstrates that partial action (acquiring data over a reduced angular section) is sufficient when combined with the half reconstruction method. The mathematical reconstruction algorithm compensates for the missing data, making the incomplete data acquisition adequate for producing accurate images without requiring full rotational data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reconstruction parameter from requiring full 360-degree data to accepting partial data over a reduced angular range. The half reconstruction method adjusts the reconstruction algorithm to work with this modified data parameter, enabling accurate image reconstruction from incomplete angular coverage.
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
The approach effectively minimizes motion artifacts, resulting in clearer and more accurate CT images with reduced blurring, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for moving objects.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray generator 20 included in the CT apparatus radiates X-rays toward the object 25. When the CT apparatus performs a CT scan, the X-ray generator 20 rotates around the object 25 and acquires a plurality of pieces of raw data
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tomography apparatus includes a data acquirer which acquires a first image which corresponds to a first time point and a second image which corresponds to a second time point by performing a tomography scan on an object; an image reconstructor which acquires first information which relates to a relationship between a motion amount of the object and the time based on a motion amount between the first image and the second image, predicts a third image which corresponds to a third time point between the first and second time points based on the first information, corrects the first information by using the predicted third image and measured data which corresponds to the third time point, and reconstructs the third image by using the corrected first information; and a display which displays the reconstructed third image.