Tomosynthesis Imaging for Dynamic 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating time-resolved, three-dimensional images of dynamic events within moving objects, such as the human body, suffer from inadequate time resolution, particularly for rapid movements like the heart or contrast agent flow, limiting applications in cardiac and perfusion imaging.
Innovation Solution
The method employs tomosynthesis projection recordings along a scanning path, interpolates data using algorithms like linear or spline interpolation, and reconstructs three-dimensional volume images using back-projection or algebraic methods, allowing for faster measurement and improved time resolution by using flexible C-arm X-ray systems with closed or non-closed scanning paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic CT scans are used to image dynamic events, then three-dimensional reconstruction is achieved, but time resolution is inadequate for rapid movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing tomosynthesis scans over limited angular ranges (e.g., 30°, 60°, or 90° arcs) rather than complete 360° rotational scans. This partial scanning approach significantly reduces acquisition time while still enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of dynamic structures. The system acquires projection images at multiple angles within a restricted sector and reconstructs volumetric data without requiring full rotational coverage, thus achieving faster temporal resolution for capturing rapid physiological events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scanning process into multiple rapid tomosynthesis acquisitions at different time points rather than performing one slow continuous scan. By dividing the dynamic event into discrete temporal segments and acquiring tomosynthesis data for each segment independently, the system achieves high time resolution. Each segmented acquisition can be reconstructed separately, allowing visualization of dynamic processes at multiple frozen time points with millisecond precision.
2Measurement precision
If complete rotational data acquisition is performed, then comprehensive three-dimensional reconstruction is achieved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by acquiring projection images over limited angular sectors (e.g., 30° to 90° ranges) rather than complete 360° rotations. This partial scanning strategy maintains sufficient data for three-dimensional reconstruction while dramatically reducing measurement time. The system reconstructs volumetric images from these partial datasets using iterative algorithms that can handle incomplete angular coverage, achieving a balance between reconstruction quality and imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by repeating tomosynthesis scanning cycles multiple times in rapid succession, each cycle covering a limited angular range. These periodic acquisitions are performed at different temporal phases of dynamic events, allowing reconstruction of time-resolved three-dimensional sequences. The repetitive scanning over short arcs enables high-frame-rate imaging of dynamic processes without requiring complete rotational coverage for each frame.
3Productivity
If tomosynthesis methods are used instead of CT, then measurement time is reduced, but data completeness for three-dimensional reconstruction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the reconstruction algorithm to accommodate incomplete tomosynthesis data. Instead of using conventional CT reconstruction methods that assume complete 360° rotational data, the system employs iterative reconstruction algorithms (e.g., algebraic reconstruction technique or maximum likelihood expectation maximization) that can successfully reconstruct three-dimensional volumes from limited-angle tomosynthesis projections. These advanced algorithms compensate for missing angular information through iterative optimization, maintaining reconstruction quality despite reduced data completeness.
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 enables high-resolution, time-resolved three-dimensional imaging of dynamic events with enhanced time resolution and faster measurement, facilitating applications like cardiac and perfusion imaging without the need for complete rotational data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source, for example an X-ray emitter 3 and an X-ray image detector 4
Implementation Method 2
Computed tomography (CT) has been employed for time-resolved three-dimensional images of dynamic events
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for a three-dimensional representation of a moving structure by a tomographic method, in which during one recording pass a series of projection recordings is registered by an imaging unit at different recording angles between a start position and an end position, it being possible to reconstruct three-dimensional image data from the projection recordings with the following steps: a) generation of tomosynthesis projection recordings along a tomosynthesis scanning path; b) interpolation of the data of the tomosynthesis projection recordings in accordance with an interpolation algorithm in order to generate a projection data set; c) use of a tomosynthesis reconstruction method on the projection data set in order to generate a tomosynthesis volume image; d) repetition of steps b) and c) for all times of interest, and e) display of tomosynthesis representations from the tomosynthesis volume images.