Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for improving image quality with three-dimensional (3D) scout scans for computed tomography (CT) imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises reconstructing an image from projection data acquired during a diagnostic scan of a patient with corrections based on scout projection data acquired during a 3D scout scan of the patient. In this way, the image quality of a diagnostic image can be improved by using 3D scout data to correct projection data or image data.
Abstract:
A method includes receiving, with at least one processor, a first projection dataset corresponding to X-rays at a first energy level projected towards a subject at a first set of view angles and receiving, with the at least one processor, a second projection dataset corresponding to X-rays at a second energy level projected towards the subject at a second set of view angles. The method further includes identifying, with the at least one processor, a metal trace from at least one of the first projection dataset and the second projection dataset. Moreover, the method includes converting, with the at least one processor, at least a portion of the first projection dataset to a pseudo dataset at the second energy level. The method also includes generating, with the at least one processor, a final image of the subject based on the second projection dataset, the pseudo dataset, and the metal trace.
Abstract:
A system includes an energy-discriminating, photon-counting X-ray detector, comprising a plurality of detector cells providing measurements corresponding to at least two energy bins and being adapted to produce projection data in response to X-ray photons that reach the X-ray detector and to produce an electrical signal having a recorded count for the energy bins and a total energy intensity. The system also includes data processing circuitry adapted to receive the electrical signal from one or more of the plurality of detector cells, to generate a simulated count rate for each of the energy bins by using the total energy intensity in a detector pile-up model, to determine a set of energy intensity dependent material decomposition vectors, and, for the projection data measured by one or more of the plurality of detector cells, to perform material decomposition by modeling the simulated count rate for each of the energy bins and utilizing a material decomposition vector selected from the set of energy intensity dependent material decomposition vectors and corresponding to the measured energy intensity from one or more of the plurality of detector cells.
Abstract:
A method is provided. The method includes acquiring projection data of an object from a plurality of pixels, reconstructing the acquired projection data from the plurality of pixels into a reconstructed image, performing material characterization and decomposition of an image volume of the reconstructed image to reduce a number of materials analyzed in the image volume to two basis materials. The method also includes generating a re-mapped image volume for at least one basis material of the two basis materials, and performing forward projection on at least the re-mapped image volume for the at least one basis material to produce a material-based projection. The method further includes generating multi-material corrected projections based on the material-based projection and a total projection attenuated by the object, which represents both of the two basis materials, wherein the multi-material corrected projections include linearized projections.
Abstract:
The present approach relates to the use of detector elements (i.e., reference detector pixels) positioned under septa of an anti-scatter collimator. Signals detected by the reference detector pixels may be used to correct for charging-sharing events with adjacent pixels and/or to characterize or correct for focal spot misalignment either in real time or as a calibration step.
Abstract:
A method for imaging an object to be reconstructed includes acquiring projection data corresponding to the object. Furthermore, the method includes generating a measured sinogram based on the acquired projection data and formulating a forward model, where the forward model is representative of a characteristic of the imaging system. In addition, the method includes generating an estimated sinogram based on an estimated image of the object and the forward model and formulating a statistical model based on at least one of pile-up characteristics and dead time characteristics of a detector of the imaging system. Moreover, the method includes determining an update corresponding to the estimated image based on the statistical model, the measured sinogram, and the estimated sinogram and updating the estimated image based on the determined update to generate an updated image of the object. Additionally, the method includes outputting a final image of the object.
Abstract:
The present approach relates to the use of detector elements (i.e., reference detector pixels) positioned under septa of an anti-scatter collimator. Signals detected by the reference detector pixels may be used to correct for charging-sharing events with adjacent pixels and/or to characterize or correct for focal spot misalignment either in real time or as a calibration step.
Abstract:
The present approaches relates to the use of silicon-based energy-discriminating, photon-counting detectors, such as for use in X-ray based imaging including computed tomography. The described approaches address the resolution and classification of X-ray photons affected by Compton scatter, which may be detected as having energy levels below their proper level due to collision or deflection events.
Abstract:
A detector is described having readout electronics integrated in the photodetector layer. The detector may be configured to acquire both energy-integrated and photon-counting data. In one implementation, the detector is also configured with control logic to select between the jointly generated photon-counting and energy-integrated data.
Abstract:
X-ray imaging systems are provided that include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. A filtering device is positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and includes one or more micro-filters each adapted to transition between an X-ray filtering position and an X-ray non-filtering position. A controller is programmed to control operation of the micro-filters.