Fast parallel algorithm for three-dimensional distance-driven model in iterative computed tomography reconstruction

The projection matrix model is used to describe the physical relationship between reconstructed object and projection.Such a model has a strong influence on projection and backprojection,two vital operations in iterative computed tomographic reconstruction.The distance-driven model(DDM) is a state-of-the-art technology that simulates forward and back projections.This model has a low computational complexity and a relatively high spatial resolution;however,it includes only a few methods in a parallel operation with a matched model scheme.This study introduces a fast and parallelizable algorithm to improve the traditional DDM for computing the parallel projection and backprojection operations.Our proposed model has been implemented on a GPU(graphic processing unit) platform and has achieved satisfactory computational efficiency with no approximation.The runtime for the projection and backprojection operations with our model is approximately 4.5 s and 10.5 s per loop,respectively,with an image size of 256×256×256 and 360 projections with a size of 512×512.We compare several general algorithms that have been proposed for maximizing GPU efficiency by using the unmatched projection/backprojection models in a parallel computation.The imaging resolution is not sacrificed and remains accurate during computed tomographic reconstruction.     

Physical analysis of breast cancer using dual-source computed tomography

This study was aimed to analyze various physical characteristics of breast cancer using dual-source computed tomography (CT). A phantom study and a clinical trial were performed in order and a 64-multidetector CT device was used for the examinations. In the phantom study, single-source (SS) CT was set up with a conventional scanning condition that is usually applied for breast CT examination and implementation was done at tube voltage of 120?kVp. Dual-source CT acquired images by irradiating X-ray sources with fast switching between two kilovoltage settings (80 and 140?kVp). After scanning, Hounsfield Unit (HU) values and radiation doses in a region of interest were measured and analyzed. In the clinical trial, the HU values were measured and analyzed after single-source computed tomography (SSCT) and dual-source CT in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Also, the tumor size measured by dual-source CT was compared with the actual tumor size. The phantom study determined that the tumor region was especially measured by dual-source CT, while nylon fiber and specks region were especially measured by SSCT. The radiation dose was high with dual-source CT. The clinical trial showed a higher HU value of cancerous regions when scanned by dual-source CT compared with SSCT.     

利用秩和条件数分析透射式超声CT的数据完备性

为了优化探头设计、估计重构图像误差,提出了一种利用秩和条件数分析透射式超声CT数据完备性的方法。首先分析了透射式超声CT的原理,透射式超声CT的测量方程可以表示成线性方程组,进而透射式超声CT的重构问题可以转化为线性方程组的求解问题。对于所选用的设计方案,描述线性方程组的可解性和解的稳定性的秩和条件数可以用来评估其数据完备性、估计重构图像误差。数学分析和试验结果表明,只有在测量方程组满秩时才可以求得唯一解,在测量误差和介质不均匀性相同时,重构误差近似正比与方程组的条件数,因此可以使用测量方程组的秩和条件数来衡量设计方案的数据完备性,指导实际装置的设计。     

A novel dosimetry system for computed tomography using phototransistor

Computed tomography (CT) dosimetry normally uses an ionization chamber 100 mm long to estimate the computed tomography dose index (CTDI), however some reports have already indicated that small devices could replace the long ion chamber to improve quality assurance procedures in CT dosimetry. This paper presents a novel dosimetry system based in a commercial phototransistor evaluated for CT dosimetry. Three detector configurations were developed for this system: with a single, two and four devices. Dose profile measurements were obtained with them and their angular responses were evaluated. The results showed that the novel dosimetry system with the phototransistor could be an alternative for CT dosimetry. It allows to obtain the CT dose profile in details and also to estimate the CTDI in longer length than the 100 mm pencil chamber. The angular response showed that the one device detector configuration is the most adequate among the three configurations analyzed in this study.     

Enhancement of photoacoustic tomography in the tissue with speed-of-sound variance using ultrasound computed tomography

The speed-of-sound variance will decrease the imaging quality of photoacoustic tomography in acoustically inhomogeneous tissue. In this study, ultrasound computed tomography is combined with photoacoustic tomography to enhance the photoacoustic tomography in this situation. The speed-of-sound information is recovered by ultrasound computed tomography. Then, an improved delay-and-sum method is used to reconstruct the image from the photoacoustic signals. The simulation results validate that the proposed method can obtain a better photoacoustic tomography than the conventional method when the speed-of-sound variance is increased. In addition, the influences of the speed-of-sound variance and the fan-angle on the image quality are quantitatively explored to optimize the image scheme. The proposed method has a good performance even when the speed-of-sound variance reaches 14.2%. Furthermore, an optimized fan angle is revealed,which can keep the good image quality with a low cost of hardware. This study has a potential value in extending the biomedical application of photoacoustic tomography.     

T-ray computed tomography

We demonstrate a tomographic imaging modality that uses pulsed terahertz (THz) radiation to probe the optical properties of three-dimensional (3D) structures in the far-infrared. This THz-wave computed tomography (T-ray CT) system provides sectional images of objects in a manner analogous to conventional CT techniques such as x-ray CT. The transmitted amplitude and phase of broadband pulses of THz radiation are measured at multiple projection angles. The filtered backprojection algorithm is then used to reconstruct the target object, including both its 3D structure and its frequency-dependent far-infrared optical properties.     

锗酸铋阵列探测器用于中子激发发射计算机断层扫描成像

中子激发发射计算机断层扫描成像对探测器有着较高的要求,为了探讨利用传统阵列探测器实现其应用的可行性,利用模拟的方法给出了锗酸铋（BGO）晶体阵列探测器的基本性能。对高能光子在单根BGO晶体中的能谱进行了分析,提出叠加相邻晶体信号以提高能量分辨率的修正方法。结果表明:此方法能够很大程度上优化输出能谱,并能够得到较好的空间分辨率。     

锗酸铋阵列探测器用于中子激发发射计算机断层扫描成像

 中子激发发射计算机断层扫描成像对探测器有着较高的要求,为了探讨利用传统阵列探测器实现其应用的可行性,利用模拟的方法给出了锗酸铋（BGO）晶体阵列探测器的基本性能。对高能光子在单根BGO晶体中的能谱进行了分析,提出叠加相邻晶体信号以提高能量分辨率的修正方法。结果表明:此方法能够很大程度上优化输出能谱,并能够得到较好的空间分辨率。     

Projected index computed tomography

Projected index computed tomography (PICT) is a new imaging technique that provides a computed reconstruction of the index of refraction of a sample. PICT makes use of data from standard optical coherence tomography images taken from several view angles to determine a mapping of the refractive indices of the sample. A rectilinear propagation model is assumed, so the data are understood to be related to the line integral of the refractive index in the beam paths. These data thus provide a set of angular projections of the sample. The spatial distribution of the index of the object may then be reconstructed by use of standard filtered backprojection techniques. The resultant PICT images are free of the spatial distortion that is inherent in standard optical cross-sectional images and correspond well to the manufactured dimensions of specific samples.     

Perceptual confusions of high-pitched sung vowels

Questions exist as to the intelligibility of vowels sung at extremely high fundamental frequencies and, especially, when the fundamental frequency (F0) produced is above the region where the first vowel formant (F1) would normally occur. Can such vowels be correctly identified and, if so, does context provide the necessary information or are acoustical elements also operative? To this end, 18 professional singers (5 males and 13 females) were recorded when singing 3 isolated vowels at high and low pitches at both loud and soft levels. Aural-perceptual studies employing four types of auditors were carried out to determine the identity of these vowels, and the nature of the confusions with other vowels. Subsequent acoustical analysis focused on the actual fundamental frequencies sung plus those defining the first 2 vowel formants. It was found that F0 change had a profound effect on vowel perception; one of the more important observations was that the target tended to shift toward vowels with an F1 just above the sung frequency.     

Scatter correction for cone-beam computed tomography using self-adaptive scatter kernel superposition

The authors propose a combined scatter reduction and correction method to improve image quality in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The scatter kernel superposition (SKS) method has been used occasionally in previous studies. However, this method differs in that a scatter detecting blocker (SDB) was used between the X-ray source and the tested object to model the self-adaptive scatter kernel. This study first evaluates the scatter kernel parameters using the SDB, and then isolates the scatter distribution based on the SKS. The quality of image can be improved by removing the scatter distribution. The results show that the method can effectively reduce the scatter artifacts, and increase the image quality. Our approach increases the image contrast and reduces the magnitude of cupping. The accuracy of the SKS technique can be significantly improved in our method by using a self-adaptive scatter kernel. This method is computationally efficient, easy to implement, and provides scatter correction using a single scan acquisition.     

Low-frequency three-dimensional ultrasonic tomography

The possibility of making ultrasonic 3D tomographs for medical diagnostics of soft tissues was established. The choice of frequencies of ultrasonic pulses of 300–500 kHz was due to low absorption in soft tissues within this range. The reverse problems of ultrasonic tomography, which are three-dimensional and nonlinear, have been considered in a model that takes into account both wave effects and absorption. The effectiveness of algorithms to solve the reverse problems that were developed has been illustrated by model calculations. The velocity configuration has been shown to be recovered better than the function that describes absorption in soft tissues.     

Quantification of a three-dimensional velocity vector using spectral-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography

Multiangle, fiber-based, spectral-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography with a phase-resolved algorithm is presented to measure three components of an arbitrary velocity vector. A beam divider that divides a probe beam to have five independent viewpoints and path length delays was designed. The divider was inserted into the sampling arm of a Doppler optical coherence tomography system between the collimator and the first galvo mirror of a two-axis galvo scanner. The divider produced five independent D k's (the average difference between the wave vectors of incoming and outgoing beams) after passing through the focusing lens while keeping two-axis scanning capability. After calibration, an unknown velocity vector field inside a microtube was quantified by solving a three-dimensional minimization problem.     

单光子发射型计算机断层成像

探讨了单光子发射型计算机断层成像的原理与图像特点。     

Vocal tract changes caused by phonation into a tube: a case study using computer tomography and finite-element modeling

Phonation into a glass tube is a voice training and therapy method that leads to beneficial effects in voice production. It has not been known, however, what changes occur in the vocal tract during and after the phonation into a tube. This pilot study examined the vocal tract shape in a female subject before, during, and after phonation into a tube using computer tomography (CT). Three-dimensional finite-element models (FEMs) of the vocal tract were derived from the CT images and used to study changes in vocal tract input impedance. When phonating on vowel [a:] the data showed tightened velopharyngeal closure and enlarged cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal and oral cavities during and after the tube-phonation. FEM calculations revealed an increased input inertance of the vocal tract and an increased acoustic energy radiated out of the vocal tract after the tube-phonation. The results indicate that the phonation into a tube causes changes in the vocal tract which remain also when the tube is removed. These effects may help improving voice production in patients and voice professionals.     

CT计算机断层扫描成像实验

根据投影和断层成像原理,设计了CT计算机断层扫描成像原理性装置.使用该装置学生可以做硬件调试,软件编写、算法研究和系统测试等一系列实验,研究样品的投影成像和断层成像.本文从教学内容和教学方法上对CT计算机断层扫描成像实验进行了探讨.     

层析成像图像重建算法综述

介绍了层析成像技术的图像重建算法,并从正向问题数学模型的简化和反向问题数学模型的映射结构的角度比较了各种算法的特点和优劣。研究表明:用本质是线性算法的各种变换方法重建图像存在严重失真,而卷积滤波的引入可以使变换方法的重建效果有所改善;基于导数搜索的迭代算法对初始值依赖性强、收敛速度慢并且容易陷入局部最优解;基于Fourier变换的方法具有本质的局限性;小波变换则可以同时刻画图像时域和频域的细节特征;有限元法通过重建对象像素的智能划分可以简化正问题的复杂性;而具有物理背景的蒙特卡罗法、模拟退火法、遗传算法、粒子滤波法及神经网络法更适合于复杂且非线性的图像重建;智能化、仿生化、并行化以及各种算法的融合是层析成像图像重建算法的发展趋势。     

大气湍流三维波前探测模式层析算法分析

大气湍流三维波前探测是实现多层共轭自适应光学技术的关键和前提. 对湍流三维波前探测中最常用的模式法层析技术进行理论研究与分析, 提出该算法存在原理性限制, 并基于此对模式法层析技术产生误差的原因展开分析, 最后针对不同类型的模式层析重构误差给出数值仿真实验结果.分析表明, 模式层析重构中使用了Zernike分解基的一部分作为新的分解基进行波面拟合, 从而引入模式混淆和模式耦合两个方面的误差; 部分Zernike分解基不相关是避免模式混淆误差的必要条件, 模式耦合误差则无法避免. 最后结合仿真结果提出大视场探测、小区域重构的方法, 很好地抑制了模式耦合误差. 关键词： 三维波前探测 大气层析 模式法 误差分析