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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

代数迭代法用于傅里叶变换计算层析成像光谱仪数据重建

主要介绍代数迭代法在傅里叶变换计算层析成像光谱仪数据处理中的应用。根据4种不同投影数进行了光谱切片重建,并对光谱相似性进行了比较。针对ART算法可应用少数投影重建的特点,专门在45个投影数时,采用不同迭代系数进行了重建,并进行了比较。最后,对实际场景进行了光谱切片重建。     

Image reconstruction for cone-beam computed tomography using total p-variation plus Kullback-Leibler data divergence

Accurate reconstruction from a reduced data set is highly essential for computed tomography in fast and/or low dose imaging applications. Conventional total variation(TV)-based algorithms apply the L1 norm-based penalties, which are not as efficient as Lp(0 p 1) quasi-norm-based penalties. TV with a p-th power-based norm can serve as a feasible alternative of the conventional TV, which is referred to as total p-variation(TpV). This paper proposes a TpV-based reconstruction model and develops an efficient algorithm. The total p-variation and Kullback-Leibler(KL) data divergence, which has better noise suppression capability compared with the often-used quadratic term, are combined to build the reconstruction model. The proposed algorithm is derived by the alternating direction method(ADM) which offers a stable, efficient, and easily coded implementation. We apply the proposed method in the reconstructions from very few views of projections(7 views evenly acquired within 180°). The images reconstructed by the new method show clearer edges and higher numerical accuracy than the conventional TV method. Both the simulations and real CT data experiments indicate that the proposed method may be promising for practical applications.     

Refraction losses in terahertz computed tomography

Terahertz pulsed imaging has been used to perform computed tomography of three-dimensional objects inducing high refraction losses. We were able to obtain cross-sectional images of the targets by using a computed tomographic analysis of the terahertz signal based on a multi-peak averaging procedure. Some examples are presented of objects with complex shape such as a Teflon cylinder and a dried chicken bone.     

General formula for fan-beam computed tomography

In this Letter, we derive a general reconstruction formula for fan-beam computed tomography (CT) utilizing the two-dimensional Dirac function, which is useful in CT imaging for moving objects.     

Cosine fitting radiography and computed tomography

A new method in diffraction-enhanced imaging computed tomography(DEI-CT) that follows the idea developed by Chapman et al.[Chapman D,Thomlinson W,Johnston R E,Washburn D,Pisano E,Gmur N,Zhong Z,Menk R,Arfelli F and Sayers D 1997 Phys.Med.Biol.42 2015] in 1997 is proposed in this paper.Merged with a "reverse projections"algorithm,only two sets of projection datasets at two defined orientations of the analyzer crystal are needed to reconstruct the linear absorption coefficient,the decrement of the real part of the refractive index and the linear scattering coefficient of the sample.Not only does this method reduce the delivered dose to the sample without degrading the image quality,but,compared with the existing DEI-CT approaches,it simplifies data-acquisition procedures.Experimental results confirm the reliability of this new method for DEI-CT applications.     

Application of computed tomography to microgravity combustion

This paper describes applications of computed tomography (CT) to combustion phenomena under microgravity conditions. Infrared Thermography (IT) has been considered as a promising method for two-dimensional measurement of flames. We have applied IT to CT for a butane flame under microgravity conditions. The method joining spectroscopy to CT for diffusion flame of hydrogen has also been carried out. Intensity of chemical luminescence, which is originated from combustion-chemical reaction in the flame, can be measured by scanning a spectrometer with collimator. The effectiveness of the CT applications to microgravity combustion has been confirmed from two method.     

Evaluation of dosimetry and image of very low-dose computed tomography attenuation correction for pediatric positron emission tomography/computed tomography: phantom study

In this study, phantom was used to evaluate attenuation correction computed tomography (CT) dose and image in case of pediatric positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan. Three PET/CT scanners were used along with acryl phantom in the size for infant and ion-chamber dosimeter. The CT image acquisition conditions were changed from 10 to 20, 40, 80, 100 and 160 mA and from 80 to 100, 120 and 140 kVp, which aimed at evaluating penetrate dose and computed tomography dose index_volume (CTDI_vol) value. And NEMA PET Phantom? was used to obtain PET image under the same CT conditions in order to evaluate each attenuation-corrected PET image based on standard uptake value (SUV) value and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In general, the penetrate dose was reduced by around 92% under the minimum CT conditions (80 kVp and 10 mA) with the decrease in CTDI_vol value by around 88%, compared with the pediatric abdomen CT conditions (100 kVp and 100 mA). The PET image with its attenuation corrected according to each CT condition showed no change in SUV value and no influence on the SNR. In conclusion, if the minimum dose CT that is properly applied to body of pediatric patient is corrected for attenuation to ensure that the effective dose is reduced by around 90% or more compared with that for adult patient, this will be useful to reduce radiation exposure level.