投影数据预处理三维CT重构算法研究

大面积非晶硅平板探测器在工业透射射线成像领域得到越来越多的应用.基于FPD的圆轨道FDK型三维计算机层析成像技术(3D-CT)检测速度快,但成像质量不及2D-CT.为发挥3D-CT速度优势,抑制噪声,同时提高图像重建的质量,以由平板探测器得到的二维投影数据为研究对象,提出了一种对投影数据进行小波分解,分别对高频和低频进行两次滤波的投影预处理方法,然后将分别重建的图像叠加,最终得到高质量的重建图像.算法的仿真实验结果表明,重建图像质量得到明显改善,系统噪声得到抑制.     

Image reconstruction for hybrid true-color micro-CT

X-ray micro-CT is an important imaging tool for biomedical researchers. Our group has recently proposed a hybrid "true-color" micro-CT system to improve contrast resolution with lower system cost and radiation dose. The system incorporates an energy-resolved photon-counting true-color detector into a conventional micro-CT configuration, and can be used for material decomposition. In this paper, we demonstrate an interior color-CT image reconstruction algorithm developed for this hybrid true-color micro-CT system. A compressive sensing-based statistical interior tomography method is employed to reconstruct each channel in the local spectral imaging chain, where the reconstructed global gray-scale image from the conventional imaging chain served as the initial guess. Principal component analysis was used to map the spectral reconstructions into the color space. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by numerical simulations, physical phantom experiments, and animal studies. The results confirm the merits of the proposed algorithm, and demonstrate the feasibility of the hybrid true-color micro-CT system. Additionally, a "color diffusion" phenomenon was observed whereby high-quality true-color images are produced not only inside the region of interest, but also in neighboring regions. It appears harnessing that this phenomenon could potentially reduce the color detector size for a given ROI, further reducing system cost and radiation dose.     

Maximum entropy image reconstruction for an object with opaque obstructions

In the case of image reconstruction from missing projection data such as imaging an object with opaque obstructions, the conventional maximum entropy technique reconstructs a degraded image, which results from missing projection data. In this paper, we propose an improved maximum entropy technique based on a good estimation of missing projection data. Computer simulation using the proposed algorithm shows a significant improvement in image quality and convergence behavior over the conventional algorithms. This algorithm is also applied successfully to ultrasound attenuation CT (computed tomography) using a sponge phantom.     

Small vessel enhancement in MRA images using local maximum meanprocessing

The enhancement of small vessels in MRA imaging is an important problem. In this paper, we propose using local maximum mean (LMM) processing to enhance the detectability of small vessels. At each voxel in the original three-dimensional (3-D) data set, the LMM over the line segments in the cube centered at the voxel is taken and used to form the 3-D LMM data set. The maximum intensity projection (MIP) is then applied to the LMM data to produce the two-dimensional (2-D) LMM-MIP image. Through LMM processing, the variance of background tissue is reduced, thus increasing the detectability of small vessels. Moreover, the single bright voxels are suppressed and the disconnected small vessels can be connected. However, the LMM processing widens the larger, brighter vessels. To keep the advantages provided by both the LMM-MIP and MIP images, it is proposed that weight functions be used to combine them. The performance of the LMM-MIP algorithm is analyzed and compared with the performance of the MIP algorithm under three measures: The vessel voxel projection probability, the vessel receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the vessel-tissue contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Closed forms of the three measures are obtained. It is shown that the LMM-MIP algorithm improves the detectability of small vessels under all three measures. The longer the projection path and the larger the CNR of the original data, then the greater the improvement. Confirming the theoretical analysis, results of an experiment utilizing practical MRA data demonstrate the improved visual quality of small vessels.     

一种完全映射近场成像方法

使用传统映射近场成像方法得到的目标像,其边缘存在位置偏差.本文提出了一种完全映射方法来矫正近场像克服了这一问题.利用驻定相位法,从成像公式推导出近场像映射关系.分别采用弧形映射方法、广义相干处理法(ECP法)、球面卷积反投影法(SBP法)及本文方法对近场点阵散射仿真数据进行成像处理,比较这几种种方法的成像效果及计算速度.从计算结果可以看出,完全映射法是一种高效的近场成像方法,可以准确得到近场像,同时又有较快的处理速度.     

Tilt-angle measurement of a sample stage using a capacitive liquid-based inclinometer

Alignment of projection images in tomographic reconstruction is a critical process that governs the quality of the reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) image. The most popular alignment method is the marker-based alignment, which typically uses colloidal gold particles added to the specimen (called fiducial markers) to calculate the coordinates of each projection image in the tilt series. This method, however, is not effective when each image contains only a small number of fiducial markers. Therefore, of all the parameters required for alignment, we focussed on the tilt angle and attempted to gage it directly in order to examine whether the acquired angle is accurate enough to perform tomographic reconstruction. We showed that the tilt angle measured using a commercially available capacitive liquid-based inclinometer is more precise than the reading from the monitor of the electron microscope and that it can lead to 3D reconstructions of quality similar to those obtained by the marker-based alignment method.     

Estimation of the heart respiratory motion with applications for cone beam computed tomography imaging: a simulation study

Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction methods assume imaging of static objects; object movement during projection data acquisition causes tomogram artifacts. The continuously moving heart, therefore, represents a complicated imaging case. The associated problems due to the heart beating can be overcome either by using very short projection acquisition times, during which the heart may be considered static, or by ECG-gated acquisition. In the latter case, however, the acquisition of a large number of projections may not be completed in a single breath hold, thus heart displacement occurs as an additional problem. This problem has been addressed by applying heart motion models in various respiratory motion compensation algorithms. Our paper focuses on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), performed in conjunction with isocentric, fluoroscopic equipment, and continuous ECG and respiratory monitoring. Such equipment is used primarily for in-theater three-dimensional (3-D) imaging and benefits particularly from the recent developments in flat panel detector technologies. The objectives of this paper are: (i) to develop a model for the motion of the heart due to respiration during the respiratory cycle; (ii) to apply this model to the tomographic reconstruction algorithm, in order to account for heart movement due to respiration in the reconstruction; and (iii) to initially evaluate this method by means of simulation studies. Based on simulation studies, we were able to demonstrate that heart displacement due to respiration can be estimated from the same projection data, required for a CBCT reconstruction. Our paper includes semiautomatic segmentation of the heart on the X-ray projections and reconstruction of a convex 3-D-heart object that performs the same motion as the heart during respiration, and use of this information into the CBCT reconstruction algorithm. The results reveal significant image quality improvements in cardiac image reconstruction.     

图像代数重建算法的并行性研究

针对CT图像重建中不完备投影数据重建问题,提出了基于迭代的代数重建(ART)算法。为了解决ART算法重建速度慢这一问题,文中采用计算机集群的并行加速处理技术,将投影角度均匀地分配给适当的多个CPU,再将多个CPU并行独立运行的重建结果进行加权平均。实验数据表明,图像重建速度提高近6倍(CPU个数为6),图像重建质量优于传统的串行重建质量,且提高了ART算法的实现效率。     

Surface Reconstruction for Free-Space 360 ° Fluorescence Molecular Tomography and the Effects of Animal Motion

Complete projection (360deg) free-space fluorescence tomography of opaque media is poised to enable 3-D imaging through entire small animals in vivo with improved depth resolution compared to 360deg-projection fiber-based systems or limited-view angle systems. This approach can lead to a new generation of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) performance since it allows high spatial sampling of photon fields propagating through tissue at any projection, employing nonconstricted animal surfaces. Herein, we employ a volume carving method to capture 3-D surfaces of diffusive objects and register the captured surface in the geometry of an FMT 360deg-projection acquisition system to obtain 3-D fluorescence image reconstructions. Using experimental measurements we evaluate the accuracy of the surface capture procedure by reconstructing the surfaces of phantoms of known dimensions. We then employ this methodology to characterize the animal movement of anaesthetized animals. We find that the effects of animal movement on the FMT reconstructed image were within system resolution limits (~0.07 cm).     

Optimal k-space sampling in MRSI for images with a limited region of support

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging requires a great deal of time to gather the data necessary to achieve satisfactory resolution. When the image has a limited region of support (ROS), it is possible to reconstruct the image from a subset of k-space samples. Therefore, we desire to choose the best possible combination of a small number of k-space samples to guarantee the quality of the reconstructed image. Sequential forward selection (SFS) is appealing as an optimization method because the previously selected sample can be observed while the next sample is selected. However, when the number of selected k-space samples is less than the number of unknowns at the beginning of the selection process, the optimality criterion is undefined and the resulting SFS algorithm cannot be used. In this paper, we present a modified form of the criterion that overcomes this problem and develop an SFS algorithm for the new criterion. Then we develop an efficient computational strategy for this algorithm as well as for the standard SFS algorithm. The combined algorithm efficiently selects a reduced set of k-space samples from which the ROS can be reconstructed with minimal noise amplification.     

Surface Reconstruction for free-space 360 degrees fluorescence molecular tomography and the effects of animal motion.

Complete projection (360 degrees ) free-space fluorescence tomography of opaque media is poised to enable 3-D imaging through entire small animals in vivo with improved depth resolution compared to 360 degrees -projection fiber-based systems or limited-view angle systems. This approach can lead to a new generation of Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (FMT) performance since it allows high spatial sampling of photon fields propagating through tissue at any projection, employing nonconstricted animal surfaces. Herein, we employ a volume carving method to capture 3-D surfaces of diffusive objects and register the captured surface in the geometry of an FMT 360 degrees -projection acquisition system to obtain 3-D fluorescence image reconstructions. Using experimental measurements we evaluate the accuracy of the surface capture procedure by reconstructing the surfaces of phantoms of known dimensions. We then employ this methodology to characterize the animal movement of anaesthetized animals. We find that the effects of animal movement on the FMT reconstructed image were within system resolution limits (approximately 0.07 cm).     

导数法峰值锐化算法提高磁感应成像图像分辨率

磁感应成像(MIT)是一种利用电磁感应原理重构生物组织电导率分布的非接触式电阻抗成像技术。该文利用亥姆霍兹线圈和20个检测线圈搭建了旋转式磁感应成像系统,利用滤波反投影算法重构图像。分别利用2阶和4阶导数法峰值锐化算法处理单目标和双目标检测线圈的测量数据,通过3个客观参数对比处理前后的重构图像结果。结果证明磁感应成像中导数法峰值锐化能够有效地增加图像质量。     

基于DWT-IRLS算法的超声断层成像方法研究

超声成像因非侵入式、成本低且实时性好而被广泛应用。超声系统需要大量的采集通道数据和较高的采样率来提高图像重建质量,导致成像耗时,系统复杂。压缩感知(compressed sensing, CS)算法能够在欠采样的条件下用较少的测量值重构出原始信号。因此,针对系统面临的采样率高,数据量大的问题,本文将CS理论中的DWT-IRLS算法应用在超声成像中,通过离散小波变换基(discrete wavelet transformation, DWT)对超声数据进行稀疏转换,对高低频系数进行采样测量,并使用迭代重加权最小二乘法(iterative reweighted least squares, IRLS)进行测量系数重构,最后对变换域系数进行DWT逆转换得到重建图像。通过实验分析,以50%原始数据重建图像效果逐渐趋于稳定,在均方误差和峰值信噪比方面进行对比分析,DWT-IRLS算法相比较于DWT-OMP、DWT-CoSamp和DCT-IRLS等重构算法,成像质量更高,细节特征更为明显。     

光CT的扇束投影重排方法及投影几何分析

在工业过程监控中,由于被测物理过程的发生时间短,因此光CT装置将不可能象医学CT那样有充足的时间进行"静态"成像,而是必须进行实时性较高的"动态"成像(或称为流动成像).其制约是光线扫描的投影视角和投影数量都不可能太多.根据这一情况,在医学CT中常用的一些图像重建算法如反投影法、滤波反投影法和投影重排方法都必须加以改进才能引用.为此,本文研究扇束投影重排方法在光学流动成像中的应用可行性,分析其计算方法和步骤,并确定光线扇束结构中的光源个数、扇形张角和探测器个数之间的约束关系,同时也分析了内插精度对图像质量的影响.在数值模拟实验中,将投影重排方法与反投影法的重建图象进行了比较,进一步评判本文方法的图象质量和成像实时性等方面的性能.     

结合字典稀疏表示和非局部相似性的自适应压缩成像算法

如何以较少的观测值重构出高质量的图像是压缩成像系统的一个关键问题.本文根据图像块随机投影能量大小分布特点,提出了一种新的自适应采样方式以及针对自适应采样的有效重构算法.重构时利用了图像在字典下的稀疏表示原理和图像的非局部相似性先验知识.为实现图像的稀疏表示,文中构造了由多个方向字典和一个正交DCT字典组成的冗余字典,并用l1范数作为约束条件求解稀疏优化问题.由于充分利用了图像块的局部特性和图像的非局部特性,本文的压缩成像算法在低采样率下能重构出较高质量的图像.     

Influence of the image quality deterioration of a tilted thick specimen on electron tomography

In electron tomography (ET) based on a transmission electron microscope, the effective thickness of a specimen increases with the tilt angle and, therefore, the projection quality may deteriorate because of electron scattering. The information-missing region, however, can be reduced by broadening the specimen tilt range. To clarify the general influence of these effects on ET, the projection quality varying with the tilt angle was quantitatively evaluated for a 5-microm thick specimen observed with a 3 MV ultrahigh-voltage electron microscope. Simulations of three-dimensional reconstruction were then performed for different specimen thicknesses and tilt ranges. As a result, the ET accuracy was shown to decrease as the specimen thickness increased. However, an optimum specimen-tilt range, at which ET could reach its highest accuracy, was found to exist and become small with the increase of the specimen thickness. The presented results are helpful for determining the specimen thickness limitation on the ET resolution and improving the ET fidelity of thick specimens.     

基于Mean Shift和插值图像修复算法的CT图像金属伪影消除方法

近年来CT成像技术在临床医学中广泛应用,但当病人体内含有金属移植物时,由于射线硬化等原因很可能在金属物体周围产生亮暗伪影,降低图像质量,影响诊断的准确性.为了消除CT图像中的金属伪影,本文提出基于Mean Shift和插值图像修复的算法,基本流程为用自适应Mean Shift算法预处理CT图像,平滑噪声和轻度伪影,用简化的Mean Shift算法快速精确分割金属物体,由修复组织信息的插值图像生成先验图像,用先验图像的投影数据替换原投影数据得到校正后的CT图像.经过对比实验,文中算法在去除金属伪影的同时,能够保护原有CT图像的组织结构,取得了更好的处理效果.     

Image denoising based on multiscale singularity detection for cone beam CT breast imaging

It was recently reported that the real-time flat panel detector-based cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) breast imaging can help improve the detectability of small breast tumors with an X-ray dose comparable to that of the conventional mammography. In this paper, an efficient denoising algorithm is proposed to further reduce the X-ray exposure level required by a CBCT scan to acquire acceptable image quality. The proposed wavelet-based denoising algorithm possesses three significant characteristics: 1) wavelet coefficients at each scale are classified into two categories: irregular coefficients, and edge-related and regular coefficients; 2) noise in irregular coefficients is reduced as much as possible without producing artifacts to the denoised images; and 3) for the edge-related and regular coefficients, if they are at the first decomposition level, they are further denoised, otherwise, no modifications are made to them so as to obtain good visual quality for diagnosis. By applying the proposed denoising algorithm to the filtered projection images, the X-ray exposure level necessary for the CBCT scan can be reduced by up to 60% while obtaining clinically acceptable image quality. This denoising result indicates that in the clinical application of CBCT breast imaging, the patient radiation dose can be significantly reduced.     

基于几何投影的线扩展函数算法研究

线扩展函数测试是光学成像系统成像质量评价中最重要的一部分,线扩展函数测量精度的高低直接影响到系统调制传递函数(MTF)曲线的测量精度.为了提高线扩展函数的测量精度,提出了一种基于几何投影的线扩展函数测试算法.从算法的原理分析入手,通过感兴趣区域(ROI)截取、狭缝确认及投影计算,拟合得到线扩展函数曲线.用中波红外探测器...     

高速128通道小动物多光谱光声断层成像系统

为了实现小动物光声断层信号的高速采集和实时高质量图像的重建,采用了覆盖角度为270°的128阵元弧形聚焦超声换能器、4个32通道的NI公司数据采集模块和可调谐脉冲激光器以及正则化优化的基于模型的光声断层重建算法。结果表明,系统的空间分辨率可以达到180μm;此系统可以在1ms内完成光声断层数据的采集,在40s以内获得高质量的重建图像。该系统可以用于开展小动物在体的多光谱光声断层成像实验研究。