Methods for optimizing imaging technique parameters for photon-counting computed tomography
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsCynthia H. McCollough, Zhoubo Li, Shuai Leng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described here are systems and methods for optimization techniques for automatically selecting x-ray beam spectra, energy threshold, energy bin settings, and other imaging technique parameters for photon-counting detector computed tomography (“PCCT”). The techniques described here are generally based on subject or object size, material of interest, and location of the target material. Advantageously, the optimizations can be integrated with different PCCT systems to automatically select optimal imaging technique parameters before scanning a particular subject or object.
Claims9
A method for determining imaging technique parameters for a photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system, the steps of the method comprising:
- (a) selecting imaging technique parameters for the PCCT system;
- (b) computing optimal imaging technique parameters using an optimization in which each iteration of the optimization includes:
- (i) computing a Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) value for each of a plurality of different combinations of detector channels and projection angles associated with the PCCT system and based on the imaging technique parameters;
- (ii) computing an overall CRLB value as a weighted summation of the CRLB values;
- (iii) evaluating a stopping criterion based on the overall CRLB value;
- (iv) updating the imaging technique parameters when the stopping criterion is not satisfied;
- and
- (v) storing the imaging technique parameters as the optimal imaging technique parameters for later use with the PCCT system when the stopping criterion is satisfied.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.