Variable-length correlation method for motion correction in SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging

A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for compensating for body motions and heart creep in a sequence of image frames obtained by single-photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging, the method based on variable length correlation, and comprising the steps of:

• determining whether a bright spot corresponding to a non-heart motion exists in a particular image frame;
• automatically setting a y-coordinate lower limit of the particular image frame as an offset from a position of the bright spot, when the bright spot exists;
• automatically setting the y-coordinate lower limit of the particular image as an offset from a bottom of the particular image frame, when the bright spot does not exist;
• and
• detecting and correcting abrupt body motions, gradual body motions, and heart upward creep in the sequence of image frames, based on varying correlation lengths, wherein said detecting and correcting step is applied in the two-dimensional image domain.