Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging
Improved CT Image Reconstruction Method for Use with 1-D Detector Arrays
WARF: P03161US

Inventors: Guang-Hong Chen

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an improved algorithm for reconstructing CT images.
Overview
The introduction of 2-D detector arrays significantly improved the diagnostic potential of computed tomography (CT). However, accurate and efficient image construction from the data provided by these detectors has been challenging.
The Invention
A UW–Madison researcher has developed an improved algorithm for reconstructing CT images from scans performed with a fan beam source and a 1-D detector array. A major advantage of this algorithm is that, unlike those employed by most commercially available CT systems, images can be accurately reconstructed by using fan beam data acquired from a scanning path with angular coverage less than the standard 180+ fan angle. This feature improves the temporal resolution of fan beam CT cardiac imaging. The algorithm contains a filtered back projection (FBP) structure that allows the use of fast Fourier transform (FFT) to accelerate the image reconstruction process. It also acquires the data needed to image a region of interest with shorter scan paths than are required by previous algorithms involving FBP, potentially lowering the X-ray dosage associated with CT scanning.
Applications
  • CT image reconstruction
Key Benefits
  • Better suited to 2-D CT image reconstruction than previous techniques
  • By reducing scan times, promises to lessen patient exposure to X-ray radiation, a feature that is particularly advantageous in pediatric imaging and cardiac imaging
  • Allows the use of parallel processing to speed the image reconstruction process
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846

WARF