High-speed 3D imaging of the beating heart using temporal estimation

CT scanners require a finite time to collect projections around the object which is to be reconstructed. In order to obtain high temporal resolution images of moving structures, reconstruction from relatively few views must be carried out, since the extended time which would be required to collect a large number of views causes blurring in the reconstructions. This paper describes a method which improves the quality of images reconstructed from a relatively small number of measured views. This is accomplished by providing the reconstruction algorithm with additional unmeasured projections which are estimated in the time domain with the aid of Kalman-type filters. The procedure is tested using mathematical simulations and from data obtained by scanning a dog in the Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor—a high temporal resolution, synchronous volume (3-dimensional), computed tomography scanner.

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