[en] To reduce the patient dose, several approaches such as spectral imaging using photon counting detectors and statistical image reconstruction, are being considered. Although image-reconstruction algorithms may significantly enhance image quality in reconstructed images with low dose, true signal-to-noise properties are mainly determined by image quality in projections. We are developing an analytical simulation platform describing projections to investigate how quantum-interaction physics in each component configuring CT systems affect image quality in projections. This simulator will be very useful for an improved design or optimization of CT systems in economy as well as the development of novel image-reconstruction algorithms. In this study, we present the progress of development of the simulation platform with an emphasis on the theoretical framework describing the generation of projection data. We have prepared the analytical simulation platform describing projections in computed tomography systems. The remained further study before the meeting includes the following: Each stage in the cascaded signal-transfer model for obtaining projections will be validated by the Monte Carlo simulations. We will build up energy-dependent scatter and pixel-crosstalk kernels, and show their effects on image quality in projections and reconstructed images. We will investigate the effects of projections obtained from various imaging conditions and system (or detector) operation parameters on reconstructed images. It is challenging to include the interaction physics due to photon-counting detectors into the simulation platform. Detailed descriptions of the simulator will be presented with discussions on its performance and limitation as well as Monte Carlo validations. Computational cost will also be addressed in detail. The proposed method in this study is simple and can be used conveniently in lab environment

[en] Chest radiography is the most widely used imaging modality in medicine. However, the diagnostic performance of chest radiography is deteriorated by the anatomical background of the patient. So, dual energy imaging (DEI) has recently been emerged and demonstrated an improved. However, the typical DEI requires more than two projections, hence causing additional patient dose. The motion artifact is another concern in the DEI. In this study, we investigate DEI-like bone-suppressed imaging based on the post processing of a single radiograph. To obtain bone-only images, we use the artificial neural network (ANN) method with the error backpropagation-based machine learning approach. The computational load of learning process of the ANN is too heavy for a practical implementation because we use the gradient descent method for the error backpropagation. We will use a more advanced error propagation method for the learning process

[en] As a result, there exist apparent limitations in the conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiography: One is that the contrast between the structure of interest and the background in a radiograph is much less than the intrinsic subject contrast (i.e. the difference between their attenuation coefficients; Another is that the superimposed anatomical structures in the 2D radiograph results in an anatomical background clutter that may decrease the conspicuity of subtle underlying features. These limitations in spatial and material discrimination are important motivations for the recent development of 3D (e.g. tomosynthesis) and dual energy imaging (DEI) systems. DEI technique uses a combination of two images obtained at two different energies in successive x-ray exposures by rapidly switching the kilovolage (kV) applied to the x-ray tube. Commercial DEI systems usually employ a 'single' of flat-panel detector (FPD) to obtain two different kV images. However, we have a doubt in the use of the same detector for acquiring two different projections for the low- and high-kV setups because it is typically known that there exists an optimal detector thickness regarding specific imaging tasks or energies used

[en] These algorithms have their own merits and demerits, in terms of image quality and reconstruction speed. For the industrial applications, such as multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) inspection, the automated inspection systems require real time imaging and high spatial resolution. In this study, we quantitatively evaluate the performance of FBP and SART for planar computed tomography (pCT) systems. The performance includes the contrast, and depth resolution. These benefits will be normalized by costs, such as tube loading and speed. In order to accomplish it, further study is needed. First of all, it should be verified by experiment that the algorithm works correctly. Once we prove the algorithm is correct for the PCB phantom, then the results of reconstruction images will be compared by using metric parameters

[en] We have developed the cascaded-systems model to investigate the signal and noise characteristics in the flat-panel sandwich detector which was developed for the preclinical single-shot dual-energy x-ray imaging. The model incorporates parallel branches to include direct interaction of x-rays in photodiode that is unavoidable in the sandwich structure with a corresponding potential increase in image noise. The model has been validated in comparison with the experimental. The cascaded-systems analysis shows that direct x-ray interaction noise behaves as additive electronic noise that is white in the frequency domain; hence it is harmful to the DQE at higher frequencies where the number of secondary quanta lessens. Even at zero frequency, the direct x-ray interaction noise can reduce the DQE of the detectors investigated in this study by ∼20% for the 60 kV x-ray spectrum. The DQE of rear detector in the sandwich structure is sensitive to additive electronic noise because of the enhancement in the number of electronic noise quanta relative to that of x-ray quanta that are attenuated through the front layers including the intermediate filter layer (i.e. incident photon fluence times transmission factor)

[en] X-ray defect inspection apparatus can be used in the production line to inspect the PCB. However, a simple X-ray radiography cannot discriminate defects from the multi-layer PCBs because the layers of them overlays the defects. To complement this issue, computed tomography (CT) technology is applied to the NDT system which can offer 3-dimensional information of object. However, CT requires hundreds of projection images to examine a single PCB, hence real-time inspection is nearly impossible. In this study, we develop a planar computed tomography (pCT) system appropriate for the multi-layer PCB inspection. For the image reconstruction of planar cross-section images, we use the digital tomosynthesis (DTS) concept in association with the limited angle scanning. and performance characterization of the pCT system for the PCB inspection. The 3-d Fourier characteristics and more quantitative performance, such as contrast, uniformity, depth resolution will be presented. The cross-sectional images of multi-layer PCBs will also be demonstrated

[en] The double-shot dual-energy imaging (DEI) can discriminate, or enhance, material content (e.g., bone or soft tissue) within a two-dimensional radiograph and can provide improved visualization of lesions for clinician. Existing double-shot DEI system uses the fast kilovoltage (kV) switching technique (also known as the double-shot or double-exposure technique). However, the double-shot technique is susceptible to motion artifacts resulting from an anatomical mismatch between two successive exposures. We have built the sandwich detector for the singleshot DEI. In order to quantitatively evaluate the imaging performance, we measured the characteristic curve, MTF, NNPS, and DQE of the sandwich detector. The imaging characteristics of the front detector are barely affected by the sandwich structure. On the other hand, a thicker filtration reduces the rear detector response and degrades the NNPS. The MTF of the rear detector is not affected by variations in the Cu filter

[en] The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of images obtained from the step-and-shoot and continuous scanning methods in terms of system resolution. In addition, this study aims to determine the fastest continuous scanning speed with image quality enough for the defect inspection. Computed tomography (CT) is an emerging technology for the non-destructive testing (NDT) of high precision manufacturing to enhance the production reliability. In order to use the CT for the NDT, high-speed inspection is essential for a higher production yield. However, conventional high resolution CT systems usually require terms of minutes to take exam because they employ the step-and-shoot protocol to avoid motion blur during the image acquisition. Unlike the step-and-shoot protocol, continuous scan protocol, which simultaneously acquires projection images during the rotation, can only require terms of seconds because it can ignore the time delay between 'stop and go' steps of rotation. Continuous scan is used for medical CT systems. However, the loss of system resolution originated from the motion blur cannot be avoidable. In order to investigate the relationship between acquisition time and image quality of continuous scanning, the experiment will be conducted with varying rotational speed of object

[en] Single-shot dual-energy imaging, using sandwich detector, the rear detector usually uses a thicker x-ray converter to enhance quantum efficiency with the higher-energy spectrum, hence providing a blurrier image than the front detector. The weighted logarithmic subtraction of the two images therefore results in a form of unsharp masking that enhances edges in the resultant image. Inspired by this observation, we have developed a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) system with the sandwich detector for high-resolution bone imaging of small animals. The sandwich detector consists of two flat-panel detectors by stacking one upon the other. Although the x-ray beam continuously irradiates, the step-rotation of an object and stay-readout of projection data were considered for the scanning and data gathering. It will be necessary that more elaborate experiments with the mouse and/or other quantitative phantoms. And quantification of the image quality of bone-enhanced images in comparisons with the conventional images will be performed. The image analysis of differences between bone-enhanced images obtained from the projection- and image-based approaches can be performed

[en] We used the Monte Carlo method to evaluate s-value parameter for prediction of Sn-117m radio-pharmaceuticals production compared with I-131. In this study, we developed a customizable digital mouse phantom, because principal therapeutic applications of Sn-117m and I-131 are leukemia, lymphomas, solid tumor and metastatic bone pain. These applications are needed S-values of blood, tumor and bone for radiopharmaceuticals research. The results of this study, lower S-values of Sn-117m compared with I-131, can support to estimate Sn-117m radiopharmaceuticals production yield. It can further be applied to evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics research with dose calculation. In addition, the results can be used to determine proper administrative injection dose for radiopharmaceuticals.