A deep learning reconstruction framework for X-ray computed tomography with incomplete data

PLoS One. 2019 Nov 1;14(11):e0224426. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224426. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

As a powerful imaging tool, X-ray computed tomography (CT) allows us to investigate the inner structures of specimens in a quantitative and nondestructive way. Limited by the implementation conditions, CT with incomplete projections happens quite often. Conventional reconstruction algorithms are not easy to deal with incomplete data. They are usually involved with complicated parameter selection operations, also sensitive to noise and time-consuming. In this paper, we reported a deep learning reconstruction framework for incomplete data CT. It is the tight coupling of the deep learning U-net and CT reconstruction algorithm in the domain of the projection sinograms. The U-net estimated results are not the artifacts caused by the incomplete data, but the complete projection sinograms. After training, this framework is determined and can reconstruct the final high quality CT image from a given incomplete projection sinogram. Taking the sparse-view and limited-angle CT as examples, this framework has been validated and demonstrated with synthetic and experimental data sets. Embedded with CT reconstruction, this framework naturally encapsulates the physical imaging model of CT systems and is easy to be extended to deal with other challenges. This work is helpful to push the application of the state-of-the-art deep learning techniques in the field of CT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Models, Statistical
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods

Grants and funding

This work is partly supported by Hongxia Chemical Co., Ltd, Hohhot, China. The funder provided financial support in the form of research funds for author JF but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of the author are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section. In addition, this work was supported by the Joint Fund of Research utilizing Large-scale Scientific Facilities grants U1932111 and U1432101, the National Natural Science Foundation of China grants 11574023 and 51975026, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China grant 2018ZX04018001-006 to JF. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.