Abstract: A method for estimating randoms in PET imaging data includes acquiring imaging data that includes a plurality of singles and a plurality of randoms, where the randoms exhibit a non-exponential decay, generating a randoms correction estimate based on the non-exponential decay, and applying the randoms correction estimate to the imaging data to generate corrected imaging data. The method further includes generating an image using the corrected image data. An imaging system and computer readable medium programmed to estimate randoms is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging a patient is provided. The method includes receiving patient information, automatically selecting an imaging protocol based on the received information, and performing an imaging scan of the patient using the automatically selected imaging protocol.

Abstract: Methods for performing image reconstruction that include deriving background projection data for an area outside a targeted field of view of a tomographic image, and reconstructing the tomographic image of the targeted field of view, wherein the background projection data is used in the reconstruction. Methods for selecting a reconstruction methodology that include determining a number of pixels in a reconstructed image for a first reconstruction methodology, determining a number of pixels in a reconstructed image for a second reconstruction methodology, comparing the number of pixels for the first reconstruction methodology and the number of pixels for the second reconstruction methodology, and selecting the reconstruction methodology for image reconstruction based on the comparison of the number of pixels. Imaging systems implementing these methods are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for analyzing at least one abnormality of an object is described. The method includes obtaining a first image containing an abnormality using a first modality, obtaining a second image containing the abnormality using a second modality, selecting a first region of interest located within the first image, determining an anatomical size of the abnormality based on the first region of interest in the first image, and determining a relative metabolic activity based on a second region of interest within the second image.

Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an image in a time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) system is provided. The method includes using a reconstructed image to determine predicted timing information. Timing bias data is updated based on received timing information associated with acquired scan data from a PET system and the predicted timing information. The method further includes reconstructing the image, based on the updated timing bias data.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a technique for reconstructing PET scan images. According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reconstructing PET scan images. The method comprises: detecting a plurality of coincidence events in a PET scanner; storing data associated with the plurality of coincidence events in a chronological list based on a detection time for each of the plurality of coincidence events; generating correction data based on scatter coincidence events and random coincidence events in the plurality of coincidence events; and reconstructing one or more PET scan images based at least in part on the chronological list of data and the correction data.

Abstract: A method for correcting emission data from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or SPECT includes generating a plurality of computed tomography (CT) image data, selecting a portion of the CT image data, processing the selected CT data to generate a plurality of attenuation correction (CTAC) factors at the appropriate energy of the emission data, weighting the CTAC factors to generate an emission attenuation correction map wherein the weights are determined based on the axial location and the slice thickness of the CT data and the axial location and the slice thickness of the PET or SPECT data, and utilizing the generated attenuation correction map to generate an attenuation corrected PET image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing scatter correction in a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes determining a look-up table of scatter sinograms during a PET acquisition scan period. The method further includes scatter correcting acquired scan data obtained during the PET acquisition scan period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes determining at least one non-acquisition time period for the PET system. The method further includes automatically acquiring calibration data during the at least one non-acquisition time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a PET system during an imaging scan using the PET system. The method further includes processing the received timing information and timing bias information relating to the PET system to control the PET system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image overlap correction are provided. The method includes acquiring the emission projection data from a plurality of scan frames that extend across at least a portion of a length of an object being imaged wherein elements of the object lie between a region of overlap between two successive frames. The method further includes iteratively reconstructing a 3D image volume from multi-frame emission projection data by updating an estimate of 3D image volume using emission projection data from the plurality of frames within an iterative reconstruction loop.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for timing calibration in a PET scanner. According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for timing calibration in a PET scanner having a plurality of scintillator blocks. The method comprises: detecting, in a first scintillator block, a first radiation event, wherein the first scintillator block time-stamps the first radiation event; detecting, in a second scintillator block that is adjacent to the first scintillator block, a second radiation event that corresponds to the first radiation event, wherein the second scintillator block time-stamps the second radiation event; and determining a timing characteristic of the first scintillator block with respect to the second scintillator block based on a comparison between the time-stamps of the first radiation event and the second radiation event.

Abstract: A method and system for normalization of a positron emission tomography system are provided. The method includes determining a plurality of block busy fractions for a positron emission tomography system and using the determined block busy fractions to provide correction during normalization of the positron emission tomography system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system is disclosed. The method includes acquiring image data and time-of-flight information from a PET system during an imaging scan. Further, the method includes performing scatter correction on the image data using the time-of-flight information.

Abstract: A method for determining component misalignment in a multi-modality imaging system including a first modality unit, a second modality unit, and a table, includes imaging an object with the first modality unit to generate a first image, imaging the object with the second modality unit to generate a second image, and determining a table alignment status using the first and second images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging by using a filter for Time-Of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography (TOF PET) are described. The described methods of imaging a patient by using a positron emission tomography (PET) system includes acquiring a plurality of frames of sinogram data, filtering the acquired sinogram data and back-projecting the filtered sinogram data to form an output image of the patient. The acquired sinogram data defines a line of response (LOR) and a time-of-flight (TOF) measurement that localizes positron annihilation within the patient. The filtering of the acquired sinogram data is performed using the TOF measurement.

Abstract: A method and system for normalization of a positron emission tomography system is provided. The method includes acquiring three-dimensional normalization scan data from a positron emission tomography system with at least one septum and determining a down-sampling factor based in part on the configuration of the at least one septum. The method further includes modifying the three-dimensional normalization scan data using the down-sampling factor.

Abstract: A method includes scanning an object in a first modality having a first field of view to obtain first modality data including fully sampled field of view data and partially sampled field of view data. The method also includes scanning the object in a second modality having a second field of view larger than the first field of view of obtain second modality data, and reconstructing an image of the object using the second modality data and the first modality partially sampled field of view data.

Abstract: A method for retrospectively correcting data prior to image reconstruction using an imaging system, wherein the method includes acquiring a first sinogram of a first slice of an object at a first axial field of view and a second sinogram of the first slice of the object at a second axial field of view different than the first axial field of view, determining at least one boundary of the object in the first sinogram and the second sinogram at the first slice, measuring a shift between the first sinogram and the second sinogram using the determined boundaries, and generating a corrected image using the measured shift.

Abstract: A method for determining component misalignment in a multi-modality imaging system including a first modality unit, a second modality unit, and a table, includes imaging an object with the first modality unit to generate a first image, imaging the object with the second modality unit to generate a second image, and determining a table alignment status using the first and second images.