Fast simulation of x-ray projections of spline-based surfaces using an append buffer

Maier A, Hofmann H, Schwemmer C, Hornegger J, Keil A, Fahrig R (2012)


Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

Original Authors: Maier A., Hofmann H., Schwemmer C., Hornegger J., Keil A., Fahrig R.

Publisher: Institute of Physics: Hybrid Open Access

Book Volume: 57

Pages Range: 6193-6210

Journal Issue: 19

DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/57/19/6193

Abstract

Many scientists in the field of x-ray imaging rely on the simulation of x-ray images. As the phantom models become more and more realistic, their projection requires high computational effort. Since x-ray images are based on transmission, many standard graphics acceleration algorithms cannot be applied to this task. However, if adapted properly, the simulation speed can be increased dramatically using state-of-the-art graphics hardware. A custom graphics pipeline that simulates transmission projections for tomographic reconstruction was implemented based on moving spline surface models. All steps from tessellation of the splines, projection onto the detector and drawing are implemented in OpenCL. We introduced a special append buffer for increased performance in order to store the intersections with the scene for every ray. Intersections are then sorted and resolved to materials. Lastly, an absorption model is evaluated to yield an absorption value for each projection pixel. Projection of a moving spline structure is fast and accurate. Projections of size 640×480 can be generated within 254ms. Reconstructions using the projections show errors below 1 HU with a sharp reconstruction kernel. Traditional GPU-based acceleration schemes are not suitable for our reconstruction task. Even in the absence of noise, they result in errors up to 9HU on average, although projection images appear to be correct under visual examination. Projections generated with our new method are suitable for the validation of novel CT reconstruction algorithms. For complex simulations, such as the evaluation of motion-compensated reconstruction algorithms, this kind of x-ray simulation will reduce the computation time dramatically. © 2012 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

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How to cite

APA:

Maier, A., Hofmann, H., Schwemmer, C., Hornegger, J., Keil, A., & Fahrig, R. (2012). Fast simulation of x-ray projections of spline-based surfaces using an append buffer. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 57(19), 6193-6210. https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/57/19/6193

MLA:

Maier, Andreas, et al. "Fast simulation of x-ray projections of spline-based surfaces using an append buffer." Physics in Medicine and Biology 57.19 (2012): 6193-6210.

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