Deconvolution-Based Backproject-Filter (BPF) Computed Tomography Image Reconstruction Method Using Deep Learning Technique

Abstract: For conventional computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction tasks, the most popular method is the so-called filtered-back-projection (FBP) algorithm. In it, the acquired Radon projections are usually filtered first by a ramp kernel before back-projected to generate CT images. In this work, as a contrary, we realized the idea of image-domain backproject-filter (BPF) CT image reconstruction using the deep learning techniques for the first time. With a properly designed convolutional neural network (CNN), preliminary results demonstrate that it is feasible to reconstruct CT images with maintained high spatial resolution and accurate pixel values from the highly blurred back-projection image, i.e., laminogram. In addition, experimental results also show that this deconvolution-based CT image reconstruction network has the potential to reduce CT image noise (up to 20%), indicating that patient radiation dose may be reduced. Due to these advantages, this proposed CNN-based image-domain BPF type CT image reconstruction scheme provides promising prospects in generating high spatial resolution, low-noise CT images for future clinical applications.