Adaptive Artifact-Decoupling Error Corrective Reconstruction

To meet the Air Force need for noiseless, artifact-free X-ray computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the integrity of large solid rocket motors, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new artifact reduction CT technology based on Adaptive Artifact-Decoupling Error Corrective Reconstruction (AADECR). POC's AADECR adaptive reconstruction algorithm, designed for existing CT data from an ICT 1500/2500 system, includes a new distinct image analysis that separates pure image content from artifacts to eliminate CT artifacts quantitatively. The AADECR system will generalize an artifact-generation mechanism inherently embedded in conventional projection/reconstruction processes in a CT system, and then quantitatively compensate for reconstruction errors in images to eliminate artifacts induced by reconstruction calculations. AADECR will give better accuracy in a fraction of the time required by conventional high-cost computation methods. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the AADECR system, and test it on real or realistic data. In Phase II the algorithms developed in Phase I will be optimized for implementation on standalone hardware platforms capable of interfacing to CT systems installed at Hill AFB.