CT simulations for test data

Abstract

Having sufficient data to test processing of reconstruction algorithms is often a challenge in medical CT imaging. Since, patient data is limited and cannot be shared easily. Additionally, quantitative evaluation on for instance accuracy is close to impossible for patient data considering the lack of ground truth. Therefore, we developed a CT simulator which is able to simulate the behavior of a clinical CT system. The simulator involves all steps of the CT image acquisition process. Starting with the number of x-ray photons send from the source towards the patient and detector. Followed by the interaction of the x-rays with the object, so patient, in the scanner and thus the subsequently the number of photons that reach the detector and are measured. The resolution characteristics of the detector, CT geometry, and rotation are considered, as well as the noise characteristics. By following all these steps realistic CT scans can be obtained of any voxelized phantom. Making this tool ideal for testing purposes.