Guided breathing system for medical imaging

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for assisting a subject of a medical imaging examination in performing guided breathing. In one embodiment, a method for a medical imaging system includes generating a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation of a portion of a surface of a chest and / or an abdominal cavity of a subject of the medical imaging system (552), the portion being sized adjustable by an operator of the medical imaging system; displaying a change in the 3-D virtual representation in real-time to the subject on a display device of the medical imaging system while the subject breathes (416); using the 3-D virtual representation as guidance, displaying instructions on the display device to the subject to perform guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern (552); and in response to detecting a deviation of the breathing pattern of the subject from the selected breathing pattern, indicating the deviation to the subject (558).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to medical imaging systems. Background Art

[0002] In a medical imaging system, a scanner generates a signal based on the detected radiation, which is used to generate an image of the body of a scanned subject. In the case of computed tomography (CT) imaging, the radiation may include X-rays directed toward and attenuated by the subject, or in the case of positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance (MR), and / or nuclear medicine (NM) imaging, the radiation may be emitted by a radioactive tracer introduced into the subject. The subject may be carefully positioned on an examination table of the medical imaging system so that radiation from specific areas of interest in the patient's body is detected and tissue in other areas is avoided. During the scan, the quality of the resulting image may depend on the patient's body remaining still and not moving, wherein movement of the patient's body during the scan may degrade the image quality.

[0003] When performing a scan on a patient's chest, movement of the patient's chest due to breathing may reduce image quality. Therefore, the patient may be instructed or guided to breathe in a manner that reduces movement of the patient's chest during the scan (e.g., guided breathing). However, the patient may not follow the instructions or may find it difficult to control their breathing. For example, the patient's positioning within the medical imaging system may cause anxiety in the patient or increase the patient's anxiety level, resulting in heavier and faster breathing.

[0004] Current methods for guided breathing may rely on the presence of a technician, which may increase the cost of performing the scan. Additionally, personalized guidance may increase the amount of time used to prepare a patient for a scan, which may reduce the efficiency of using the medical imaging system and generate scheduling delays.

[0005] Various approaches have been taken to reduce reliance on manual intervention in guided breathing by using visual tools to help users achieve control over their breathing. For example, Giap's U.S. patent application 20190366030 teaches the use of a motion detection system to capture real-time physical position data of a subject during a scan, and displaying an avatar of the subject in a virtual environment representing the subject's real-time physical position, so that the subject can use the avatar as a guide to adjust their physical position. However, Giap's motion detection system relies on a computationally intensive virtual reality system and positions multiple locator tags and / or motion sensors on the subject's body, which may increase the expense of performing the scan, the use of computing resources, and increase the amount of preparation time for the patient.

[0006] Other methods include using surface contour data of the patient's chest to generate a 3-D visualization of the patient's chest in real time. The 3-D visualization can be displayed to the patient, and the patient can use the 3-D visualization to control their breathing. For example, Khamene's US 7869562 teaches the use of an optical imaging system to create a patient's grid topology, and displays changes in the topology as biofeedback to the patient to reproduce a specified breathing state (e.g., guided breathing). WO2021228703 teaches the use of LiDAR to determine whether the position of a patient's body part of a medical imaging system deviates from a desired position, and uses an interactive repositioning guidance device that is configured to advise the patient to achieve the desired movement of a body part via audible and visual signals.

[0007] However, the inventors herein have recognized problems with current systems for generating 3-D visualizations, such as the systems of Khamene and […]. One problem with current systems is that the correspondence between the 3-D visualization and the patient's breathing zone may not be accurate enough to effectively guide the patient. Additionally, the size and / or complexity of the optical imaging system or LiDAR imaging system used to generate the 3-D visualization may increase the size and cost of the medical imaging system and / or the cost of operating the medical imaging system. The amount of data collected by the medical imaging system may increase due to the inclusion of the optical imaging system or LiDAR imaging system, and the amount of processing performed by the medical imaging system may increase due to the inclusion of the optical imaging system or LiDAR imaging system, resulting in a reduction in memory and processing resources. Another disadvantage of current systems is that the 3-D visualization may not be generated during a scan, when guided breathing may be most effective. In other words, the 3-D visualization may be used to guide the patient prior to the scan, but the patient's breathing may change during the scan without the patient being aware of the change. Thus, current systems may not result in a reduction in technician time and / or patient preparation time, and / or may not result in a reduction in patient movement and a corresponding increase in image quality. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure at least partially solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems through a method for a medical imaging system, the method comprising: generating a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation of a portion of the surface of the chest and / or abdomen of a subject of the medical imaging system, the size of the portion being adjustable by an operator of the medical imaging system; displaying changes of the 3-D virtual representation to the subject in real time on a display device of the medical imaging system as the subject breathes; using the 3-D virtual representation as a guide, displaying instructions to the subject on the display device to perform guided breathing according to a selected breathing pattern; and in response to detecting a deviation of the subject's breathing pattern from the selected breathing pattern, indicating the deviation to the subject.

[0009] The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present specification will be apparent from the following detailed description when considered alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the above summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. This is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. In addition, the claimed subject matter is not limited to specific implementations that address any shortcomings mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be more clearly understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1A shows a pictorial view of an imaging system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 1B One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A Alternative configurations of imaging systems;

[0013] Figure 1C shows a pictorial view of a guided breathing system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary imaging system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 3A A schematic block diagram illustrating a first workflow for performing a scan using guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 3B shows a schematic block diagram of a second alternative workflow for performing a scan using guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary high-level method for performing a scan using guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for performing guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5B is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for measuring motion of a subject's chest during guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for collecting and processing LiDAR data during guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of acquiring image data during a medical imaging scan using guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 8A is a 3-D virtual representation of a scanned subject's chest generated according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8B is a point cloud corresponding to points on a subject's chest detected using LiDAR, generated according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 9 A method of generating a guided breathing program according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 8A 3-D virtual representation and Figure 8B An exemplary display of a point cloud on a display device; and

[0025] Fig.10 is a graph showing a plot of breathing patterns during guided breathing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific aspects of the described systems and methods. Together with the following description, the accompanying drawings illustrate and explain the structures, methods and principles described herein. In these drawings, the sizes of components may be enlarged or otherwise modified for clarity. Well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the described components, systems and methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present specification and the subject matter disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for improving the quality of medical images generated by a medical imaging system. The medical imaging system may be a computed tomography (CT) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) system, a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system, a nuclear medicine (NM) imaging system, a PET / CT or PET / MR system, or a different type of imaging system. Prior to performing a scan, a subject to be scanned is typically positioned on an examination table of the medical imaging system. The position of the examination table is adjusted by an operator of the medical imaging system to position the subject within the gantry. During the scan, movement of the subject may generate noise in the resulting image due to changes in the subject's position when signals are generated at the detector array. Therefore, the subject may be instructed to minimize their movement to reduce the level of noise in the resulting image.

[0028] Minimizing the movement of the subject may include guiding the breathing of the subject, particularly when the scan is directed to the abdomen, chest, or other areas of the subject's body that may move during breathing. In order to ensure that the image quality is higher than the threshold quality, the subject may be required to reproduce or follow the selected breathing mode or target breathing mode, which is referred to as guided breathing in this article. The selected breathing mode can be selected from a plurality of breathing modes by the operator of the medical imaging system, for example, based on the characteristics of the scanning protocol anatomical region and / or the subject (body shape, ability to hold breath, etc.). The breathing mode may include deep breathing, shallow breathing, hyperventilation, holding breath, or a combination of different types of breathing including inhaling and exhaling different volumes of air. The selected breathing mode can limit the range of motion of the abdomen, chest, or other areas during inspiration and exhalation. Specifically, the subject may be instructed to minimize the extension of the chest during inspiration, minimize the contraction of the chest during exhalation, hold his breath for a certain amount of time, and / or breathe at a desired rate (e.g., slowly).

[0029] Typically, the subject is trained to perform guided breathing prior to being scanned by an operator or technician or a caregiver of the medical imaging system.After the subject is able to reproduce the selected breathing pattern within a threshold deviation, a scan may be performed on the subject.

[0030] Methods and systems are presented herein for a guided breathing system that can be integrated into a medical imaging system. Figure 1A and Figure 2 An example of a medical imaging system that can be used to perform contrast scans according to the present technology is provided in . The medical imaging system includes a guided breathing device to train a subject of the medical imaging system to minimize movement of the subject during breathing. The guided breathing device may include a monitor coupled to the medical imaging system, such as Figure 1A The guided breathing device may include a head mounted display such as Figure 1BDepicted. Figure 3A As shown in the first workflow, the first version of the guided breathing device can be used in Figure 1C A second version of the guided breathing apparatus included in the medical imaging system can be used to guide the subject during the scan. Figure 3B The second workflow shown may not use a training room and may use a second version included in the medical imaging system to train and instruct the subject. Figure 4 The subjects are trained and instructed according to the procedures described in the method. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Training a subject by performing one or more steps of the method may rely on using LiDAR, a 3-D camera, or similar technology to register two or more sets of points (referred to herein as point clouds) representing the surface contours of the subject, as described in reference to Figure 6 The method is described in Figure 8B , where the point cloud is based on a selected portion of the surface contour, such as Fig. 8A The measured distances between the points in the two or more point clouds may be used to determine a target range of motion for the chest of the subject. The target range of motion may be achieved by the subject by following the breathing guidance prompts and / or breathing guidance model displayed on the display device, such as Fig. 9 shown. Fig.10 An exemplary graph showing a first breathing pattern within a target range of motion and a second breathing pattern outside of the target range of motion is shown.

[0031] It should also be understood that the word "chest" as referred to herein and for purposes of the present disclosure may include portions of the abdominal cavity of the associated subject without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, description of a subject's chest should be interpreted as "chest and / or abdominal cavity."

[0032] Figure 1A An exemplary computed tomography (CT) imaging system 100 configured for CT imaging is shown. It should be understood that while the systems and methods disclosed herein are described with respect to a CT imaging system, the disclosed systems and methods may also be applied to other types of medical imaging, such as magnetic resonance (MR), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), nuclear medicine (NM) imaging, and / or others, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] In particular, the CT imaging system 100 is configured to image a subject 112 (such as a patient, an inanimate object, one or more manufactured parts) and / or a foreign object (such as a dental implant, a stent, and / or a contrast agent present in the body). In one embodiment, the CT imaging system 100 includes a gantry 102, which in turn may also include at least one X-ray source 104 configured to project an X-ray radiation beam 106 (see Figure 2 ) for imaging a subject 112 lying on an examination table 114. Specifically, the X-ray source 104 is configured to project an X-ray radiation beam 106 toward a detector array 108 positioned on an opposite side of the gantry 102. Figure 1A A single X-ray source 104 is depicted, but in certain embodiments, multiple X-ray sources and detectors may be employed to project multiple X-ray radiation beams for acquisition of projection data at different energy levels corresponding to the patient. In some embodiments, the X-ray source 104 may implement dual energy Gem Spectral Imaging (GSI) by rapid peak kilovolt (kVp) switching. In some embodiments, the X-ray detector employed is a photon counting detector capable of distinguishing X-ray photons of different energies. In other embodiments, two sets of X-ray sources and detectors are used to generate dual energy projections, wherein one set of X-ray sources and detectors is set to low kVp and the other set to high kVp. It should therefore be understood that the methods described herein may be implemented with single energy acquisition techniques as well as dual energy acquisition techniques.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the CT imaging system 100 further includes an image processor unit 110 configured to reconstruct an image of a target volume of a subject 112 using an iterative or analytical image reconstruction method. For example, the image processor unit 110 may use an analytical image reconstruction method such as filtered back projection (FBP) to reconstruct an image of a target volume of a patient. As another example, the image processor unit 110 may use an iterative image reconstruction method such as advanced statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR), conjugate gradient (CG), maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), etc. to reconstruct an image of a target volume of a subject 112. As further described herein, in some examples, in addition to iterative image reconstruction methods, the image processor unit 110 may also use an analytical image reconstruction method such as FBP.

[0035] In some CT imaging system configurations, an X-ray source projects a cone-shaped X-ray radiation beam that is collimated to lie in the XYZ plane of a Cartesian coordinate system and is often referred to as the "imaging plane". The X-ray radiation beam passes through an object being imaged, such as a patient or subject. The X-ray radiation beam strikes an array of detector elements after being attenuated by the object. The intensity of the attenuated X-ray radiation beam received at the detector array depends on the attenuation of the X-ray radiation beam by the object. Each detector element of the array generates a separate electrical signal that is a measurement of the X-ray beam attenuation at the detector location. The attenuation measurements from all detector elements are collected individually to produce a transmission profile.

[0036] In some medical imaging systems, a gantry is used to rotate an X-ray source and a detector array around an object to be imaged in an imaging plane so that the angle at which the X-ray beam intersects the object is constantly changing. A set of X-ray radiation attenuation measurements (e.g., projection data) from the detector array at one gantry angle is called a "view." A "scan" of an object includes a set of views made at different gantry angles or viewing angles during one rotation of the X-ray source and detector.

[0037] As described in greater detail herein, the CT imaging system 100 may be configured to train the subject 112 to reduce movement of the subject 112 during a scan. For example, the CT imaging system 100 may be configured to train the subject 112 to breathe in a manner that minimizes movement of the respiratory region of the subject 112 during a scan (e.g., guided breathing). For example, a scan may be performed on the abdominal cavity of the subject 112, and movement of the abdominal cavity due to breathing may degrade the quality of an image reconstructed from data acquired during the scan.

[0038] Thus, the CT imaging system 100 includes a guided breathing system. Some components of the guided breathing system can be integrated into the CT imaging system 100, and other components of the guided breathing system can be separate from the CT imaging system 100. For example, some components of the guided breathing system can be integrated into the gantry 102, or the image processing unit 110, or different components of the CT imaging system 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a first version of the guided breathing system can be integrated into the CT imaging system 100, and a second version of the guided breathing system can be separate from the CT imaging system 100. For example, the second version of the guided breathing system can be used to train the subject 112 to breathe in a different location from the CT imaging system 100 (e.g., a training room, such as Figure 1C The first version of the guided breathing system can be used by the subject 112 to control their breathing during a scan performed using the CT imaging system 100 .

[0039] The guided breathing system includes an auxiliary imaging device 105 and a patient display device 130. In the depicted embodiment, the auxiliary imaging device 105 is positioned inside the gantry 102. In other embodiments, the auxiliary imaging device 105 can be coupled to an outer surface of the gantry 102. In one embodiment, the auxiliary imaging device 105 is a laser imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In another embodiment, the auxiliary imaging device 105 can be a 3-D camera or a different type of remote sensing device.

[0040] The auxiliary imaging device 105 can capture a surface contour of a portion of the body subject 112 (e.g., the chest of the subject 112). The surface contour can be used to generate a visualization of the portion of the body, which can be displayed on the patient display device 130. The visualization can be used to train the subject 112 to maintain a stationary position and minimize movement of the portion of the body during scanning. For example, the visualization can be used to train the subject 112 to control their breathing to reduce movement of their chest. Figures 4 to 9 Describe the generation of the visualization in more detail.

[0041] The patient display device 130 can be coupled to the gantry 102 via a movable arm 132. The patient display device 130 can be coupled to the end of the movable arm 132 in a manner such that the display device can be flexibly rotated in at least a first plane of movement indicated by the circular arrow 134. For example, the patient display device 130 can be coupled to the end of the movable arm 132 via a hinge. In some embodiments, the patient display device 130 can be coupled to the end of the movable arm 132 via a ball joint or a similar type of coupling that allows the patient display device 130 to be flexibly rotated in additional planes of movement. The coupling of the patient display device 130 to the movable arm 132 can allow the screen of the patient display device 130 to be oriented toward the subject 112 so that the subject 112 can view visualizations displayed on the patient display device 130 while lying on the examination table 114, while making minimal adjustments to the position of the subject 112 on the examination table 114.

[0042] The movable arm 132 can be coupled to the gantry 102 in a manner that allows the movable arm 132 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 136. For example, the movable arm 132 can rotate from the first position 140 in the direction indicated by arrow 136 to the second position 141. The first position 140 can be a position where the patient display device 130 is most visible to the subject 112 during a scan. The second position 141 can be a position where the patient display device 130 is not visible to the subject 112 during a scan. For example, the position 141 can be a position where the patient display device 130 does not distract the subject 112 and / or does not otherwise obstruct the CT imaging system 100, the subject 112, and / or an operator of the CT imaging system 100. In some embodiments, the movable arm 132 can rotate beyond the second position 141, and the direction is indicated by arrow 138. For example, in some embodiments, the movable arm 132 can rotate 180° or more from the first position 140.

[0043] In other embodiments, the display device 130 may not be coupled to the CT imaging system 100. For example, the display device 130 may be located on a cart, or may be included on a base structure of a movable device or system that may be located at a suitable location proximate to the examination table 114 and the subject 112. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the CT imaging system 100 may not include the display device 130. For example, in some embodiments, feedback regarding the performance of guided breathing may be provided to the subject 112 via one or more light emitting portions of a light and / or a light located at an inner surface 120 of the gantry 102, an edge 121 of the gantry 102, or a front surface 122 of the gantry 102.

[0044] For example, Figure 1B An alternative configuration 150 of the CT imaging system 100 is shown in which the guided breathing system includes a head mounted display 180, and the visualization is displayed on the head mounted display 180 rather than on the patient display device 130. An advantage of displaying the visualization on the head mounted display 180 rather than on the patient display device 130 is that the subject 112 may be able to view the visualization with the subject's 112 head in a variety of positions (e.g., without having to angle the head or turn the subject's 112 neck to view the visualization). Additionally, the subject 112 may be able to view the visualization on the head mounted display 180 at a variety of positions of the examination table 112, including examination table positions in which the subject's 112 head may be within the gantry 102 and the subject 114 may not be able to see the display device 130.

[0045] Figure 1CA second version 160 of the guided breathing system is shown, wherein the second version 160 is installed in a guided breathing training room 161. The guided breathing training room 161 includes a bed or examination table 173 on which the subject 112 can be positioned during training on the guided breathing system, and the bed or examination table can be substantially similar to Figure 1A The position of the subject 112 on the bed 180 is substantially similar to the position of the subject 112 used for scanning using the CT imaging system 100. Alternatively, the subject 112 can be positioned in a position similar to that of the subject 112 used for scanning using the CT imaging system 100. Figure 1C Different positions depicted. For example, the subject 112 may be a pediatric patient, and the pediatric patient may be positioned in different types of beds or chairs.

[0046] In the depicted embodiment, the auxiliary imaging device 164 can be positioned above and / or proximal to the chest 163 of the subject 112, and the display device 162 can be positioned and oriented such that the subject 112 can view the screen of the display device 162 during training on the guided breathing system. The auxiliary imaging device 164 and the display device 162 can be the same or similar to the auxiliary imaging device 105 and the display device 130 of the CT imaging system 100. In one embodiment, the auxiliary imaging device 164 and the display device 162 are flexibly coupled to the rail 170 via a first movable arm 166 and a second movable arm 168, respectively, so that the first position of the auxiliary imaging device 164 and the second position of the display device 162 can be adjusted along the rail 170 to accommodate a variety of subjects of different sizes. For example, the first movable arm 166 and the second movable arm 168 can be slidably coupled to the guide rail 170 so that the first movable arm 166 and the second movable arm 168 can independently slide along the guide rail 170 in either of the two directions indicated by arrows 174.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second version 160 of the guided breathing system may include an LED light 172 that may be configured to indicate to the subject 112 during training on the guided breathing system whether the movement of the chest 163 of the subject 112 due to breathing is within the desired range of motion. The desired range of motion may be based on the breathing pattern, which may be defined by the range of motion of the chest 163, the breathing rate of the subject 112, and / or the ability of the subject 112 to hold their breath as instructed. For example, if the subject 112 is breathing at a first, fast or heavy rate, the movement of the chest 163 may not be within the desired range of motion. Since the movement of the chest 163 is not within the desired range of motion, the LED light 172 may be turned on. If the subject 112 is breathing at a second, slow and shallow rate, the movement of the chest 163 may be within the desired range of motion, and the LED light 172 may be turned off. In other words, the difference in the position of the surface of the chest 163 relative to the auxiliary imaging device 164 between the exhalation of the subject 112 and the inhalation of the subject 112 can be measured by the guided breathing system, and the LED light 172 can be turned on or off based on whether the difference exceeds a threshold difference. The LED light 172 can indicate to the subject 112 when the movement of the chest 163 is within the desired range of motion and when the movement of the chest 163 is outside the desired range of motion. For example, in one embodiment, when the movement of the chest 163 is within the desired range of motion, the LED light 172 can be illuminated as green light, and when the movement of the chest 163 is outside the desired range of motion, the LED light 172 can be illuminated as red light. Therefore, by monitoring the LED light 172, the subject 112 can be trained to adjust breathing to keep the movement of the chest 163 within the desired range of motion.

[0048] Instructions for performing guided breathing and following one or more breathing patterns can be displayed on display device 162. The instructions may include written instructions, or audio instructions, or both written instructions and audio instructions. In addition, as described in more detail below, a visualization of the subject's breathing can be displayed on display device 162, where the visualization can help the subject perform guided breathing. Specifically, a first visualization of the subject's breathing can be displayed together with a second visualization of a selected breathing pattern, so that the subject can adopt the selected breathing pattern by aligning the first visualization with the second visualization.

[0049] In various embodiments, the subject 112 may be trained in the guided breathing training room 161 before a scan is performed on the subject 112. After the subject 112 has been trained to adequately control their breathing to keep the movement of the chest 163 within the desired range of motion, a scan may be performed on the subject 112. During the scan, the subject 112 may monitor their breathing using a version of the guided breathing system integrated into the CT imaging system 100, as described above with reference to Figure 1A described.

[0050] Figure 2 An exemplary CT imaging system 200 is shown, which may be used with Figure 1A According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the CT imaging system 200 is configured to perform imaging of a subject 204 (eg, Figure 1A In one embodiment, the CT imaging system 200 includes a detector array 108 (see Figure 1A ). The detector array 108 also includes a plurality of detector elements 202 that together sense the X-ray radiation beam 106 that passes through a subject 204 (such as a patient) (see Figure 2 ) to collect corresponding projection data. In some embodiments, the detector array 108 can be fabricated into a multi-slice configuration including multiple rows of cells or detector elements 202, wherein one or more additional rows of detector elements 202 are arranged in a parallel configuration for collecting projection data.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the CT imaging system 200 is configured to traverse different angular positions around the subject 204 to acquire desired projection data. Thus, the gantry 102 and components mounted thereon may be configured to rotate about the rotation center 206 for acquiring, for example, projection data at different energy levels. Alternatively, in embodiments where the projection angle relative to the subject 204 changes over time, the mounted components may be configured to move along a generally curved line rather than along a segment of a circle.

[0052] Thus, as the X-ray source 104 and the detector array 108 rotate, the detector array 108 collects data of the attenuated X-ray beam. The data collected by the detector array 108 then undergoes preprocessing and calibration to adjust the data to represent the line integral of the attenuation coefficient of the scanned subject 204. The processed data is typically referred to as a projection. In some examples, the individual detectors or detector elements 202 in the detector array 108 may include a photon counting detector that registers the interaction of individual photons into one or more energy bins. It should be understood that the methods described herein may also be implemented using energy integrating detectors.

[0053] The acquired projection data sets may be used for base material decomposition (BMD). During BMD, the measured projections are converted into a set of material density projections. The material density projections may be reconstructed to form a pair or set of material density maps or images (such as bone, soft tissue, and / or contrast agent maps) for each corresponding base material. The density maps or images may then be correlated to form a 3-D volumetric image of the base material (e.g., bone, soft tissue, and / or contrast agent) in the imaging volume.

[0054] Once reconstructed, the base material image produced by the CT imaging system 200 shows the internal features of the subject 204 represented by the density of the two base materials. The density image can be displayed to show these features. In traditional methods of diagnosing medical conditions (such as disease states), and more generally diagnosing medical events, a radiologist or physician will consider a hard copy or display of a density image to discern characteristic features of interest. Such features can include lesions, size and shape of specific anatomical structures or organs, as well as other features that should be discernible in the image based on the skills and knowledge of the individual practitioner.

[0055] In one embodiment, the CT imaging system 200 includes a control mechanism to control movement of components, such as rotation of the gantry 102 and operation of the X-ray source 104. In certain embodiments, the CT imaging system 200 includes an X-ray controller 210 configured to provide power and timing signals to the X-ray source 104. Additionally, the CT imaging system 200 includes a gantry motor controller 212 configured to control the rotational speed and / or position of the gantry 102 based on imaging requirements.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the CT imaging system 200 also includes a data acquisition system (DAS) 214 that is configured to sample analog data received from the detector elements 202 and convert the analog data into digital signals for subsequent processing. The DAS 214 may also be configured to selectively aggregate analog data from a subset of the detector elements 202 into a so-called macro detector, as further described herein. The data sampled and digitized by the DAS 214 is transmitted to a computer or computing device 216. In one example, the computing device 216 stores the data in a storage device or mass storage device 218. For example, the storage device 218 may be any type of non-volatile memory and may include a hard drive, a floppy disk drive, a compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W) drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, a flash drive, and / or a solid-state storage drive.

[0057] In addition, the computing device 216 provides commands and parameters to one or more of the DAS 214, the X-ray controller 210, and the gantry motor controller 212 for system operation, such as data acquisition and / or processing. In certain embodiments, the computing device 216 controls system operation based on operator input. The computing device 216 receives operator input, which includes, for example, commands and / or scan parameters, via an operator console 220 operatively coupled to the computing device 216. The operator console 220 may include a keyboard (not shown) or a touch screen to allow an operator to specify commands and / or scan parameters.

[0058] Although Figure 2 One operator console 220 is shown, but more than one operator console may be coupled to the CT imaging system 200, e.g., for inputting or outputting system parameters, requesting exams, plotting data, and / or viewing images. In addition, in certain embodiments, the CT imaging system 200 may be coupled to multiple displays, printers, workstations, and / or the like located locally or remotely, e.g., within an institution or hospital or at an entirely different location, via one or more configurable wired and / or wireless networks (such as the Internet and / or a virtual private network, a wireless telephone network, a wireless local area network, a wired local area network, a wireless wide area network, a wired wide area network, etc.).

[0059] In one embodiment, for example, the CT imaging system 200 includes or is coupled to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 224. In one exemplary implementation, the PACS 224 is further coupled to a remote system (such as a radiology department information system, a hospital information system) and / or to an internal or external network (not shown) to allow operators at different locations to supply commands and parameters and / or gain access to image data.

[0060] The computing device 216 uses operator-provided and / or system-defined commands and parameters to operate a table motor controller 226, which in turn can control the table 114, which can be a motorized table. Specifically, the table motor controller 226 can move the table 114 to properly position the subject 204 in the gantry 102 to acquire projection data corresponding to a target volume of the subject 204.

[0061] As previously described, the DAS 214 samples and digitizes the projection data acquired by the detector elements 202. Subsequently, the image reconstructor 230 uses the sampled and digitized X-ray data to perform high-speed reconstruction. Figure 2The image reconstructor 230 is shown as a separate entity, but in certain embodiments, the image reconstructor 230 may form part of the computing device 216. Alternatively, the image reconstructor 230 may not be present in the CT imaging system 200, and instead the computing device 216 may perform one or more functions of the image reconstructor 230. In addition, the image reconstructor 230 may be located locally or remotely, and may be operably connected to the CT imaging system 200 using a wired or wireless network. In particular, an exemplary embodiment may use computing resources in a "cloud" network cluster for the image reconstructor 230.

[0062] In one embodiment, the image reconstructor 230 stores the reconstructed image in the storage device 218. Alternatively, the image reconstructor 230 may transmit the reconstructed image to the computing device 216 to generate usable patient information for diagnosis and evaluation. In certain embodiments, the computing device 216 may transmit the reconstructed image and / or the patient information to a display or display device 232 that is communicatively coupled to the computing device 216 and / or the image reconstructor 230. In some embodiments, the reconstructed image may be transmitted from the computing device 216 or the image reconstructor 230 to the storage device 218 for short-term or long-term storage.

[0063] The CT imaging system 200 includes a guided breathing system 208, which may be a Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C A non-limiting example of a guided breathing system is described. In addition to the auxiliary imaging device 105 and the patient display device 130, the guided breathing system 208 also includes an auxiliary imaging device controller 240 and a position data processing unit 242. The auxiliary imaging device controller 240 can be configured to control the auxiliary imaging device 105. In various embodiments, the auxiliary imaging device 105 can cover a 360-degree view of the portion of the subject 112 within the gantry 102. In some embodiments, multiple auxiliary imaging devices 105 can be arranged at different locations around the gantry 102 so that the 360-degree view of the portion of the subject 112 within the gantry 102 is covered by multiple auxiliary imaging devices 105.

[0064] The position data processing unit 242 may be coupled to the auxiliary imaging device 105. The position data processing unit 242 may receive image data from the auxiliary imaging device 105 and process the image data to determine whether the range of motion of one or more respiratory regions of the scanned subject (e.g., the chest, abdomen, etc. of the subject 112) exceeds a threshold range of motion during inspiration and expiration of the subject. If the range of motion exceeds the threshold range of motion, the subject may be instructed to adjust their breathing to reduce movement of the one or more respiratory regions of the subject using the visualization displayed on the patient display device 130, as described above. Figures 4 to 7 The processing of the image data by the position data processing unit 242 is described in more detail.

[0065] Figure 3A A diagram of a guided breathing system such as Figure 2 The first workflow 300 of how the guided breathing system 208 of the CT imaging system 100 can operate is described below. In the first workflow 300, at a first block 302, a subject of a medical imaging system (e.g., the subject 112 of the CT imaging system 100) can be trained using the guided breathing system before performing a scan. During the training, the subject can display a command on a display screen (such as in the reference image above). Figure 1C on a screen of the display device 162 described above) or on a head mounted display (such as the one described above with reference to Figure 1B 180) is an interactive visualization of a portion of a subject's chest viewed on a head mounted display 180 described above. As described in more detail below, the interactive visualization can include a 3-D virtual representation of the surface of the chest as the subject breathes. As the subject breathes, the interactive visualization can change to show the subject the movement of the chest during breathing. For example, the 3-D virtual representation can expand during the subject's inhalation and can contract during the subject's exhalation.

[0066] The subject can change the breathing pattern or the way they breathe, and the change can be shown via the 3-D virtual representation. The interactive visualization can indicate a target position or reference position of the 3-D virtual representation, and / or can indicate a desired (e.g., threshold) range of motion (e.g., extension and contraction) of the chest. Thus, by viewing their breathing in the interactive visualization along with the target position or reference position, the subject can adjust their breathing to match the target position or reference position. Matching the target position or reference position can include not allowing the chest to extend beyond a first threshold distance from the target position, and / or not allowing the chest to contract beyond a second threshold distance from the target position. In this way, the subject can learn to breathe in a way that minimizes movement of the breathing region of the subject's body, thereby generating potential noise and increasing the quality of the image reconstructed from the scan.

[0067] For example, a subject may feel anxious in anticipation of a CT examination. Due to anxiety, the subject may breathe in an irregular, heavy, deep, or rapid manner. Because performing a scan on a subject while the subject is breathing in a regular, heavy, deep, rapid manner may introduce noise artifacts caused by the scan in the image due to excessive movement of the subject's chest, a guided breathing system can be used to train the subject to control their breathing. A 3-D camera, LiDAR laser, or similar remote sensing technology can be positioned over the subject's chest, which can capture the surface contour of the chest. The surface contour can be displayed on a display device via an interactive visualization that allows the subject to view the movement of their chest during breathing.

[0068] Viewing the interactive visualization can help the subject control their breathing. For example, the subject can view a 3-D virtual representation of the extension of their chest during inspiration. The interactive visualization can indicate that the extension of the chest exceeds a desired (e.g., threshold) extension. For example, a visual component of the interactive visualization can be illuminated or highlighted to indicate overextension. Additionally or alternatively, an LED light ( Figure 1C LED lights 172) can be illuminated to indicate overextension. Due to overextension being observed, the subject may try to limit their inspiration to reduce the movement of the chest.

[0069] In various embodiments, training on the guided breathing system can be performed at a location different from the medical imaging system. For example, training on the guided breathing system can be performed in a guided breathing training room (such as Figure 1C The subject may be trained in a guided breathing room 161 of the invention. An advantage of training the subject in a guided breathing room rather than on a medical imaging system is that the subject's anxiety level due to the anticipated scan may be reduced. In addition, due to the increased use of medical imaging systems, the amount of time a subject may have available to train in a guided breathing room may be greater than the amount of time available to train on a medical imaging system.

[0070] Once the subject has been trained, at the second box 304 of the first workflow 300, the subject can be positioned on a medical imaging system's examination table (e.g., examination table 114) in a suitable position for performing a scan. For example, if the subject's heart or abdominal cavity is being scanned, the subject can be positioned lying face up on the examination table. The subject can be marked to help the operator align the x-ray source (e.g., x-ray source 104) of the medical imaging system on the subject's anatomical region of interest (ROI). Positioning the subject on the examination table can include adjusting the position of the examination table to insert a portion of the subject's body including the ROI within the imaging plane of the gantry.

[0071] At the third block 306 of the first workflow 300, once the subject has been positioned in a suitable position for performing a scan, the subject can practice guided breathing and / or be instructed to perform guided breathing using the guided breathing system. For example, the subject can display a video on a display device (e.g., Figure 1A A version of the interactive visualization as described above can be viewed on a patient display device 130 of the medical imaging system. Alternatively, for example, if the subject is positioned within a gantry of the medical imaging system such that the display device is not visible to the subject, the interactive visualization can be displayed on a head mounted display. The subject can practice guided breathing with the aid of the visualization until the movement of the subject's chest is within a threshold range of motion defined by the target position or reference position.

[0072] When the movement of the subject's chest is within the threshold range of motion, a scan may be performed at a fourth block 308 of the first workflow 300. In various embodiments, the subject may continue to practice guided breathing during the performance of the scan to ensure minimal movement of the subject's body.

[0073] Figure 3B A second workflow 350 is shown regarding how the guided breathing system operates. In the second workflow 350, the subject may not be trained prior to being positioned on the examination table of the medical imaging system. For example, a guided breathing training room may not be available for training the subject, or the operator of the medical imaging system may determine that the recommended amount of time for training the subject may be too short to justify the use of a guided breathing training room, or for a different reason. Thus, according to the second workflow 350, at a first box 302, the subject is positioned on the examination table of the medical imaging system and marked; at a second box 352, while the subject is positioned on the examination table of the medical imaging system, the subject may be trained regarding the guided breathing system as described above; at a third box 354, the subject may practice guided breathing in preparation for a scan; and at a fourth box 356, a scan may be performed while the subject is performing guided breathing.

[0074] Figure 4 A method for using a breathing system based on a system including a guided breathing system such as Figure 2 The guided breathing system 208) is an auxiliary imaging device of a medical imaging system (e.g., Figure 1A 4. The present invention provides an exemplary method 400 for generating and displaying interactive visualizations as described above using data generated by an auxiliary imaging device 105 of a medical imaging system. In the embodiment described in method 400, the auxiliary imaging device is a LiDAR source / emitter (e.g., a laser). However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, different remote sensing technologies may be used. For example, a 3-D camera may be used. The medical imaging system may be Figure 1A The CT imaging system 100 and / or Figure 2 The method 400 and other methods included herein may be performed by a processor of the medical imaging system based on instructions stored in a memory of the medical imaging system. For example, the processor and the memory may be included in a processing unit of the medical imaging system, such as a processor of the medical imaging system. Figure 2 The position data processing unit 242.

[0075] Method 400 begins at 402, where the method includes performing a scan of a subject using a LiDAR source. During the scan, the LiDAR source emits laser light toward the subject. The laser light reflects from the surface of the subject's body and surrounding portions of an examination table or bed on which the subject is positioned, and is detected at a receiver. The time of flight (TOF) of the reflected light is measured and used to determine the distance between the LiDAR source and a plurality of points on the surface of the subject's body. The distance measurements are used to create a 3-D virtual representation of the surface contour of the body based on the plurality of points.

[0076] At 404, method 400 includes obtaining, processing, and segmenting LiDAR data. The points on the surface contour are generated as a set of points in three dimensions, referred to as a point cloud. However, the point cloud may include portions of a table or bed that can be detected by a LiDAR source. In order to distinguish between points of a point cloud representing a surface contour of a subject's body and points of a point cloud representing one or more surfaces of a table or bed (or other components of a medical imaging system or other components positioned in a medical imaging system), a segmentation process may be performed. The segmentation process may use various techniques and methods known in the art. In one embodiment, a density-based spatial clustering method (DBSCAN) is used to segment the acquired LiDAR data.

[0077] At 406, method 400 includes determining an initial surface of interest (SOI) of the segmented 3-D region and displaying the initial surface of interest (SOI) of the segmented 3-D region on a display device (e.g., Figure 1A The patient display device 130 or Figure 1C In some embodiments, the SOI may alternatively be displayed on a display device (e.g., Figure 2 The initial SOI may be selected based on a scan protocol selected for scanning the subject using the medical imaging system. For example, the scan protocol may indicate that the scanned ROI is positioned in the abdominal cavity of the subject. Since the scan protocol indicates that the ROI is positioned in the abdominal cavity, the SOI may be indicated on the segmented 3-D region via a visual indicator (such as an indicator line defining the initial SOI superimposed on the segmented 3-D region).

[0078] refer to Fig. 8A , shows a segmented 3-D point cloud 800 of the surface of a subject's chest, where the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 can be obtained from reference Figure 4 The described LiDAR source is generated and displayed on the display screen. SOI 802 is indicated by a first indicator line 804 and a second indicator line 806 on the segmented 3-D point cloud 800, wherein the SOI 802 includes points of the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 positioned between the first indicator line 804 and the second indicator line 806. Specifically, the SOI 802 can be defined as a point of the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 positioned between a first boundary plane 814 (as depicted on the reference coordinate axis 801) in the y dimension defined by the first indicator line 804 and a second boundary plane 816 in the y dimension defined by the second indicator line 806.

[0079] The size (e.g., surface area) and / or position of the SOI 802 on the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 may be adjusted by adjusting the position of one or both of the first indicator line 804 and the second indicator line 806 (and the corresponding boundary planes 814 and 816) on the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 in the first direction 810 or the second direction 811. For example, the size of the SOI 802 may be increased by adjusting the position of the first indicator line 804 in the first direction 810 and the position of the second indicator line 806 in the second direction 811, or the size of the SOI 802 may be decreased by adjusting the position of the first indicator line 804 in the second direction 811 and the position of the second indicator line 806 in the first direction 810. Additionally or alternatively, the relative position of the SOI 802 on the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 may be adjusted by adjusting both the position of the first indicator line 804 and the position of the second indicator line 806 in the first direction 810, or by adjusting both the position of the first indicator line 804 and the position of the second indicator line 806 in the second direction 811. By adjusting the position of the first indicator line 804 and the position of the second indicator line 806, a user of the guided breathing system (e.g., an operator of the medical imaging system or a technician or caregiver instructing a subject to perform guided breathing) may indicate to the guided breathing system a set of points to be selected from the segmented 3-D point cloud 800 that may be used to model the subject's breathing in real time during guided breathing training.

[0080] It should be appreciated that while SOI 802 is described herein as being defined by indicator lines 804 and 806, in other embodiments, SOI 802 may be indicated differently without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Returning to method 400, at 407, the method includes determining whether the initial SOI has been accepted by the user. In various embodiments, the display device is a touch screen, and the user can select a control element on the display device to accept the initial SOI. Alternatively, the user can select a control element on a user input device of the guided breathing system (e.g., Figure 2 controls on the operator console 220).

[0082] If the initial SOI is not accepted at 407, method 400 proceeds to 408. At 408, method 400 includes modifying the initial SOI based on input received from the user. For example, the input received from the user may include an adjusted position of an indicator line superimposed on the segmented 3-D point cloud, as described above.

[0083] If the initial SOI is accepted at 407, or once the initial SOI is modified at 408, the method proceeds to 410. At 410, the method includes selecting a portion of the segmented 3-D point cloud corresponding to the accepted SOI (e.g., a second smaller point cloud isolated from the segmented 3-D point cloud). The isolated point cloud can be used to display a virtual topographic representation of a target area of ​​the subject's body on a display device. The isolated point cloud can be a set of points included within the accepted SOI, wherein selecting the isolated point cloud includes determining a set of points of the segmented 3-D point cloud of the subject's chest that are positioned between a first plane defined by a first indicator line of the accepted SOI and a second plane defined by a second indicator line of the accepted SOI (e.g., boundary planes 814 and 816).

[0084] Figure 8B It is shown that SOI 802 can be used from Fig. 8A The isolated point cloud 850 is selected from the segmented 3-D point cloud 800. The isolated point cloud 850 may include points of the 3-D point cloud 800 between the first boundary plane 814 and the second boundary plane 816. In other words, the isolated point cloud 850 may include points of the 3-D point cloud 800 having a Z coordinate between a first Z coordinate of the first boundary plane 814 and a second Z coordinate of the second boundary plane 816.

[0085] Returning to method 400, a virtual topographic representation of a target area of ​​the subject's body (e.g., a portion of the subject's chest) can be displayed on a display device so that when the subject breathes, the virtual topographic representation is adjusted accordingly in real time. For example, when the subject inhales, the subject can view a virtual topographic representation that stretches on the display device, and when the subject exhales, the subject can view a virtual topographic representation that contracts on the display device.

[0086] refer to Fig. 9, shows an exemplary breathing visualization 900, which can be displayed in a guided breathing system (such as Figure 2 The display device 902 may be a screen 903 of a guided breathing system 208. Figure 1A Patient display device 130, Figure 1B Head mounted display 180 and / or Figure 1C 9 is a non-limiting example of a display device 162 of FIG. Breathing visualization 900 may be displayed to a subject of a medical imaging system during training regarding guided breathing, as described above.

[0087] The respiratory visualization 900 includes a visual representation 906 of a subject's chest and a virtual topographic representation 904 of a portion of the subject's chest. The visual representation 906 may be generated from a segmented 3-D point cloud, such as Fig. 8A 800 of the segmented 3-D point cloud. A virtual topography representation 904 can be generated from the SOI of the segmented 3-D point cloud. During training on the guided breathing system, the virtual topography representation 904 can be updated in real time to indicate the movement of the subject's chest. For example, when the subject inhales, the virtual topography representation 904 can stretch and grow larger, and when the subject exhales, the virtual topography representation 904 can shrink and grow smaller. In other words, the virtual topography representation 904 can allow the subject to view the movement of their chest on the screen 903 during breathing.

[0088] The breathing visualization 900 includes a set of breathing instructions 910 displayed on a screen 903. The breathing instructions 910 may indicate to the subject when to inhale. In the depicted embodiment, the instruction "inhale" may be displayed on the screen 903 when the subject is instructed to inhale, and may not be displayed on the screen 903 when the subject is not instructed to inhale. Alternatively, the instruction "inhale" may be displayed on the screen 903 and may be highlighted or lit when the subject is instructed to inhale, and may not be highlighted or lit when the subject is not instructed to inhale. Similarly, the instruction "exhale" may be displayed on the screen 903 or highlighted on the screen when the subject is instructed to exhale, and may not be displayed on the screen 903 or highlighted on the screen when the subject is not instructed to exhale. The instruction "hold your breath" may be displayed on screen 903 or highlighted on the screen when the subject is instructed to hold his breath (e.g., between inhalation and exhalation), and may not be displayed on screen 903 or highlighted on the screen when the subject is not instructed to hold his breath. In this way, the set of instructions 910 may instruct the subject to follow a breathing pattern during various breathing cycles, wherein each breathing cycle includes one inhalation and one exhalation.

[0089] The breathing visualization 900 may include a timeline 908 that may depict the progression of the guided breathing over a predetermined duration of the guided breathing. During training, an indicator 909 may indicate the current time during the predetermined duration. For example, at the beginning of the predetermined duration, the indicator 909 may be positioned at a first end 920 of the timeline 908. As time passes during the predetermined duration, the indicator 909 may move accordingly until a second end 921 of the timeline 908 is reached. In various embodiments, the predetermined duration of the guided breathing may include a first inhalation phase of the guided breathing and a second exhalation phase of the guided breathing, as described in more detail below.

[0090] In addition, in the depicted embodiment, the timeline 908 is divided into four sections. The first section 912 and the second section 914 can correspond to the first stage of guided breathing, during which the range of motion of the subject's chest is measured relative to the first reference point cloud associated with the inflated chest. Specifically, the first section 912 can correspond to the time when the subject is instructed to inhale. Between the first section 912 and the second section 914, the subject is instructed to hold his breath after inhaling, during which the first reference point cloud is generated. The second section 914 can correspond to the time when the movement of the subject's chest is monitored. The third section 916 and the fourth section 918 can correspond to the second stage of guided breathing, during which the range of motion of the subject's chest is measured relative to the second reference point cloud associated with the deflated chest. Specifically, the third section 916 can correspond to the time when the subject is instructed to exhale. Between the third section 916 and the fourth section 918, the subject can be instructed to hold his breath after exhaling, during which the second reference point cloud is generated. The fourth segment 918 may correspond to a time when motion of the subject's chest is monitored.

[0091] Each of the first section 912, the second section 914, the third section 916, and the fourth section 918 can be visually distinguished from each other, for example, via coloring or shading. For example, the first section 912 can have a first color or shadow. The second section 914 can have a second color or shadow, the third section 916 can have a third color or shadow, and the fourth section 918 can have a fourth color or shadow (or can be a color or shadow similar to the second section 914). In this way, the subject can view which part of the breathing cycle the subject is currently in during training, and can determine how much time is left before the subsequent part of the breathing cycle. At the end of the breathing cycle, the indicator 909 can move back from the second end 921 to the first end 920 to start the next cycle.

[0092] The subject can follow instructions during training. While following the instructions, the subject can view the virtual topography representation 904. Viewing the virtual topography representation 904 during breathing can help the subject reproduce or follow a target breathing pattern or a selected breathing pattern that can reduce chest movement.

[0093] In addition, in some embodiments, a 3-D guided breathing model can be generated and displayed on screen 903 together with the virtual topography representation 904, wherein the 3-D guided breathing model can be a target 3-D virtual representation of a portion of the surface of the subject's chest that moves in real time as the subject breathes. Thus, the target 3-D virtual representation can model the target movement of the subject's chest. For example, the guided breathing model can be aligned with and / or superimposed on the virtual topography representation 904. The guided breathing model can indicate to the subject specific desired positions of the portion of the surface of the chest at different times during the breathing cycle, so that the subject can adjust their breathing to match a first position of the virtual topography representation 904 with a second position of the guided breathing model.

[0094] Because the guided breathing model is generated based on the collected LiDAR / 3-D camera data, an advantage of using a guided breathing model is that the guided breathing model can show a specific subject's chest how it should move during breathing in a customized manner. For example, not every point on the chest can move up or down, or in the same direction at the same time during breathing. Some breathing patterns may require breathing from the diaphragm, while other breathing patterns may require breathing using the chest muscles. By attempting to match the guided breathing model with the virtual topography representation 904, the subject can more quickly and efficiently achieve the selected breathing pattern. In addition, the guided breathing model can "gamify" the task of achieving the selected breathing pattern, where the visual task of matching the guided breathing model to the virtual topography representation 904 can be easier, more interesting and / or more engaging than following breathing instructions 910. Refer to the following Figure 5A Describe the generation of a guided breathing model.

[0095] Back to Figure 4 At 412, method 400 includes training the subject using on-screen training instructions (e.g., breathing instructions 910) and a virtual topographic representation of a portion of the surface of the subject's chest (e.g., virtual topographic representation 904) for self-calibration of a breathing pattern by the subject. Figure 5A Training a subject to perform self-calibration of a breathing pattern is described in more detail.

[0096] At 414, method 400 includes performing a scan using a medical imaging system and acquiring image data while the subject is practicing a breathing pattern. Figure 7 Acquiring image data while a subject is practicing a breathing pattern is described in greater detail.

[0097] At 416, method 400 includes reconstructing an image from the acquired image data and displaying the image on a display device (e.g., Figure 2 The image is displayed on a display device 232 of the medical imaging system. Alternatively, the image can be stored in a memory of the medical imaging system (e.g., mass storage device 218). Because the subject performed the guided breathing, the reconstructed image can be of higher quality than if the subject did not follow the selected breathing pattern.

[0098] Now turn to Figure 5A , an exemplary method 500 for training a subject of a medical imaging system in guided breathing prior to performing a scan via a visual display including on-screen training instructions. As described above, the visual display may include an interactive visualization of a portion of the surface of the subject's chest, which may help the subject achieve a selected breathing pattern. The visual display may be displayed on a display device (such as a 3D image of a patient) of the guided breathing system. Figure 1A The display device 130 and / or Figure 1C on the screen of the display device 162).

[0099] Method 500 begins at 502, where the method includes displaying instructions to the subject to perform guided breathing, and monitoring the guided breathing for a predetermined duration. For example, the predetermined duration can be five minutes for a child and 10 minutes for an adult. In various embodiments, guided breathing includes a first stage and a second stage. During the first stage, a first set of 3-D points (e.g., a first reference point cloud) relative to the surface of the subject's chest monitors and measures the movement of the subject's chest, wherein the first reference point cloud corresponds to the position of the subject's chest in an inflated state after inhalation. During the second stage, a second set of 3-D points (e.g., a second reference point cloud) relative to the surface of the subject's chest monitors and measures the movement of the subject's chest, wherein the second reference point cloud corresponds to the position of the subject's chest in a deflated state after exhalation.

[0100] At 504, displaying instructions and monitoring guided breathing includes setting the state of the guided breathing system to an inhalation state. When the inhalation state is set, an inhalation phase of guided breathing can be initiated. During the inhalation phase, the range of motion of the subject's chest during inspiration can be measured relative to the inflated chest to determine whether the range of motion of the subject's chest exceeds a threshold range of motion. Instructions can be displayed on the screen to cause the subject to perform an inhalation. For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 9As described, written inhalation instructions can be displayed or illuminated on the screen during the duration of the inhalation. In addition, the inhalation state can be indicated on a timeline (e.g., timeline 908) displayed on the screen, such as by lighting or highlighting a portion of the timeline corresponding to the desired inhalation duration, an arrow (e.g., indicator 909) indicating the current time relative to the timeline, or a different visual indication. For example, the desired inhalation duration can be five seconds. After performing the inhalation, instructions can be displayed on the screen so that the subject holds his breath for a first predetermined duration. For example, the first predetermined duration can be 10 seconds.

[0101] At 506, performing a guided breathing cycle includes registering a first reference point cloud based on the LiDAR data while the subject is holding his breath, wherein the first reference point cloud is a set of 3-D points on the surface of the subject's chest (and / or abdomen). Figure 6 Registering a first reference point cloud based on LiDAR data is described in more detail.

[0102] Go to Figure 6 , shows a method 600 for registering a point cloud corresponding to a surface of a chest of a subject for a medical imaging examination based on LiDAR data. The method 600 can be used as a method for performing guided breathing (such as Figure 5A A portion of method 500) is performed within a guided breathing system of a medical imaging system.

[0103] At 602, method 600 includes acquiring a first set of LiDAR data. The LiDAR data may be acquired via a LiDAR imaging device of a guided breathing system, such as auxiliary imaging device 105 and / or auxiliary imaging device 164. In various embodiments, the auxiliary imaging device may be integrated into a medical imaging system, such as CT imaging system 100.

[0104] At 604, method 600 includes creating a point cloud from the acquired LiDAR data. The point cloud may include a plurality of points detected by the LiDAR imaging device on a surface of a chest of a subject. At 606, method 600 includes performing a segmentation process to eliminate points detected by the LiDAR imaging device that are not on the surface of the chest (e.g., an examination table or bed on which the subject is positioned (e.g., a table or bed, respectively, such as a chest plate or a chest plate). Figure 1A and Figure 1C point on the surface of the inspection table 114 and / or the inspection table 173).

[0105] At 608, method 600 includes isolating point cloud data for the SOI of the segmented point cloud. In various embodiments, the SOI can be identified by an operator of the guided breathing system via an input device of the guided breathing system, such as Figure 2The operator can indicate the SOI by adjusting the indicator line on the visualization of the segmented point cloud, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A After the operator indicates the SOI, the guided breathing system can determine a set of points of the segmented point cloud that are located within the indicated line.

[0106] At 610, method 600 includes converting the isolated point cloud corresponding to the SOI into 3-D coordinates for display on a display device of the guided breathing system (e.g., display device 130 and / or 162). The 3-D coordinates can be stored and used as a reference for generating an interactive visualization of the subject's chest while the subject is performing guided breathing, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 5A as described.

[0107] Back to Figure 5A At 508, displaying instructions and monitoring guided breathing includes measuring the movement of the subject's chest relative to the first reference point cloud. Instructions can be displayed on the screen to cause the subject to breathe according to a predetermined breathing pattern. For example, according to the predetermined breathing pattern, written inhalation instructions can be displayed or illuminated on the screen for a duration of a requested inhalation, and written exhalation instructions can be displayed or illuminated on the screen for a duration of a requested exhalation, as described above with reference to Fig. 9 In addition, in some breathing patterns, the subject may be instructed to hold his breath. While the subject is breathing according to a predetermined breathing pattern, the movement of the subject's chest during inspiration may be measured. Figure 5B The measurement of motion of a subject's chest is described in more detail.

[0108] refer to Figure 5B , method 550 illustrates a procedure for measuring the movement of a subject's chest during guided breathing performed on the guided breathing system 208. In various embodiments, method 550 can be performed as part of the method 500 described above. It should be understood that the steps of method 550 can be iteratively repeated multiple times until a predetermined duration has been reached. For example, the predetermined duration can correspond to the length of the inhalation phase of the guided breathing or the exhalation phase of the guided breathing. In various embodiments, method 550 can be performed at regular intervals, such as every millisecond.

[0109] Method 550 begins at 551, where method 550 includes receiving a reference point cloud. The reference point cloud may be a point cloud corresponding to a surface of a subject's chest at an initial point in time against which other point clouds corresponding to a surface of a subject's chest are measured during guided breathing. For example, the reference point cloud may correspond to a surface of a chest after inspiration when the subject's chest is in an inflated state (e.g., Figure 5AThe reference point cloud may correspond to the surface of the chest of the subject when the chest is in a deflated state after exhalation (e.g., Figure 5A The second reference point cloud).

[0110] At 552, method 550 includes generating a point cloud corresponding to a surface of the chest of the subject while the subject is breathing (e.g., according to a breathing pattern). In various embodiments, the surface of the chest of the subject can be generated by following Figure 6 The point cloud may be generated by one or more steps of generating a point cloud, as described above with respect to generating a first reference point cloud. The SOI used to generate the point cloud may be the same as the SOI selected by the operator for the first reference point cloud.

[0111] At 554, method 550 includes calculating a distance metric between points of the reference point cloud and points of the generated point cloud at each regular interval t of generating the point cloud of the subject's chest to estimate the range of motion of the chest during breathing. In various embodiments, the distance metric can be based on the Euclidean distance between each point of the first point cloud and the corresponding point of the second point cloud. For example, the distance metric can be an average Euclidean distance for each pair of points.

[0112] In some embodiments, the distance metric may be a weighted average Euclidean distance, wherein certain portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud are weighted more heavily than other portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud. For example, the weight of the distance metric may depend on the breathing pattern that the subject is instructed to match. The first breathing pattern may involve breathing with the lungs, wherein the subject is instructed to move corresponding portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the upper portion of the chest when the subject breathes to a greater extent than portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the lower portion of the chest. The second breathing pattern may involve breathing with the diaphragm, wherein the subject is instructed to move corresponding portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the lower portion of the chest when the subject breathes to a greater extent than portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the upper portion of the chest. If the subject is instructed to match the first breathing pattern, the Euclidean distance between points of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the upper portion of the chest may be weighted more heavily than the Euclidean distance between points of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the lower portion of the chest. Alternatively, if the subject is instructed to match a second breathing pattern, the Euclidean distance between points of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the lower portion of the chest may be weighted more heavily than the Euclidean distance between points of the first point cloud and the second point cloud corresponding to the upper portion of the chest. In this way, the estimated range of motion of the subject's chest may be defined based on the selected breathing pattern.

[0113] At 556, method 500 includes determining whether the estimated range of motion of the chest exceeds a threshold range of motion. If the estimated range of motion exceeds the threshold range of motion, it can be inferred that the subject is not breathing according to the selected breathing pattern, wherein the extension of the subject's chest exceeds the expected parameters of the breathing pattern.

[0114] Brief reference Fig.10 , respiration graph 1000 shows two plots, where a first plot 1002 depicts a first exemplary breathing pattern of a subject, and a second plot 1004 depicts a second exemplary breathing pattern of the subject. Time is indicated on the x-axis of respiration graph 1000, and the acceptability of the range of motion of the subject's chest during respiration is indicated on the y-axis of respiration graph 1000. Extension of the subject's chest during inspiration is indicated by an upward peak (e.g., in direction 1030), and contraction of the subject's chest during exhalation is indicated by a downward peak (e.g., in direction 1032).

[0115] The first exemplary breathing pattern is a shallow breathing pattern including a first inhalation 1003, an exhalation 1005, and a second inhalation 1007. The range of motion of the subject's chest during the first exemplary breathing pattern may be defined by a distance 1020 between a maximum extension of the subject's chest at point 1040 during the first inhalation 1003 and a minimum contraction of the subject's chest at point 1042 during the exhalation 1005. The distance 1020 may be less than a threshold range of motion, whereby the range of motion of the subject's chest during the first exemplary breathing pattern is acceptable.

[0116] In contrast, the second exemplary breathing pattern is a deeper breathing pattern, including a first inhalation 1010 and an exhalation 1012. The range of motion of the subject's chest during the second exemplary breathing pattern may be defined by a distance 1022 between a maximum extension of the subject's chest at point 1011 during the first inhalation 1010 and a minimum contraction of the subject's chest at point 1013 during the exhalation 1012. The distance 1022 may be greater than a threshold range of motion, whereby the range of motion of the subject's chest during the first exemplary breathing pattern is deemed excessively acceptable.

[0117] Returning to method 550, if it is determined at 556 that the estimated range of motion exceeds the threshold range of motion, method 500 proceeds to 558. At 558, method 550 includes notifying the subject that the subject's breathing does not follow the selected breathing pattern, and method 550 continues back to 552 to continue measuring the motion of the subject's chest at the next regular interval t.

[0118] In some embodiments, the subject can be notified of the guided breathing system on a display device. For example, a visual indication that the subject has not followed a breathing pattern can be displayed on the display device in the appearance of written text or a graphical element, or by lighting, highlighting, or displaying an existing element of the display in a different color. Additionally or alternatively, the subject can be notified of the guided breathing system via an indicator light (e.g., Figure 1A The interior surface 120, edge 121 and / or front surface 122 of the frame 102 may include a light or light emitting portion or Figure 1C The subject may be notified via an LED light 172 on the guided breathing system, or via an audio notification (e.g., a recording of sound or voice) played on a speaker of the guided breathing system and / or in the subject's environment, or via tactile feedback (e.g., vibration), or in a different manner.

[0119] If it is determined at 556 that the estimated range of motion does not exceed the threshold range of motion, it can be inferred that the subject is following the selected breathing pattern and method 550 proceeds to 560 .

[0120] At 560, method 500 includes determining whether a predetermined duration of guided breathing has been reached. The predetermined duration may correspond to a phase of guided breathing, such as an inhalation phase (wherein the movement of the subject's chest is measured relative to an inflated chest) or an exhalation phase (wherein the movement of the subject's chest is measured relative to a deflated chest). For example, the predetermined duration may be 10 minutes.

[0121] If it is determined at 560 that the predetermined duration has not been reached, method 500 returns to 552 to continue monitoring the range of motion of the subject's chest during the next regular interval t of guided breathing. Alternatively, if it is determined at 560 that the predetermined duration has been reached, method 550 ends.

[0122] Return to Figure 5A At 510, displaying instructions and monitoring guided breathing includes setting the state of the guided breathing system to an exhalation state. When the exhalation state is set, the exhalation phase of the guided breathing can be initiated. Instructions can be displayed on the screen to cause the subject to perform an exhalation. For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 9As described, written exhalation instructions may be displayed or illuminated on a screen for the duration of an exhalation. During the exhalation phase, the range of motion of the subject's chest may be measured relative to the deflated chest to determine whether the range of motion of the subject's chest exceeds a threshold range of motion. The exhalation state may be indicated on a timeline displayed on the screen. The desired duration of the exhalation phase may be equal to the duration of the inhalation phase, or the desired duration of the exhalation phase may be different from the duration of the inhalation phase. After performing an exhalation, instructions may be displayed on the screen to cause the subject to hold his breath for a second predetermined duration, which second predetermined duration may be equal to the first predetermined duration.

[0123] At 512, displaying instructions and monitoring guided breathing includes registering a second reference point cloud on the surface of the subject's chest (and / or abdomen) based on the LiDAR data while the subject is holding their breath, as described above with reference to Figure 6 In other words, a first reference point cloud is registered at a first time, at which the subject's chest is in an inflated position, possibly due to a previous inhalation. A second reference point cloud is registered at a later second time, at which the subject's chest is in a deflated position, possibly due to a previous exhalation. Thus, the first reference point cloud will be referenced by a first set of 3-D coordinates, and the second reference point cloud will be referenced by a different second set of 3-D coordinates.

[0124] At 514, displaying instructions and monitoring guided breathing includes measuring the movement of the subject's chest relative to the second reference point cloud. Instructions can be displayed on the screen to cause the subject to breathe according to a predetermined breathing pattern. For example, according to the predetermined breathing pattern, written inhalation instructions can be displayed or illuminated on the screen for a duration of a requested inhalation, and written exhalation instructions can be displayed or illuminated on the screen for a duration of a requested exhalation, as described above with reference to Fig. 9 In addition, in some breathing patterns, the subject may be instructed to hold his breath. While the subject is breathing according to the predetermined breathing pattern, the movement of the subject's chest may be measured. Figure 5BAs described, the motion of the subject's chest is measured. As with the inspiratory phase, if the range of motion of the subject's chest is not within the threshold range of motion, an indication can be provided to the subject, for example, via an indicator light or on a display screen of a guided breathing system. After a predetermined duration of the expiratory phase, the measurement of the range of motion of the subject's chest can end, and method 500 proceeds to 516. At 516, method 500 includes determining whether the common range of motion of the subject's chest during both the inspiratory phase and the expiratory phase exceeds the threshold range of motion. For example, the common range of motion can be the average of multiple measurements of the distance between the surface of the subject's chest and a reference point cloud (e.g., a first reference point cloud or a second reference point cloud). In some embodiments, the common range of motion can be a weighted average of multiple measurements. For example, the first average range of motion of the subject's chest during the inspiratory phase can be more heavily weighted than the second average range of motion of the subject's chest during the expiratory phase, or the first average range of motion of the subject's chest during the inspiratory phase can be more lightly weighted than the second average range of motion of the subject's chest during the expiratory phase.

[0125] If the common range of motion of the subject's chest exceeds the threshold range of motion, method 500 proceeds to 518. At 518, method 500 may include continuing to train the subject with respect to guided breathing, whereupon method 500 returns to 502. Alternatively, if the common range of motion of the subject's chest does not exceed the threshold range of motion, method 500 proceeds to 520. At 520, method 500 includes indicating to the subject and / or an operator of the guided breathing system that the subject has completed training with respect to guided breathing, and method 500 ends.

[0126] See now Figure 7 , shows an exemplary method 700 for performing a medical imaging scan on a subject while the subject is performing guided breathing. The subject may have undergone a training session on guided breathing prior to the medical imaging scan, as described above with reference to Figure 5A In one embodiment, at a first position (such as Figure 1C The subject can be trained to perform guided breathing in a training room (depicted in FIG. 1 ). The subject can successfully complete the training, whereby the subject can demonstrate following a selected breathing pattern for a specified duration. After completing the training, the subject can be placed in an imaging system (such as Figure 1A The subject may be positioned on an examination table of a CT imaging system 100 and positioned within a gantry of the imaging system. In some embodiments, the subject may be positioned on the examination table so that the subject may view an external display device of the guided respiratory system of the imaging system, such as Figure 1Adisplay device 130. During the acquisition of projection data during the examination, the subject can view guided breathing instructions on the display device, wherein the guided breathing instructions can include a 3-D visualization of a portion of the subject's chest that moves in real time as the subject inhales and exhales. In addition, a 3-D guided breathing model can be displayed near or superimposed on the 3-D visualization, wherein the 3-D guided breathing model can indicate a target position of the chest in real time, so that the subject can follow the selected breathing pattern by matching the movement of the subject's chest indicated by the 3-D visualization with the 3-D guided breathing model. In other embodiments, the instructions, 3-D visualization, and 3-D guided breathing model can be displayed on a head-mounted display (such as Figure 1B The image is displayed to the subject on a head-mounted display 180).

[0127] At 702, method 700 includes adjusting a protocol for a medical imaging scan based on a breath-hold period of a subject. The breath-hold period may be a duration that a subject is able to consistently and reliably hold a breath between inhalation and exhalation, which may be determined as a result of a training session on guided breathing. Different subjects may have different breath-hold periods.

[0128] The protocol can be selected based on the type of medical imaging scan performed and / or the area of ​​interest of the scanned subject. For example, the operator of the imaging system can use the input device of the imaging system (e.g., display device 232) to select the protocol, or the protocol can be automatically selected based on one or more parameters of the medical imaging scan established by the operator. In various embodiments, the protocol may include a setting for a breath-holding period that can vary between subjects. For example, a first subject may be able to hold his breath consistently and reliably for a first shorter duration, and a second subject may be able to hold his breath consistently and reliably for a second longer duration. The protocol may be adjusted between performing a first scan on the first subject and performing a second scan on the second subject to take into account the difference between the first duration and the second duration. During the first scan, the first acquisition of projection data may depend on the first duration, and during the second scan, the second acquisition of projection data may depend on the second duration.

[0129] At 704, method 700 includes performing a medical imaging scan while the subject is performing guided breathing. As described above, during guided breathing, the subject can follow breathing instructions displayed on a display device, using a visual representation of a portion of their chest as a guide and / or matching the visual representation to a 3-D guided breathing model displayed on the display device.

[0130] At 706, method 700 includes calculating a stability score for the subject based on the subject's performance of guided breathing. The stability score may be a value generated by the guided breathing system that indicates a degree of stability of the subject's chest during breathing. For example, a high stability score may indicate that the subject is able to maintain the range of motion of their chest within a minimum threshold range of motion with high accuracy and consistency. A low stability score may indicate that the subject is not able to maintain the range of motion of their chest within the minimum threshold range of motion with high accuracy and consistency. For example, a low stability score may be a result of the subject becoming anxious and breathing faster and / or taking deeper breaths. Because the quality of an image reconstructed from projection data acquired during guided breathing may depend on the degree of stability of the subject's chest, an image of higher quality may be generated from a subject with a high stability score than an image that may be generated from a subject with a low stability score.

[0131] In some embodiments, the stability score S can be calculated using the following formula:

[0132]

[0133] Where PCC is the point cloud coordinate. In other words, the stability score may be based on the total difference between a first set of point cloud coordinates corresponding to the minimum extension of the chest and a second set of point cloud coordinates corresponding to the maximum extension of the chest, as described above with reference to the inhalation phase, or based on the total difference between a first set of point cloud coordinates corresponding to the maximum extension of the chest and a second set of point cloud coordinates corresponding to the minimum extension of the chest, as described above with reference to the exhalation phase. In other embodiments, the stability score may be generated based on a different formula. For example, if the subject is following a breathing pattern based on relative movement of different portions of the subject's chest and / or abdominal cavity (e.g., upper chest breathing versus diaphragmatic breathing), the stability score may be calculated based on the relative difference between a portion of the first point cloud and a corresponding portion of the second point cloud, where other portions of the first point cloud and the second point cloud may not contribute to the stability score.

[0134] At 708, method 700 includes embedding the stability score in scan data acquired during the medical imaging scan. For example, the stability score can be included in metadata of the medical imaging scan, which can be stored with the projection data used for image reconstruction. In some embodiments, isolated point cloud data (e.g., a visual representation of a portion of a subject's chest) generated by the guided breathing system and displayed on a display device can also be stored in the metadata.

[0135] At 710, method 700 includes storing scan data acquired during a medical imaging scan in a memory of an imaging system. For example, the scan data may be stored in a memory of computing device 216, or in a memory of a computer system. Figure 2 The stability score may be stored in a mass storage device 218 of the computer program product. By including the stability score in the scan data, a record of the subject performing guided breathing during the scan may be linked to the scan data, which may provide a prior indication of the quality of the image generated from the scan. The stability score may be stored by a quality control system associated with the image. Since the stability score may be associated with image quality, the stability score may be used to classify CT examinations or scans. In this case, examinations with high stability scores may be examined first, if preferred.

[0136] Additionally, the stability score can be made a searchable parameter. For example, a radiologist may wish to view historical images that were generated during a series of scans performed on a patient over time. The radiologist may wish to view images that are above a threshold quality, and may not wish to view images that are below a threshold quality. The radiologist can set a filter of the medical imaging system to search for images generated from scans of patients that have a high embedded stability score. By viewing images that have a high embedded stability score and not viewing images that do not have a high embedded stability score, the radiologist can more quickly and efficiently discover and view higher quality images compared to an alternative scenario where the stability score is not embedded in the scan data.

[0137] Thus, disclosed herein is a guided breathing system for a medical imaging system that, in contrast to other guided breathing systems, displays a 3-D visualization of a selected portion of a subject's chest on a display device using breathing instructions while the subject is practicing or performing guided breathing, wherein the selected portion can be adjusted to include a smaller surface area of ​​the chest (e.g., a reduced set of points on the subject's chest) than the entire surface of the chest (e.g., across the subject's entire torso). The smaller surface area can be selected by an operator to span a specific portion of the chest that is extended and contracted during a specific breathing pattern. For example, a first breathing pattern may require moving an upper portion of the chest associated with the subject's lungs, and a second breathing pattern may require moving a lower portion of the chest associated with the subject's diaphragm. For example, a first scan may be performed on the subject's abdominal cavity, and a second scan may be performed on the subject's lungs. The quality of the first scan may depend on the subject following the first breathing pattern, and the quality of the second scan may depend on the subject following the second breathing pattern. For example, the first breathing pattern may involve stretching the muscles of the chest to breathe without moving the abdominal cavity. The second breathing mode may involve stretching the subject's diaphragm to breathe without moving the chest.

[0138] In this way, during guided breathing, the operator can display only the portion of the chest that is associated with a particular breathing pattern, while not displaying the portion of the chest that is not associated with the particular breathing pattern. By displaying the selected portion as opposed to an alternative 3-D visualization that includes a larger surface area, the amount of memory and / or processing resources used by the guided breathing system and / or medical imaging system to generate the 3-D visualization can be reduced, thereby improving the performance and functionality of the guided breathing system and / or medical imaging system. Due to the reduction in the amount of memory and / or processing resources used to generate the 3-D visualization, a larger amount of resources can be made available for other medical imaging and / or other tasks. In addition, the subject's performance of guided breathing can be increased, thereby generating less movement of the subject's chest during medical imaging, thereby obtaining a higher quality reconstructed image. Due to the higher quality reconstructed image, the assessment and / or diagnosis of the subject can be more accurate.

[0139] In addition, a 3-D guided breathing model can be generated based on the 3-D visualization and displayed simultaneously with the 3-D visualization (e.g., superimposed on the 3-D visualization), wherein the 3-D guided breathing model can be a target 3-D virtual representation of a selected portion that moves in real time as the subject breathes. The target 3-D virtual representation can model the target movement of the subject's chest. The 3-D guided breathing model can indicate to the subject how to adjust their breathing relative to the 3-D guided breathing model to achieve a selected breathing pattern, wherein the 3-D guided breathing model shows a personalized, modified shape of the 3-D visualization in real time based on the subject's breathing. By displaying the 3-D guided breathing model together with the 3-D visualization of the subject's breathing, the subject can adopt the selected breathing pattern more quickly, thereby reducing the amount of time the subject spends performing guided breathing. By reducing the amount of time a subject spends performing guided breathing, the amount of memory and / or processing resources used by a guided breathing system and / or medical imaging system to generate a 3-D visualization and a 3-D guided breathing model can be reduced, thereby improving the performance and functionality of the guided breathing system and / or medical imaging system and freeing up resources for other tasks and further improving the quality of the resulting reconstructed images. Additionally, by generating a 3-D guided breathing model based on a 3-D visualization, rather than generating the 3-D guided breathing model from scratch without relying on the 3-D visualization, computational and memory resources of the guided breathing system and / or medical imaging system can be used more efficiently and / or reduced.

[0140] The present disclosure also provides support for a method for a medical imaging system, the method comprising: generating a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation of a portion of a chest of a subject of the medical imaging system via a sensor system of the medical imaging system that collects data of the surface of the chest of the subject of the medical imaging system, the size of the portion being adjustable by an operator of the medical imaging system; displaying changes in the 3-D virtual representation to the subject in real time on a display device of the medical imaging system as the subject breathes; displaying instructions to the subject on the display device to perform guided breathing according to a selected breathing pattern; and in response to detecting a deviation of the subject's breathing pattern from the selected breathing pattern, indicating the deviation to the subject. In a first embodiment of the method, displaying the instructions to perform guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern also includes: displaying instructions indicating when to start inhaling, when to start exhaling, and when to hold a breath, and displaying a timeline indicating the duration of the inhalation, the duration of the exhalation, and the duration of the subject holding their breath. In a second embodiment of the method, optionally including the first embodiment, indicating the deviation to the subject due to detecting the deviation further comprises: in response to determining that the deviation exceeds a threshold deviation, performing at least one of the following operations: displaying an indication of the deviation on the display device; illuminating a light or visual indicator included in the environment of the CT imaging system; illuminating a light or visual indicator of the medical imaging system; providing tactile feedback (e.g., vibration) to the subject; and providing an audio notification of the deviation. In a third embodiment of the method, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, determining that the deviation exceeds the threshold deviation further comprises: generating a first point cloud associated with the portion of the surface of the chest when the subject holds his breath after inhaling; generating a second point cloud associated with the portion of the chest when the subject holds his breath after exhaling; calculating a Euclidean distance between the first point cloud and the second point cloud; and determining whether the Euclidean distance exceeds a threshold distance. In a fourth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third embodiments, generating either the first point cloud or the second point cloud further comprises: collecting data of the surface of the chest via one of a LiDAR system and a 3-D camera; creating a 3-D point cloud based on the data; isolating a portion of the 3-D point cloud associated with the portion of the surface; and measuring the 3-D coordinates of the isolated portion.In a fifth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth embodiments, the portion of the surface of the chest is defined by an operator of the medical imaging system based on a scanning protocol and a position of visual elements adjusted by the operator on the visualization of the 3-D point cloud. In a sixth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth embodiments, the one of the LiDAR system and the 3-D camera is included in the medical imaging system, and the data is acquired when the subject is positioned on an examination table of the medical imaging system. In a seventh embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth embodiments, the one of the LiDAR system and the 3-D camera is included in an instructive breathing room, and the data is acquired when the subject is preparing to perform a scan in the instructive breathing room. In an eighth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to seventh embodiments, displaying the instructions for performing guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern also includes: displaying a breathing guidance model generated based on the 3-D virtual representation for the subject to follow, the breathing guidance model showing the target motion of the personalized, modified shape of the 3-D virtual representation superimposed on the 3-D virtual representation when the subject breathes. In a ninth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to eighth embodiments, displaying the breathing guidance model also includes: during a first breathing cycle, the first breathing cycle includes one inhalation and one exhalation: storing the 3-D virtual representation of the portion of the surface of the chest at each time increment of multiple time increments within the first breathing cycle; applying a transformation function to each 3-D point of each stored 3-D virtual representation to generate a target 3-D virtual representation at each time increment; and during each subsequent breathing cycle, displaying each target 3-D virtual representation at each time increment within the subsequent breathing cycle. In a tenth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to ninth embodiments, displaying the breathing guidance model further comprises: displaying a 3-D virtual representation of the target at each time increment of multiple time increments within each breathing cycle, the breathing cycle comprising one inhalation and one exhalation, the target 3-D virtual representation being based on a distance between each point in the first point cloud and a corresponding point in the second point cloud and an elapsed duration of the breathing cycle.In an eleventh embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to tenth embodiments, the modalities of the medical imaging system include: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), positron emission tomography (PET), and nuclear medicine (NM) imaging. In a twelfth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to eleventh embodiments, the selected breathing mode is selected by the operator from a plurality of breathing modes based on a scan protocol, an anatomical region of the subject, and / or characteristics of the subject. In a thirteenth embodiment of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to twelfth embodiments, the method further includes: generating a stability score for the subject based on the stability of the chest of the subject while the subject performs the guided breathing during a medical imaging scan, and storing the stability score in scan data acquired during the medical imaging scan.

[0141] The present disclosure also provides support for a medical imaging system, which includes: an X-ray controller, which includes one or more processors having executable instructions stored in a non-volatile memory of the medical imaging system, which executable instructions, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: generate a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation of a portion of the surface of a chest of a subject of the medical imaging system, the size of which can be adjusted by an operator of the medical imaging system; display changes in the 3-D virtual representation to the subject in real time on a display device of the medical imaging system when the subject performs guided breathing; use the 3-D virtual representation as a guide to display instructions to the subject on the display device to perform the guided breathing according to a selected breathing pattern; and in response to detecting a deviation of the subject's breathing pattern from the selected breathing pattern, indicate the deviation to the subject. In a first embodiment of the system, detecting the deviation of the breathing pattern of the subject from the selected breathing pattern also includes: when the subject holds his breath after inhaling: creating a first 3-D point cloud from data of the surface of the chest acquired via one of a LiDAR system and a 3-D camera, isolating a first portion of the first 3-D point cloud associated with the portion of the surface, and measuring 3-D coordinates of the isolated first portion to generate a first point cloud associated with the portion of the surface of the chest; when the subject holds his breath after exhaling: creating a second 3-D point cloud from data of the surface of the chest acquired via one of a LiDAR system and a 3-D camera, isolating a second portion of the second 3-D point cloud associated with the portion of the surface, and measuring 3-D coordinates of the isolated second portion to generate a second point cloud associated with the portion of the chest, calculating a Euclidean distance between the first point cloud and the second point cloud, and determining whether the Euclidean distance exceeds a threshold distance. In a second embodiment of the system, optionally including the first embodiment, one of the LiDAR system and the 3-D camera is included in an guided breathing training room and the data of the surface of the chest is acquired while the subject is preparing to perform a scan in the guided breathing training room.In a third embodiment of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second embodiments, further instructions are stored in the non-volatile memory of the medical imaging system, which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to display a breathing guidance model generated based on the 3-D virtual representation for the subject to follow during the guided breathing, the breathing guidance model showing a target motion of a personalized, modified shape of the 3-D virtual representation superimposed on the 3-D virtual representation as the subject breathes, the target motion comprising displaying a target 3-D virtual representation at each time increment of a plurality of time increments within each breathing cycle of the guided breathing, the breathing cycle comprising one inhalation and one exhalation, the target 3-D virtual representation based on a distance between each point of the first point cloud and a corresponding point of the second point cloud and an elapsed duration of the breathing cycle. In a fourth embodiment of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third embodiments, further instructions are stored in the non-volatile memory of the medical imaging system, which when executed cause the one or more processors to generate a stability score for the subject based on the stability of the chest of the subject during the guided breathing during the medical imaging scan, and store the stability score in scan data acquired during the medical imaging scan.

[0142] The present disclosure also provides support for a method, which includes: at a first point in time: during a medical imaging scan of a subject via a medical imaging system, acquiring scan data while the subject is performing guided breathing, generating a stability score for the medical imaging scan based on the stability of the subject's chest while the subject is performing the guided breathing, and storing the stability score in the scan data acquired during the medical imaging scan; and at a later second point in time: retrieving the scan data from a storage device of the medical imaging system based on a filter setting for the stability score of the medical imaging system.

[0143] When introducing the elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more such elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. do not represent any order, amount or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another element. The terms "include", "comprises", and "have" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that additional elements may also exist in addition to the listed elements. As used herein, the terms "connected to", "coupled to", etc., an object (e.g., material, element, structure, member, etc.) may be connected to or coupled to another object, regardless of whether the one object is directly connected or coupled to another object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and another object. In addition, it should be understood that reference to "an embodiment" or "embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that are also combined with the cited features.

[0144] In addition to any previously indicated modifications, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present specification, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Therefore, although the above has been described with particularity and detail in connection with what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may be made, including but not limited to form, function, mode of operation, and use, without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Likewise, as used herein, the examples and embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects only and should not be construed as limiting in any way.

Claims

1. A method for a medical imaging system, the method comprising: generating, via a sensor system of the medical imaging system acquiring data of a surface of a chest and / or an abdominal cavity of a subject of the medical imaging system, a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation (552) of a portion of the surface, the size of the portion being adjustable by an operator of the medical imaging system; displaying changes to the 3-D virtual representation to the subject in real time on a display device of the medical imaging system as the subject breathes (416); displaying instructions for the subject to perform guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern on the display device (502); as well as In response to detecting a deviation of the subject's breathing pattern from the selected breathing pattern, indicating the deviation to the subject (558).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein indicating the deviation to the subject as a result of detecting the deviation further comprises: In response to determining that the deviation exceeds a threshold deviation, performing at least one of the following operations: displaying an indication of the deviation on the display device (558); illuminating a light or visual indicator included in the environment of the medical imaging system; illuminating a light or visual indicator of the medical imaging system; providing tactile feedback to the subject; and An audio notification of the deviation is provided.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting the deviation exceeding the threshold deviation further comprises: During the first stage of guided breathing: instructing the subject to inhale and hold his breath (504); generating a first reference set of 3-D points associated with the portion of the surface of the chest and / or abdomen of the subject while the subject is holding his breath (506); The following operations are performed at regular intervals while the subject is performing the guided breathing: generating a set of 3-D points associated with the portion of the surface of the thorax and / or abdomen (552); calculating a Euclidean distance between the first reference set of 3-D points and the generated set of 3-D points (554); determining whether the Euclidean distance exceeds a threshold distance (556); as well as During the second phase of guided breathing: instructing the subject to exhale and hold his breath (510); generating a second reference set of 3-D points associated with the portion of the surface of the chest and / or abdomen while the subject is holding his breath (512); performing the following operations at regular intervals while the subject is performing the guided breathing: generating a set of 3-D points associated with the portion of the surface of the thorax and / or abdomen (552); calculating a Euclidean distance between the second reference set of 3-D points and the generated set of 3-D points (554); as well as A determination is made as to whether the Euclidean distance exceeds a threshold distance.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein displaying the instructions to perform guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern further comprises: displaying instructions instructing the subject when to inhale, when to exhale, and when to hold the subject's breath; A timeline is displayed indicating the progression of the guided breathing through the first phase of the guided breathing and the second phase of the guided breathing.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein generating the set of 3-D points associated with the portion of the surface of the thorax and / or abdominal cavity further comprises: collecting data of the surface of the chest and / or abdominal cavity via one of a LiDAR system and a 3-D camera (602); creating a 3-D point cloud based on the data (604); isolating a portion of the 3-D point cloud associated with the portion of the surface (606); as well as The 3-D coordinates of the isolated portion are measured (610).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the portion of the surface of the thorax and / or abdominal cavity is defined by an operator of the medical imaging system based on a scanning protocol and positions of visual elements adjusted by the operator on the visualization of the 3-D point cloud.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the one of the LiDAR system and the 3-D camera is included in the medical imaging system, and the data is acquired while the subject is positioned on an examination table of the medical imaging system.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein said one of the LiDAR system and the 3-D camera is included in an instructed breathing room and the data is acquired while the subject is preparing to be scanned in the instructed breathing room.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein displaying the instructions to perform guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern further comprises: A breathing guidance model generated based on the 3-D virtual representation is displayed for the subject to follow, the breathing guidance model showing target motion of a personalized, modified shape of the 3-D virtual representation superimposed on the 3-D virtual representation as the subject breathes.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein displaying the breathing guide model further comprises: During a first breathing cycle, the first breathing cycle comprising one inhalation and one exhalation: storing the 3-D virtual representation of the portion of the surface of the thorax and / or abdominal cavity at each of a plurality of time increments within the first breathing cycle; applying a transformation function to the virtual representation to generate a target virtual representation at each time increment; as well as During each subsequent breathing cycle, each target 3-D virtual representation is displayed at each time increment within the subsequent breathing cycle.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein displaying the breathing guidance model further comprises: A 3-D virtual representation of a target is displayed at each of a plurality of time increments within each breathing cycle, the breathing cycle comprising one inhalation and one exhalation, the target 3-D virtual representation being The D virtual representation is based on the distance between each point in the first point cloud and the corresponding point in the second point cloud and the elapsed duration of the breathing cycle.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the modality of the medical imaging system comprises: X-rays; Computed tomography (CT); Magnetic resonance imaging (MR); Positron emission tomography (PET); or Nuclear Medicine (NM) Imaging.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected breathing mode is selected by the operator from a plurality of breathing modes based on a scan protocol, an anatomical region of the subject, and / or characteristics of the subject.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A stability score for the subject is generated based on the stability of the chest and / or abdomen of the subject while the subject performs the guided breathing during the medical imaging scan (706), and the stability score is stored in scan data acquired during the medical imaging scan (708).

15. A medical imaging system (200), comprising: An X-ray controller (210) comprising one or more processors having executable instructions stored in a non-transitory memory of the medical imaging system (200), the executable instructions when executed causing the one or more processors to perform the following operations: generating a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual representation of a portion of the surface of a chest and / or abdominal cavity of a subject of the medical imaging system (850), the size of the portion being adjustable by an operator of the medical imaging system; displaying changes of the 3-D virtual representation to the subject in real time on a display device of the medical imaging system while the subject performs guided breathing; displaying instructions to the subject on the display device for performing the guided breathing according to the selected breathing pattern using the 3-D virtual representation as a guide; as well as In response to detecting a deviation of the subject's breathing pattern from the selected breathing pattern, indicating the deviation to the subject.

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