A method and system for determining scan parameters of a photon counting CT and an imaging device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present specification provide a method and system for determining scanning parameters of photon counting CT and an imaging device. The method comprises: obtaining characteristic information of a target object, the characteristic information comprising at least one of a three-dimensional image containing the target object obtained by an image acquisition device, historical size data of a scanning part of the target object, and body size information of the target object; determining a size of the scanning part of the target object based on the characteristic information; obtaining a constant factor, the constant factor being determined based on a social group related to the target object; determining an absorbed dose corresponding to initial scanning parameters of the target object according to the size of the scanning part and the constant factor; and adjusting the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to the field of medical technology, and in particular to a method for determining scanning parameters in photon counting CT. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, the medical imaging industry has developed rapidly, and X-ray imaging technology has been widely used. However, with the increasing frequency of clinical use of X-ray imaging technology, the number of times patients undergo radiation examinations and the total radiation dose are also increasing. The higher the radiation dose received by the human body, the greater the potential damage. If the radiation dose received by the human body exceeds a certain threshold, adverse effects may occur, such as cell death, mutation, and the induction of cancer.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for determining the actual absorbed dose of radiation to help adjust the imaging radiation dose. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a method for determining scanning parameters in photon counting CT. The method includes: acquiring feature information of a target object, the feature information including at least one of a three-dimensional image of the target object acquired by an image acquisition device, historical size data of the scanned portion of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information; acquiring a constant factor, the constant factor being determined based on a social group associated with the target object; determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanned portion and the constant factor; and adjusting the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose.

[0005] In some embodiments, determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information includes: determining target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information, wherein the target feature information includes at least one of the three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned portion, and body shape information; and determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the target feature information.

[0006] In some embodiments, determining the target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information includes: determining the target feature information as the one with the highest confidence level among the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information.

[0007] In some embodiments, determining the target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information includes: when the confidence levels of the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information are the same or substantially the same, determining that the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information of the target object are all the target feature information; determining the size of the scanned part of the target object based on the target feature information includes: determining a first size, a second size, and a third size corresponding to the scanned part based on the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information of the target object, respectively; and determining the size of the scanned part of the target object based on the average value of the first size, the second size, and the third size.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information further includes: in response to the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned portion, and the body shape information satisfying preset conditions, determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object using physical patient calipers.

[0009] In some embodiments, the feature information further includes historical size data of a reference region of the target object, which is associated with the scanned region; and / or, the constant factor is associated with photon count CT data of the social group.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanning site and the constant factor includes: determining a conversion factor based on the size of the scanning site and the constant factor; and determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the conversion factor.

[0011] In some embodiments, adjusting the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose includes: adjusting the initial scanning parameters in response to the absorbed dose exceeding a preset threshold to determine the target scanning parameters of the target object.

[0012] Another aspect of this specification provides a scanning parameter determination system for photon counting CT, characterized by comprising: an acquisition module for acquiring feature information of a target object, the feature information including at least one of a three-dimensional image of the target object acquired by an image acquisition device, historical size data of the scanned portion of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; a determination module for determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information; a communication module for acquiring a constant factor, the constant factor being determined based on a social group associated with the target object; and a calculation module for determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanned portion and the constant factor, and adjusting the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose.

[0013] Another aspect of this specification provides an imaging device, characterized in that it comprises: an image acquisition device for acquiring a three-dimensional image of a target object; a scanner for scanning the target object to acquire a scanned image of the target object; a controller for acquiring feature information of the target object, the feature information including at least one of the three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned portion of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information; acquiring a constant factor, the constant factor being determined based on a social group associated with the target object; determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object according to the size of the scanned portion and the constant factor; and adjusting the radiation dose emitted by the radiation source of the scanner according to the absorbed dose to scan the target object.

[0014] Another aspect of this specification provides a computer device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the method described above.

[0015] Another aspect of this specification provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions, which, when read by a computer, execute the method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0016] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an exemplary scanning parameter determination method according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0018] Figure 2 This specification defines a block diagram of the system based on exemplary scanning parameters shown in some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for determining scanning parameters according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the determination of exemplary conversion factors according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of exemplary ray imaging according to some embodiments of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0023] It should be understood that the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and / or “module” used herein are one way to distinguish different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0024] As indicated in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0025] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this specification. The related descriptions are provided to aid in a better understanding of the medical imaging methods and / or systems. It should be understood that preceding or subsequent operations are not necessarily performed precisely in sequence. Instead, steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.

[0026] In non-invasive imaging systems, X-ray tubes are used as a source of ionizing (X-ray) radiation in various X-ray systems and computational computed tomography (CT) systems. During an examination or imaging sequence, ionizing radiation is emitted in response to a control signal. An emitter within the cathode emits a stream of electrons in response to heat generated by an applied current and / or an electric field generated by a voltage applied to a properly shaped metal plate in front of the emitter. The anode contains the target bombarded by the electron stream. Due to the impact of the electron beam, the target generates X-ray radiation that is emitted into the imaging volume. In such imaging systems, a portion of the radiation passes through the object of interest, such as a patient, and impacts a digital detector that collects image data. The signals are then processed to generate an image that can be displayed for viewing. In other systems, such as those used for radiotherapy of tumors, the X-ray source is used to direct ionizing radiation toward target tissue. Regardless of the X-ray system used, higher doses of radiation received by the human body will affect health. Furthermore, pediatric patients are exposed to X-ray radiation for greater and longer durations of effects than adult patients.

[0027] In some embodiments, the appropriate phantom size can be selected based on patient information, the patient's scan dose can be determined based on the phantom size, and the patient's absorbed dose can be determined based on the scan dose and the conversion factor. However, patients of different body sizes absorb significantly different doses under the same scanning conditions, and phantom sizes are generally only 16cm and 32cm. Therefore, the calculated dose value is consistent because the phantom size in the scanning protocol is consistent and cannot reflect the actual absorbed dose of the patient (e.g., a child).

[0028] To determine the actual absorbed dose for patients of different body sizes and thus the minimum effective dose, the AAPM proposed the concept of SSDE (Size Specific Dose Estimate). This involves determining a conversion factor based on the patient's actual body size and multiplying the conversion factor by the CTDI (Category of Specific Dose Intake). vol The actual absorbed dose of the patient was determined, including CTDI. vol This indicates the radiation output level for a standard reference model (e.g., a 16cm or 32cm phantom) during a CT scan. However, this method determines the actual size by measuring the image size after obtaining a localization film or reconstructing an image through wire scanning. This method can only be used to calculate the patient's actual absorbed dose after the scan, and cannot predict the conversion factor before the scan to select appropriate scan protocol parameters to reduce the dose. Furthermore, the constant factor in the formula for calculating absorbed dose proposed by AAPM is based on data from European and American populations, and its suitability for Asian populations remains to be verified.

[0029] Compared to other types of CT, photon-counting CT provides higher resolution images under the same scanning conditions, thus offering advantages in pediatric applications. Therefore, this specification provides a method for determining scanning parameters. This method determines the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object based on at least one of the following: three-dimensional images acquired by the image acquisition device, historical size data of the scanned area of ​​the target object, and body shape information. This method is independent of exposure calibration and has no impact on the patient's physical condition. The constant factor is determined based on the social group associated with the target object (e.g., a group with the same age group, gender, etc.) and the photon-counting CT dataset, allowing for better adaptation to various population types and thus reducing the patient's absorbed dose while maintaining image quality.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an exemplary scanning parameter determination method according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the scanning parameter determination system 100 may include an imaging device 110, a processing device 120, a terminal 130, a storage device 140, and a network 150.

[0032] Imaging device 110 can be used to scan a target object or a portion thereof located within its detection area and generate a medical image relating to the target object or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the target object may include a body, a substance, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the target object may include a specific part of the body, such as the head, chest, abdomen, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the target object may include a specific organ, such as the heart, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, bladder, ureter, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc. In some embodiments, the target object may include a patient or other medical experimental subject (e.g., laboratory mice or other animals).

[0033] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 can acquire data from a target object to obtain a medical image of a target area of ​​the target object. In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include an X-ray imaging device, such as conventional X-ray radiography (including equipment using image intensifiers, X-ray television, or cinematography), computed radiography (CR) systems, and digital radiography (DR) devices. In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include a computed tomography (CT) device, such as a photon counting CT.

[0034] X-ray imaging technology uses electronic imaging techniques to image objects by analyzing X-ray information passing through them (such as target objects). (For example only, such as...) Figure 5 As shown, an X-ray source 510, which may be conical, projects an X-ray beam onto a target object. After being collimated by a collimator 520 to define the irradiation range (e.g., the shape and size of the X-ray beam), the X-ray beam passes through the target object and enters a detector 530, which may be a flat-panel detector. The detector 530 detects the intensity of the X-ray beam passing through the target object and generates a detector output signal based on the detected intensity of the X-ray beam.

[0035] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may include an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a target object. For example, the image acquisition device may capture a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image containing all and / or part of the target object. In some embodiments, the image acquisition device may include a camera (e.g., a digital camera, analog camera, depth camera, etc.), a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor, an RGB-D depth sensor, or other devices capable of acquiring image data of the target object. In some embodiments, the image acquisition device may be used to acquire point cloud data of the target object. The point cloud data may include at least two data points, each data point may represent a physical point on the surface of the target object, and may be described using feature values ​​of one or more physical points (e.g., feature values ​​related to the location and / or composition of the physical point). Exemplary image acquisition devices capable of acquiring point cloud data may include 3D scanners, such as 3D laser imaging devices, structured light scanners (e.g., structured light laser scanners). By way of example only, an image acquisition device may be used to acquire depth image data of a target object. Depth image data may refer to image data including depth information of each physical point on the surface of the object, such as the distance from each physical point to a specific point (e.g., the optical center of the image acquisition device). Depth image data can be acquired by a depth camera. For example, a depth camera can include, but is not limited to, a structured light camera, a time-of-flight (TOF) camera, a stereo camera, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device may be fixedly mounted on the imaging device 110. For example, the image acquisition device may be fixedly mounted on the CT equipment at a position corresponding to the through-hole on the coil. In some embodiments, the image acquisition device may be slidably and / or rotatably mounted on the imaging device 110. In some embodiments, the image acquisition device may be a device independent of the imaging device 110. For example, the image acquisition device may be fixedly mounted on the ceiling, in a corner, or other location within the examination room. As another example, the image acquisition device may be slidably and / or rotatably mounted on the ceiling, floor, or other location where the imaging device 110 is located; this specification does not limit this.

[0037] In some embodiments, two or more image acquisition devices may be installed, and the installation positions and methods of the two or more image acquisition devices can be any combination of the above-mentioned installation positions and methods. For example, two image acquisition devices may be installed on the imaging device 110 at positions corresponding to the two through holes on the coil.

[0038] Processing device 120 can process data and / or information obtained from imaging device 110, terminal 130, and / or storage device 140. For example, processing device 120 can acquire historical size data of a target object from imaging device 110 to determine the size of the scanned part of the target object based on the historical size data. As another example, processing device 120 can acquire data such as clothing size of the target object from storage device 140 and determine the body shape information of the target object based on the clothing size. In some embodiments, processing device 120 can be a single server or a group of servers. The server group can be centralized or distributed. In some embodiments, processing device 120 can be local or remote. For example, processing device 120 can access information and / or data from imaging device 110, terminal 130, and / or storage device 140 via network 150. As another example, processing device 120 can directly connect to imaging device 110, terminal 130, and / or storage device 140 to access information and / or data. In some embodiments, processing device 120 can be implemented on a cloud platform. For example, a cloud platform may include one or a combination of several of the following: private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, community cloud, distributed cloud, cross-cloud, multi-cloud, etc. In some embodiments, the processing device 120 may be part of the imaging device 110.

[0039] Terminal 130 may include mobile device 131, tablet computer 132, laptop computer 133, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, terminal 130 may interact with other components in the scan parameter determination system 100 via network 150. For example, terminal 130 may send patient information to processing device 120 via network 150. As another example, terminal 130 may also receive scan images acquired by imaging device 110 via network 150.

[0040] Storage device 140 may store data (e.g., historical size data and / or body shape information of scanned parts of a target object), instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may store data obtained from imaging device 110, terminal 130, and / or processing device 120. For example, storage device 140 may store scanned images obtained from imaging device 110. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may store data and / or instructions that processing device 120 may execute and / or use to perform the exemplary methods described herein. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may include one or a combination of mass storage, removable memory, volatile read-write memory, read-only memory (ROM), etc. Mass storage may include disks, optical disks, solid-state drives, portable storage, etc. Removable memory may include flash drives, floppy disks, optical disks, memory cards, ZIP disks, magnetic tapes, etc. Volatile read-write memory may include random access memory (RAM). RAM may include Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Dual Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR-SDRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Thyristor Random Access Memory (T-RAM), Zero Capacitor Random Access Memory (Z-RAM), etc. ROM may include Mask Read-Only Memory (MROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Optical Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Multifunction Optical Disc, etc. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may be implemented using the cloud platform described in this specification. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may be part of imaging device 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, storage device 140 may be connected to network 150 to communicate with one or more components of scan parameter determination system 100 (e.g., imaging device 110, processing device 120, terminal 130, etc.). One or more components of scan parameter determination system 100 may read data and / or instructions from storage device 140 via network 150. In some embodiments, storage device 140 may be part of processing device 120, or independent of processing device 120, and directly or indirectly connected to processing device 120.

[0042] Network 150 may include any suitable network capable of facilitating information and / or data exchange between the scan parameter determination system 100 and the scan parameter determination system 100. In some embodiments, one or more components of the scan parameter determination system 100 (e.g., imaging device 110, terminal 130, processing device 120, storage device 140, etc.) may exchange information and / or data with one or more components of the scan parameter determination system 100 via network 150. In some embodiments, network 150 may include one or more of the following: public networks (e.g., the Internet), private networks (e.g., local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs)), wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks (e.g., 802.11 networks, Wi-Fi networks), cellular networks (e.g., LTE networks), Frame Relay networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), satellite networks, telephone networks, routers, hubs, server computers, etc. For example, network 150 may include wired networks, fiber optic networks, telecommunications networks, local area networks, wireless local area networks (WLANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), Bluetooth, etc. TM Network, ZigBee TM This includes one or more of the following: a network, a near-field communication (NFC) network, etc. In some embodiments, network 150 may include one or more network access points. For example, network 150 may include wired and / or wireless network access points, such as base stations and / or Internet exchange points, through which scanning parameters determine that one or more components of system 100 can connect to network 150 to exchange data and / or information.

[0043] It should be noted that the above description of the scanning parameter determination system 100 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Various modifications and variations can be made based on this specification by those skilled in the art. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification. For example, the imaging device 110, processing device 120, and terminal 130 may share a single storage device 140, or they may each have their own storage devices.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a system for determining exemplary scanning parameters based on some embodiments shown in this specification.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the scanning parameter determination system 200 may include an acquisition module 210, a determination module 220, a communication module 230, and a calculation module 240.

[0046] The acquisition module 210 can be used to acquire feature information of a target object. In some embodiments, the feature information of the target object may include at least one of a three-dimensional image of the target object acquired by an image acquisition device, historical dimension data of the scanned portion of the target object, body shape information, and historical dimension data of a reference portion. For example, the acquisition module 210 can acquire a three-dimensional image of the target object through an image acquisition device. Alternatively, the acquisition module 210 can acquire historical dimension data of the scanned portion of the target object and / or historical dimension data of the reference portion from a storage device (e.g., storage device 140).

[0047] The determining module 220 can be used to determine the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on feature information. In some embodiments, the determining module 220 can be used to determine target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information, and determine the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the target feature information. The target feature information may include at least one of the three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned portion, and body shape information.

[0048] The communication module 230 can be used to acquire a constant factor, which is determined based on a social group associated with the target object. In some embodiments, the communication module 230 can be used to acquire the constant factor through a custom editing module.

[0049] The calculation module 240 can be used to determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanning site and a constant factor. In some embodiments, the calculation module 240 can determine a conversion factor based on the size of the scanning site and a constant factor; and determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the conversion factor. In some embodiments, the calculation module 240 can be used to adjust the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose to determine the target scanning parameters of the target object.

[0050] More information about the acquisition module 210, determination module 220, communication module 230, and calculation module 240 can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0051] It should be noted that the above description of the scan parameter determination system 200 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Various variations and modifications can be made based on this specification by those skilled in the art. However, these variations and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification. For example, one or more modules of the scan parameter determination system 200 described above may be omitted or integrated into a single module. As another example, the scan parameter determination system 200 may include one or more additional modules, such as a storage module for data storage.

[0052] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for determining scanning parameters according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0053] Process 300 can be executed by processing device 120 or scan parameter determination system 200. For example, process 300 can be implemented as a set of instructions (e.g., a computer program) stored in a storage device (e.g., storage device 140) or a memory external to and accessible by scan parameter determination system 100. Processing device 120 can execute the instruction set and, when executing the instructions, can be configured to execute process 300. The operational schematic diagram of process 300 presented below is illustrative. In some embodiments, the process can be accomplished using one or more additional operations not described and / or one or more operations not discussed. Additionally, Figure 3 The order of operations shown in the diagram and described below in process 300 is not restrictive.

[0054] Step 310: Obtain feature information of the target object. In some embodiments, step 310 may be performed by the processing device 120 or the acquisition module 210.

[0055] In some embodiments, the target group may include a patient who needs to undergo imaging examination.

[0056] In some embodiments, the feature information may include a three-dimensional image of the target object acquired by an image acquisition device. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional image of the target object can be acquired by the image acquisition device before imaging scanning of the target object. For example, the image acquisition device can be controlled to acquire the three-dimensional image of the target object when the patient enters the scanning room. Alternatively, the image acquisition device can be controlled to acquire the three-dimensional image of the target object when the patient is lying on the medical bed. Yet another example is that the image acquisition device can be controlled to acquire the three-dimensional image of the target object when the patient enters the scanning area.

[0057] In some embodiments, a two-dimensional image of the target object can be acquired using an image acquisition device, and three-dimensional information of the target object can be obtained based on the two-dimensional image. For example, a digital model corresponding to the two-dimensional image can be retrieved from storage device 140 based on the two-dimensional image of the target object, and three-dimensional information of the target object can be obtained based on the digital model. The digital model can be used to characterize the compositional structure of the human body, including the organs contained in the human body, their locations, and their volumes. Different feature information may correspond to different human body compositions; for example, the organ volumes and locations may differ for people of different heights, weights, and ages. Furthermore, three-dimensional information of the patient can be calculated based on the two-dimensional image of the target object, combined with the patient's basic information (e.g., gender, age, height, weight, etc.) and other information in the image (e.g., the dimensions of the examination bed).

[0058] In some embodiments, the feature information may further include historical size data of the scanned portion of the target object and / or body shape information of the target object.

[0059] The scanned area can refer to the target area where the patient needs to undergo medical diagnosis.

[0060] Historical size data may include size data obtained from previous patient scans or size data stored in other types of examinations. For example, historical size data of the scanned area may include size data of the scanned area obtained based on the patient's scan images during the last scan or within a preset time period, or size data of the scanned area calculated based on three-dimensional images and / or auxiliary information obtained by the image acquisition device. In some embodiments, historical size data of the scanned area may be obtained from a storage device (e.g., storage device 140) or an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 110). In some embodiments, historical size data of the scanned area may be obtained from a medical data system (e.g., a PACS system).

[0061] Body shape information can reflect information such as the target object's measurements, height, and weight. In some embodiments, body shape data of the target object can be obtained, and body shape information can be determined based on the body shape data. For example, body shape data may include information such as the target object's clothing size, actual height, and weight. For example, the target object's clothing size can be obtained, and body shape information corresponding to the target object's clothing size can be determined based on a clothing size and body shape information mapping table (or a Men and Women Size Guide table).

[0062] In some embodiments, the feature information may further include historical dimensional data of a reference portion of the target object.

[0063] A reference site may refer to an organ or tissue associated with the scanned site, such as an organ or tissue adjacent to the scanned site. In some embodiments, historical dimensional data of the reference site may be obtained from a storage device (e.g., storage device 140), an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 110), or a medical data system (e.g., a PACS system).

[0064] Step 320: Based on the feature information, determine the size of the scanned portion of the target object. In some embodiments, step 320 may be performed by the processing device 120 or the determining module 220.

[0065] In some embodiments, target feature information can be determined based on the confidence level of the feature information, and the size of the scanned part of the target object can be determined based on the target feature information. The target feature information may include at least one of a three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned part, and body shape information.

[0066] Confidence level reflects the reliability or accuracy of feature information. For example, the confidence level of a 3D image can be determined based on the performance (e.g., resolution) of the image acquisition device. The higher the precision of the image acquisition device, the clearer the obtained 3D image, and the higher the confidence level of the corresponding 3D image. Similarly, the confidence level of historical size data can be determined based on the storage time of the data. The longer the storage time, the greater the difference between the historical size data and the actual size may be, and the lower the corresponding confidence level. Furthermore, the confidence level of body shape information can be determined based on the clothing size of the target object. The closer the clothing size is to the data in the mapping table, the more accurate the obtained body shape information, and the higher the confidence level of the corresponding body shape information.

[0067] In some embodiments, the data with the highest confidence among the 3D image, historical size data of the scanned area, and body shape information can be identified as the target feature information. Accordingly, the size of the scanned area can be determined based on the identified target feature information with the highest confidence.

[0068] In some embodiments, when the target feature information is a three-dimensional image, the size of the scanned portion of the target object can be determined based on the information of the target object contained in the three-dimensional image (e.g., organ location, organ area, organ size, etc.). For example, the size of the scanned portion can be calculated by performing recognition and segmentation processing on the scanned portion in the three-dimensional image.

[0069] In some embodiments, when the target feature information is historical size data of the scanned area, the historical size data of the scanned area of ​​the target object can be determined as the size of the scanned area. In some embodiments, the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object can be determined based on historical size data and the change curve of the scanned area. For example, the size of the scanned area can be determined based on the change trend curve of the size of the scanned area over time, combined with the historical size data of the scanned area of ​​the target object.

[0070] In some embodiments, when the target feature information is body shape information, the size of the scanned area can be calculated based on the body shape information. For example, information such as the target object's clothing size, height, and weight can be used as input data and fed into a trained prediction model. The prediction model then analyzes and processes this information to output the predicted size of the scanned area of ​​the target object.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the confidence levels of the 3D image, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information are the same or substantially the same, it can be determined that the 3D image of the target object, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information are all target feature information. In this case, in some embodiments, a first size, a second size, and a third size corresponding to the scanned area can be determined based on the 3D image of the target object, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information, respectively; and the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object can be determined based on the average value of the first size, the second size, and the third size.

[0072] As an example only, the processing device can determine the first size corresponding to the scanned part based on the information of the target object contained in the 3D image, determine the second size corresponding to the scanned part based on the historical size data of the scanned part of the target object, determine the third size corresponding to the scanned part based on the body shape information using a trained prediction model, and then determine the average of the first size, the second size and the third size as the size of the scanned part of the target object.

[0073] In some embodiments, the size of the scanned portion of the target object can be determined based on the maximum value, minimum value, weighted sum, median, etc., among the first size, second size, and third size. This specification does not limit this.

[0074] In some embodiments, the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object can be determined using physical patient calipers in response to preset conditions being met by the three-dimensional image of the target object, historical size data of the scanned area, and body shape information. The preset conditions may be related to the degree of difference between the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information. For example, preset conditions may include a first size, a second size, and a third size determined based on the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information, respectively, where the absolute value of the difference between any two pairs of these sizes is greater than a preset threshold.

[0075] In some embodiments, the size of the scanned part can be determined based on at least one of a 3D image of the target object, historical size data of the scanned part, body shape information, and historical size data of a reference part. In some embodiments, the size of the scanned part of the target object can be determined based on at least one of a 3D image, historical size data of the scanned part, body shape information, and historical size data of a reference part, according to preset weights. For example, the size of the scanned part of the target object can be obtained by weighting the first size of the scanned part determined from the 3D image, the second size determined from the historical size data of the scanned part, the historical size data of the reference part, and the third size of the scanned part determined based on the body shape information, according to preset weight values. Alternatively, the size of the scanned part can be obtained by weighting the first size of the scanned part determined from the 3D image and the historical size data of the scanned part, according to preset weight values.

[0076] In some embodiments, the size of the scanned part of the target object can be determined by using a trained size calculation model based on at least one of the following: a 3D image, historical size data of the scanned part, body shape information, and historical size data of a reference part.

[0077] The size calculation model can be trained based on sample data. For example, the sample data may include multiple sets of sample data consisting of actual scanned site dimensions from multiple different patients, size data calculated from 3D images, historical size data of the scanned site, historical size data of a reference site, and / or scanned site dimensions determined based on body shape information. The actual scanned site dimensions serve as the gold standard, and other size data are used as input. Multiple sets of sample data are input into an initial machine learning model for training, thereby obtaining a trained size calculation model. In some embodiments, different scanned sites may correspond to the same or different size calculation models. For example, different scanned sites may use different size calculation models to determine their dimensions. Alternatively, a single size calculation model can be used to determine the dimensions of different scanned sites.

[0078] Step 330: Obtain the constant factor. In some embodiments, step 330 may be performed by the processing device 120 or the communication module 230.

[0079] The constant factor is related to personal information about the individual and can be used to determine the conversion factor for calculating the absorbed dose of a patient. The conversion factor is used to differentiate the sensitivity of different age groups and different body parts to X-rays. In some embodiments, the constant factor can be determined based on a social group associated with the target subject. A social group can refer to a group with similar characteristics to the target subject, such as the same age group, the same gender, etc. In some embodiments, constant factors can be obtained for different characteristic groups. For example, if the target subject is male and Asian, the constant factor can be obtained based on experimental data (e.g., CT scan data) from a large number of male Asian populations. Similarly, if the target subject is male, 53 years old, and Han Chinese, the constant factor can be obtained based on experimental data from a large number of 53-year-old Han Chinese males.

[0080] In some embodiments, the constant factor is related to the photon-counted CT data of the social group (e.g., historical photon-counted CT scan images, scan parameters, absorbed dose, etc., for each object in the social group). In some embodiments, the constant factor for a given social group can be determined based on conventional CT datasets, photon-counted CT datasets, and / or other relevant datasets for different social groups. Conventional CT can refer to traditional CT equipment. In some embodiments, the constant factor for a given social group can be determined based on conventional CT datasets and / or photon-counted CT datasets for different social groups, according to a preset ratio. For example, the weight ratio of the photon-counted CT dataset for the constant factor corresponding to photon-counted CT equipment can be greater than the weight ratio of the conventional CT dataset. In some embodiments, the constant factor corresponding to different social groups can be determined by any feasible method, such as statistical analysis or machine learning models, and this specification does not limit this.

[0081] In some embodiments, constant factors can be obtained through a custom editing module. For example, the user or designer of a CT device can input corresponding constant factors in the custom editing module according to the application scenario of the device (e.g., the area where it is used). Similarly, users of photon-counting CT devices can manually input corresponding constant factors based on the current patient's social group, such as elderly, middle-aged, young, or adolescent. In some embodiments, the system can automatically obtain constant factors. For example, the processing device 120 or imaging device 110 can obtain the constant factors corresponding to the social group to which the target object belongs based on basic information such as the target object's age, gender, and place of origin. In some embodiments, the corresponding constant factors can be calculated in real time based on the target object's basic information. For example, the processing device 120 can obtain the photon-counting CT dataset and / or traditional CT dataset of the target object's social group based on the target object's age, gender, and place of origin, and determine the corresponding constant factors through a preset calculation method.

[0082] Step 340: Determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanning site and a constant factor. In some embodiments, step 340 may be performed by the processing device 120 or the computing module 240.

[0083] Scanning parameters refer to the parameters used when scanning a target object. Initial scanning parameters can refer to scanning parameters preset based on patient information or generated in real time. For example, initial scanning parameters can be scanning parameters retrieved from a database that match the target object based on information such as the scanning site, or scanning parameters set in real time. In some embodiments, scanning parameters may include scanning dose.

[0084] The absorbed dose of radiation can represent the ionizing radiation energy absorbed by an object after it has been irradiated by X-rays or the like. In some embodiments, the absorbed dose of radiation can include the absorbed dose of one or more tissue regions, such as the absorbed dose of one or more organs of the human body, wherein the absorbed dose of each organ is equal to the ratio of the X-ray energy absorbed by that organ to the mass of that organ.

[0085] In some embodiments, a conversion factor can be determined based on the size of the scanned region and a constant factor, and the absorbed dose of the target object can be determined based on the conversion factor. For example, it can be determined using a mathematical formula. The conversion factor is calculated, where f represents the conversion factor, a and b are constant factors, and d w d represents the equivalent diameter of water. w It can be obtained based on the size of the scanned area. Furthermore, it can be obtained using the mathematical formula SSDE = f × CTDI. vol The radiation absorbed dose of the target object is calculated, where CTDI vol (Volume CT Dosage Index) represents the volumetric dose index of the CT scanner, and SSDE represents the absorbed dose. Using this mathematical formula, different conversion factors can be obtained for phantoms and / or scanning sites of different sizes. For example, if the scanning site is the body and a 32cm phantom is used, 'a' can be 3.704369, 'b' can be 0.03672937, and 'd'... w It can be obtained based on AP, LAT, or LAT+AP data. For example, if the scanned area is the body and a 16cm phantom is used, value a can be 1.874799, value b can be 0.03871313, and value d... w It can be obtained based on AP, LAT, or LAT+AP data. For example, if the scanned area is the head and a 16cm phantom is used, value a can be 1.9825, value b can be 0.0486, and value d... w It can be obtained based on AP, LAT, or LAT+AP data.

[0086] In some embodiments, the optimal conversion factor can be determined by comparing the calculated conversion factor with a preset conversion factor. For example, the optimal conversion factor can be obtained by averaging or weighting the conversion factor determined based on the size and constant factor of the scanned area with a preset conversion factor in a photon counting CT device, thereby determining the radiation absorption dose of the target object based on the optimal conversion factor.

[0087] Step 350: Adjust the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose. In some embodiments, step 350 may be performed by the processing device 120 or the computing module 240.

[0088] In some embodiments, the initial scanning parameters of the target object can be adjusted based on a determined radiation absorbed dose to determine the target scanning parameters (e.g., target scanning dose) of the target object. For example, the processing device 120 can adjust the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the mapping relationship between radiation absorbed dose and scanning dose to obtain an adjusted scanning dose. The mapping relationship can be obtained based on the proportional relationship between historical scanning doses and corresponding absorbed doses. As an example only, for smaller patients, the absorbed dose may be several times higher than the scanning dose; the processing device 120 can reduce the mAs in the scanning parameters based on the current patient's absorbed dose to reduce the scanning dose. In some embodiments, the initial scanning parameters of the target object can be adjusted in response to a determined absorbed dose exceeding a preset threshold. In some embodiments, the image quality after adjusting the scanning parameters is the same as or substantially the same as the image quality of the initial scanning parameters. For example, the image quality after adjusting the scanning parameters is close to the image quality when the initial scanning parameters are used for larger patients.

[0089] By adjusting the scanning parameters based on the absorbed dose, the adjusted scanning dose can be obtained, which can minimize the radiation dose to different patients while ensuring image quality.

[0090] It should be noted that the above description of process 300 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art based on the description herein. For example, the constant factor can be determined based on other types of scan data. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0091] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the determination of exemplary conversion factors according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, before scanning the target object, the control module can control the image acquisition device to acquire a three-dimensional image of the target object. After, before, or simultaneously with acquiring the three-dimensional image, historical data such as historical size data of the scanned area and historical size data of the reference area, as well as the patient's body shape information, can be acquired. Furthermore, the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object can be calculated based on one or more of the three-dimensional image, historical data, and body shape information. In addition, corresponding constant factors can be obtained based on a first dataset (e.g., conventional CT scan data) and / or a second dataset (e.g., photon-counting CT scan data) from different social groups. Then, the data analysis module can, based on the size of the scanned area and the constant factors, for example, substitute them into a preset mathematical formula (e.g., mathematical formula...). In the calculation, the conversion factor is obtained.

[0093] It should be noted that, regarding Figure 4 The above description is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art based on the description herein. However, these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0094] This specification also provides an imaging device, including: an image acquisition device for acquiring a three-dimensional image of a target object; a scanner for scanning the target object to acquire a scanned image of the target object; a controller for acquiring feature information of the target object, determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information; acquiring a constant factor, and determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanned portion and the constant factor; and adjusting the radiation dose emitted by the scanner's radiation source according to the absorbed dose for scanning.

[0095] The beneficial effects that the embodiments of this specification may bring include, but are not limited to: (1) determining the size of the scanning part based on at least one of the three-dimensional image obtained by the image acquisition device, the historical size data of the scanning part, and the body shape information of the target object, without relying on exposure and layout, which can reduce the harm to the patient's physical condition; (2) determining the constant factor based on the social group associated with the target object, so that CT scanning can be applied to a variety of scenarios and has high flexibility; (3) determining the size of the scanning part based on auxiliary information such as historical size data and body shape information can improve the accuracy of the size of the scanning part; (4) obtaining the constant factor through the custom editing module, which has higher flexibility and stronger adaptability.

[0096] It should be noted that different embodiments may produce different beneficial effects. In different embodiments, the beneficial effects may be any one or a combination of the above, or any other possible beneficial effects.

[0097] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0098] Furthermore, this specification uses specific terms to describe embodiments thereof. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0099] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented using hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely using software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0100] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0101] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0102] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents, referenced in this specification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This excludes historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims in this specification (currently or subsequently appended to this specification). It should be noted that in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials to this specification and the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification shall prevail.

[0103] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A method for determining scanning parameters in photon counting CT, characterized in that, include: The feature information of the target object is obtained, and the feature information includes at least one of the following: a three-dimensional image of the target object obtained by an image acquisition device, historical size data of the scanned part of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; Based on the feature information, the size of the scanned portion of the target object is determined; Obtain a constant factor, which is determined based on a social group related to the target object, wherein the social group refers to a group that has the same characteristics as the target object; Based on the size of the scanned area and the constant factor, determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scan parameters of the target object; Based on the absorbed dose, the initial scanning parameters of the target object are adjusted.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information includes: Target feature information is determined based on the confidence level of the feature information, wherein the target feature information includes at least one of the three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned area, and body shape information; Based on the target feature information, the size of the scanned portion of the target object is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information includes: The target feature information is determined from the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information, based on the highest confidence level.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the target feature information based on the confidence level of the feature information includes: When the confidence levels of the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information are the same or substantially the same, it is determined that the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned part, and the body shape information of the target object are all the target feature information; Determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the target feature information includes: Based on the three-dimensional image of the target object, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information, the first size, the second size, and the third size corresponding to the scanned area are determined respectively. The size of the scanned portion of the target object is determined based on the average of the first, second, and third dimensions.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information further includes: In response to the three-dimensional image, the historical size data of the scanned area, and the body shape information meeting preset conditions, the size of the scanned area of ​​the target object is determined using physical patient calipers.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feature information also includes historical size data of a reference region of the target object, which is associated with the scanned region; and / or, the constant factor is associated with the photon count CT data of the social group.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanning region and the constant factor includes: The conversion factor is determined based on the size of the scanned area and the constant factor. Based on the conversion factor, the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object is determined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The adjustment of the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose includes: In response to the absorbed dose exceeding a preset threshold, the initial scanning parameters are adjusted to determine the target scanning parameters for the target object.

9. A scanning parameter determination system for photon counting CT, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire feature information of the target object, the feature information including at least one of the following: a three-dimensional image of the target object acquired by the image acquisition device, historical size data of the scanned part of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; The determining module is used to determine the size of the scanned portion of the target object based on the feature information; A communication module is used to acquire a constant factor, which is determined based on a social group related to the target object, wherein the social group refers to a group that has the same characteristics as the target object; The calculation module is used to determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the size of the scanned area and the constant factor, and to adjust the initial scanning parameters of the target object based on the absorbed dose.

10. An imaging device, characterized in that, include: Image acquisition device, used to acquire three-dimensional images of target objects; A scanner is used to scan the target object to obtain a scanned image of the target object; Controller, for The feature information of the target object is obtained, and the feature information includes at least one of the three-dimensional image, historical size data of the scanned part of the target object, and body shape information of the target object; Based on the feature information, the size of the scanned portion of the target object is determined; Obtain a constant factor, which is determined based on a social group related to the target object, wherein the social group refers to a group that has the same characteristics as the target object; Based on the size of the scanned area and the constant factor, determine the absorbed dose corresponding to the initial scan parameters of the target object; as well as The radiation dose emitted by the scanner's radiation source is adjusted according to the absorbed dose to scan the target object.

Images