Ensuring consistency of imaging geometry in follow-up examinations

Abstract

Techniques for performing a current imaging examination on a patient include: accessing a stored patient position model generated based on a previous imaging examination of the patient; matching a current pose of the patient to the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; performing a current scan on the patient upon determining that a discrepancy between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the discrepancy between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced, wherein a protocol or rendering of the current scan is adjusted based on the discrepancy between the current pose and the patient position model; and storing any remaining discrepancy between the current pose and the patient position model as metadata associated with a resulting image of the scan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to medical imaging systems. More specifically, the embodiments relate to ensuring the consistency of imaging geometry in subsequent imaging examinations. Background Technology

[0002] In medical diagnostic imaging, patients typically undergo subsequent imaging examinations to provide images of the same body parts as those examined previously. Reproducing similar-looking images for the same patient in subsequent medical imaging offers a wide range of benefits, including disease identification, tracking patient and / or disease progression, and enabling the estimation of treatment effectiveness. However, several factors, such as the difficulty of replicating patient localization from earlier examinations or changes in imaging equipment from earlier examinations, negatively impact the ability to reproduce similar images in subsequent examinations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to improve the ability to reproduce similar images for patients in subsequent examinations. The objectives of the disclosed technology are achieved through the subject matter of the appended independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims, drawings, and hereinafter described.

[0004] This paper discloses improved computational systems, methods, and computer-readable media to provide consistency in imaging geometry during subsequent examinations. According to one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes performing a current imaging examination on a patient, comprising: accessing a stored patient position model generated based on the patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose to the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; performing a current scan on the patient using the current scanner if it is determined that an inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, wherein one or more of a protocol or plotting of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model; and storing any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or plotting of the current scan as metadata associated with an image produced by the scan.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments, a computing system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing system to perform operations including: accessing a stored patient position model, the patient position model being generated based on a patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; performing a current scan on the patient using the current scanner if it is determined that an inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, wherein one or more of the protocol or rendering of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model. In a preferred embodiment, the computing system further performs the following: storing any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model as metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan after adjusting the protocol or one or more of the plotting in the current scan.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, at least one computer-readable storage medium includes an instruction set that, when executed by a computing system, causes the computing system to perform operations including: accessing a stored patient position model generated based on a patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; performing a current scan of the patient using the current scanner if it is determined that an inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, and wherein one or more of the protocol or plotting of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model. In a preferred embodiment, the instruction set enables the computing system to store any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or one or more of the plotting in the current scan as metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Various advantages of the embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following specification and appended claims, and from referring to the following drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of a medical imaging system according to one or more embodiments is provided;

[0009] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example method for a first examination procedure medical imaging system according to one or more embodiments is provided;

[0010] Figures 3A to 3B A flowchart illustrating an example method for a current examination procedure medical imaging system according to one or more embodiments is provided;

[0011] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method of performing a current imaging examination on a patient according to one or more embodiments is provided; and

[0012] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an example computing system for use in a medical imaging system, according to one or more embodiments, is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The techniques described herein provide improved consistency in image quality across multiple medical imaging examinations of a patient acquired at different times. Current medical imaging workflows fail to capture information about a particular patient's positioning relative to the imaging system. This lack of information inhibits healthcare professionals from recreating a similar position that is comfortable for the patient during subsequent examinations, leading to inconsistent patient positioning from one imaging examination to the next (e.g., subsequent) examination, and consequently, variations in the resulting image quality. Furthermore, the duration between two subsequent examinations can be as short as a week or as long as a year. During this period, the patient may experience morphological changes, such as fat deposition and variations in bone density in and around the scanned body parts, which inhibit the acquisition of seemingly similar images. Moreover, variations in the imaging equipment used in subsequent examinations of the patient further affect the relative image quality of subsequent examinations, not only due to differences in scanners but also due to changes in patient positioning caused by the new equipment.

[0014] According to the embodiments described herein, three-dimensional (3D) patient position information and scan geometry of a first imaging examination for a given type of examination are captured and used as a personalized patient position model to guide the patient's positioning in subsequent (e.g., follow-up) imaging examinations of the same type. Presenting information about the patient's positioning from their previous examinations via the patient position model provides a reference position for both medical personnel and the patient, guiding them to reproduce the same position for the patient and any support equipment used on the patient for the current examination, as in the first examination. Using a previously obtained comfortable position for the patient, this approach accelerates preparation for the upcoming scan and can also reduce or eliminate disruptions to positioning due to patient discomfort.

[0015] This technology provides a way to capture a patient's 3D location using a 3D camera / mapping sensor while protecting patient privacy and adjusting for occlusion (if any) between the person and objects. Discrepancies in patient positioning are reduced to a predefined acceptable threshold and / or used to adjust scan parameters or imaging results. Positioning guidance can include repositioning or realigning instructions to the patient, medical practitioner, or robotic system to enable the reproduction of geometry at different imaging sites for subsequent examination. Remaining geometric misalignments are either compensated for through automatic adaptation of the geometry settings or stored along with image metadata to, for example, support radiologists in evaluating subsequent images.

[0016] Figure 1Block diagrams illustrating an example of a medical imaging system 100 according to one or more embodiments are provided, referring to the components and features described herein, including but not limited to the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions. Figure 1 As shown, the medical imaging system 100 includes a patient location acquisition module 110, a location and geometry module 120, a location model database 125, a positioning feedback module 130, an imaging metadata module 140, an image metadata database 145, and an imaging scanner 150. In some examples, Figure 1 The various components illustrated are coupled via data communication technologies (e.g., hardwired cables, buses, etc.) and / or via networks (wired and / or wireless). Although... Figure 1 The illustrated medical imaging system 100 shows these modules as separate components, but in some embodiments, one or more of these components (or features thereof) are combined with or integrated into another of these components (or features thereof).

[0017] The patient position acquisition module 110 captures 3D patient position information for positioning the patient for an imaging examination (e.g., the patient is positioned near the imaging scanner 150, such as on a table). The patient position acquisition module 110 includes or interfaces with a three-dimensional (3D) imaging unit 115, which is separate from the imaging sensor of the imaging scanner 150. The 3D imaging unit 115 includes one or more image sensors, such as, for example, a 3D vision camera, a 3D depth camera, a 3D infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a thermal camera), a depth sensor, a 3D laser, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, and / or multiple two-dimensional (2D) cameras, wherein each of the multiple 2D cameras is a vision or IR camera.

[0018] The patient location acquisition module 110 captures a 3D image of the patient in the position required for imaging examination via the 3D imaging unit 115 in a manner that protects patient privacy. For example, facial features of the patient are not collected or retained when acquiring the 3D image of the patient. In the case of a first imaging examination, the 3D image of the patient is used to generate a patient location model. In the case of a subsequent imaging examination, the patient location model is used to provide positioning guidance for locating the patient in subsequent imaging examinations.

[0019] The captured 3D image of the patient provides a 3D body shape and position relative to one or more reference markers on the imaging scanner 150. The 3D body shape and position include the patient's body posture, which refers to the position and orientation of the patient's body in space, such as, for example, 3D space. The reference markers have a known geometric relationship to the imaging area of ​​the imaging scanner 150 and / or another area (e.g., the patient table). The reference markers include one or more of visual indicators (e.g., visible labels, dots, crosses, lights, flashes, etc.) or other indicators recognizable by the sensor type of the 3D imaging unit 115. For example, in some embodiments, the reference markers are visual indicators placed at a predefined location on the patient table; knowing the table position and marker position then makes it possible to determine the patient's body position relative to the scanner's imaging area (e.g., the center of the scanner's imaging area). The reference markers are generally fixed for a given scanner and provide a repeatable way to determine the patient's positioning relative to the scanner. The reference markers can vary between different scanners, particularly between scanners from different manufacturers.

[0020] The reference marker needs to be calibrated once by measuring its distance from the center of the imaging volume at a known location relative to the imaging scanner 150 (e.g., a known stage location). Assuming the 3D imaging unit 115 remains fixed relative to the reference marker, after calibration, measuring the marker's position is sufficient to calculate the marker's current distance from the center of the imaging volume. Medical imaging can be used relative to one or more reference markers to increase the accuracy of the 3D patient position model, particularly in the early stages of the scanning protocol (e.g., positioning scans) to allow for changes in patient position during further scans.

[0021] In some cases, due to scanner-centric activities in the scanner room, a patient or object in the field of view of the 3D imaging unit 115 may be occluded by a person or object such as a coil, patient monitoring station, etc. In such cases, occlusion is addressed by detecting the presence of a specific object using an object detection algorithm such as YOLOX and tracking the detected object using a tracking algorithm such as ROLO (Recursive YOLO). A pose detection algorithm (e.g., OPENPOSE) is used to estimate the object's orientation to estimate necessary keypoints. Object pose refers to the position and orientation of an object in space (e.g., 3D space). For normalized and / or rigid objects, the occluded portion can be reconstructed (e.g., as known in the art). In the case of partial occlusion of a patient, the reconstruction of the occluded portion is based on one or more previous frames where the same patient was detected without any occlusion. As an example, the occluded object (e.g., a coil used in an MR examination) is tracked, the pose of the occluded object is estimated, and the occluded image portion of the patient corresponding to the pose of the occluded object is replaced with the corresponding image portion from a previous image of the patient.

[0022] For the first imaging examination of a patient, once the patient is in the best possible position (e.g., as determined by medical personnel and / or the patient), one or more 3D images of the patient in that position are captured by the 3D imaging unit 115 and transmitted by the patient position acquisition module 110 to the position and geometry module 120.

[0023] The position and geometry module 120 generates a patient position model for the patient based on one or more 3D images of the patient in position (e.g., received from the patient position acquisition module 110) and examination-related positioning and geometry information. Examination-related positioning and geometry information includes, for example, one or more of the following: reference marker information, patient posture during scanning, imaging geometry used for examination by the imaging scanner 150, patient support equipment used (and details including its type and location). The position and geometry module 120 also provides storage and retrieval of patient position models in a position model database 125. Once stored in the position model database 125, the patient position model is retrieved by the position and geometry module 120 for use as patient positioning guidance, for example, in subsequent imaging examinations of the patient. In an embodiment, the position model database 125 is located remotely from other parts of the medical imaging system 100 and is connected to the medical imaging system 100 via a network. In an embodiment, the position model database 125 is also connected via a network to other medical imaging systems employing the same techniques described herein.

[0024] The positioning feedback module 130 provides feedback in the form of positioning guidance for patient positioning during subsequent imaging examinations (e.g., where the subsequent imaging examination is of the same type as the first examination). Positioning guidance is based on a calculated difference between a current patient position measurement (e.g., via 3D imaging unit 115) and a patient position model for that patient, and is used to assist patient positioning in a manner that provides a match to the patient position model (e.g., to support the reproduction of patient position from earlier examinations). Positioning guidance is provided in real-time to one or more of the patient, assistive medical personnel (e.g., technicians), assistive robots, etc., enabling the patient to move and / or be assisted in moving to a position that provides a better match to the patient position model. In some embodiments, positioning guidance is provided in the form of a visual positioning guide, such as a virtual reality (VR) display, a patient table, or a laser projection on the patient's body.

[0025] In embodiments, positioning guidance is used to adjust patient position and / or the imaging scanner to reduce and / or compensate for the difference between the current position and the patient position model. Patient position and / or the imaging scanner are adjusted using one or more techniques. As an example, actuators in the imaging scanner 150 induce patient movement by moving the patient table or changing the patient support equipment. As another example, a robot induces patient movement in a human-like manner. As yet another example, motors(one or more) in the imaging scanner 150 move or otherwise reposition the scanning sensors. As yet another example, the imaging protocol is reconfigured to change the geometry used for scanning (e.g., field of view). For example, in the case of a subsequent MR imaging examination, once the patient is determined to be in the optimal possible position, the angularity of the MR slice is adjusted based on the difference between the current position and the patient position model.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more of these technologies are applied automatically based on positioning guidance. In some embodiments, one or more of these technologies are selected and / or controlled manually. In some cases, one or more of these technologies are used together to adjust patient position and / or the imaging scanner.

[0027] In some embodiments, a threshold (e.g., tolerance) of the difference between the current position and the patient position model is applied to determine when a match is satisfactory. In embodiments, the threshold may be predetermined and / or based on input from medical personnel (e.g., a clinician or radiologist). Once the positioning difference between the current patient position and the patient position model matches or is within the threshold, the medical personnel and / or the patient are notified that positioning is complete. Instructions are generated for the patient, practitioner, or robotic system (e.g., any movable part of an imaging scanner) to improve patient positioning, provided that better alignment is possible. If no further improvement is possible, in some cases (e.g., for MR scans), the geometric settings of the imaging protocol parameters are automatically adapted to compensate for any remaining alignment differences. Any remaining alignment differences after this adaptation of the imaging geometry are stored along with new image data, allowing the radiologist reading the image to know the exact geometric misalignment of the original image for the first examination.

[0028] When planning subsequent examinations on different imaging scanners (e.g., with different markers or reference locations), measurements and stored patient location models are transformed to take into account the new reference markers. In embodiments, positioning guidance includes patient positioning guides (e.g., as a virtual reality (VR) display, a patient table, or a laser projection on the patient / body, etc.).

[0029] Imaging metadata module 140 generates medical image metadata associated with one or more medical images derived from imaging examinations of the patient. The image metadata reflects any remaining differences or inconsistencies between the current patient position (i.e., patient pose) and a patient position model after adjusting the imaging protocol used to scan or draw the medical images(s). In embodiments, the image metadata also reflects misalignment and measurement accuracy. For example, the expected accuracy of the 3D measurement techniques used in 3D imaging unit 115 is considered and provided in the image metadata.

[0030] The imaging metadata module 140 also provides storage and retrieval of image metadata in the image metadata database 145, as well as one or more corresponding medical images (or scans). In an embodiment, when retrieving metadata for an image, the imaging metadata module 140 also retrieves one or more corresponding medical images for the imaging examination of the patient. This enables radiologists (or other medical personnel) to retrieve one or more medical images from one or more examinations and to use the metadata to identify and / or compensate for any misalignment differences in positioning, understand the potential reliability of any reported positioning errors, etc., when viewing or interpreting the one or more medical images. The metadata may include combined errors in subsequent patient positioning (including both any position detection errors / inaccuracies in the initial examination and position detection errors / inaccuracies in subsequent examinations). As an example, image metadata may be used in conjunction with the display of one or more retrieved medical images to display error bars showing any positioning errors and / or their accuracy. In some embodiments, image metadata is stored in the image metadata database 145 in a DICOM file associated with one or more medical images for the examination.

[0031] Imaging scanner 150 is a medical imaging scanner used to perform various modalities of medical imaging examinations, such as, for example, magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray, ultrasound, etc. Imaging scanner 150 is an integrated unit and includes equipment typically associated with the type or modality of the imaging scan performed. For example, an MR scanner typically includes a magnet, gradient coils, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a control unit (e.g., computerized). In this example, imaging scanner 150 also includes a patient table and / or other equipment used to support the patient during the examination.

[0032] Some or all components and / or features in the medical imaging system 100 may be implemented using one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) accelerator, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or via a processor with software, or a combination of a processor with software and an FPGA or ASIC. Some or all components and / or features in the medical imaging system 100 may be implemented within or integrated with an imaging scanner (e.g., imaging scanner 150), or implemented as additional equipment to the imaging scanner. More specifically, components of the medical imaging system 100 may be implemented in one or more modules as a collection of program or logic instructions stored in machine or computer-readable storage media (such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), firmware, flash memory, etc.), in hardware, or in any combination thereof. For example, hardware implementations may include configurable logic, fixed-function logic, or any combination thereof. Examples of configurable logic include appropriately configured programmable logic arrays (PLAs), FPGAs, complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and general-purpose microprocessors. Examples of fixed-function logic include appropriately configured ASICs, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits. Configurable or fixed-function logic can be implemented using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic circuits, transistor-transistor (TTL) logic circuits, or other circuits.

[0033] For example, the computer program code used for operations performed by the medical imaging system 100 can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, Perl, Smalltalk, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). Additionally, program or logic instructions can include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, status setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, personalized electronic circuits, and / or status information of other hardware-local structural components (e.g., host processor, central processing unit / CPU, microcontroller, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, the medical imaging system 100 is implemented as a self-service imaging system, wherein a patient is instructed to position themselves for an examination without guidance or assistance from on-site medical personnel. In such a scenario, the medical imaging system 100 provides direct instructions to position the patient so that, for a first (or previous) examination, the patient positions himself for the examination and generates a patient position model as described herein, and for a subsequent (or current) examination, positioning guidance is provided to the patient based on the patient position model for that patient, enabling the patient to position himself for the current examination with the best possible alignment from the positioning in the previous examination.

[0035] Figure 2 Illustrated are provided a medical imaging system for a first examination procedure (e.g., already discussed) according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method 200 for a medical imaging system 100 is provided, which refers to the components and features described herein (including, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions). Method 200 provides for: generating and storing a patient location model based on a first examination of the patient. The first examination is an examination that occurs prior to the current examination (see attached diagram). Figures 3A-3B The description refers to a specific type of imaging examination for a specific patient. This specific type of examination includes identification modalities (e.g., CT) and targets (e.g., brain scans). The patient location model includes measurements of patient positioning (e.g., patient pose) based on one or more 3D images of the patient in the examination location, as well as examination-related localization and geometric information. For example, examination-related localization and geometric information includes one or more of the following: reference marker information, imaging geometry used for the examination by the imaging scanner (e.g., imaging scanner 150), patient support equipment used, etc.

[0036] Method 200 can typically be used in medical imaging systems 100 ( Figure 1 The method 200 can be implemented as one or more modules as a set of logic instructions stored in a machine or computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc., in hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, a hardware implementation may include configurable logic, fixed-function logic, or any combination thereof. Examples of configurable logic include appropriately configured PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, and general-purpose microprocessors. Examples of fixed-function logic include appropriately configured ASICs, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits. Configurable or fixed-function logic may be implemented using CMOS logic circuits, TTL logic circuits, or other circuits.

[0037] For example, the computer program code used to execute method 200 can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, Perl, Smalltalk, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). Additionally, program or logic instructions can include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, state setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, personalized electronic circuitry, and / or state information of other hardware-local structural components (e.g., host processor, central processing unit / CPU, microcontroller, etc.).

[0038] Method 200 begins at box 210, which provides: positioning the patient for a first examination. The patient may be positioned by medical personnel (e.g., a technician performing the examination), by another person assisting the patient, and / or self-positioned (e.g., in response to instructions provided to the patient). In some cases, a positioning scan is used to assist in patient positioning. The positioning scan is a preliminary scan performed using an imaging scanner to assist medical personnel in positioning the region of interest relative to the current patient position. Box 215 provides: positioning relative to one or more reference markers on the scanner (e.g., referenced herein). Figure 1 The reference markers(one or more) discussed determine the image geometry. Determining the imaging geometry includes identifying the scanner's imaging area relative to the reference markers(one or more). The imaging geometry can vary based on the type of examination, the anatomy being examined (e.g., brain, knee, liver, etc.), organ size, and / or clinical evaluation (e.g., whether whole-brain imaging is required or only a portion of the brain needs to be imaged).

[0039] Box 220 provides for: measuring the patient's 3D body shape and position relative to one or more reference markers. This includes: from 3D image units (e.g., those already discussed) Figure 1 The 3D imaging unit 115 acquires a 3D image of the patient, identifies the patient's 3D body shape (e.g., body outline), and identifies the body position (e.g., position of the body outline) relative to one or more reference markers found on the imaging scanner. The 3D body shape and position include the patient's body posture, which refers to the position and orientation of the patient's body in space (e.g., 3D space). It should be understood that measuring the patient's 3D body shape and position will depend on a specific part or area of ​​the body of the subject being imaged.

[0040] At box 225, determine if any patient support equipment is used for the examination. If no (No at box 225), the method proceeds to box 240. If yes (Yes at box 225), the method proceeds to box 230, which provides: placement of support equipment to assist patient positioning. Support equipment may include one or more of pads, headlifts, etc. Box 235 provides: measuring the position of the support equipment relative to one or more reference markers. The type and exact location of the support equipment used are included in the patient position model.

[0041] Box 240 provides for: performing one or more patient scans as required by the imaging examination protocol. The one or more patient scans are used to generate one or more medical images of the patient for examination. The patient scans and / or images generated from the scans are stored in an image database (e.g., as discussed). Figure 1 The image metadata database 145 is used. Metadata including the patient's reference position is stored along with the image. Box 245 provides for generating and storing a patient position model for the patient. The patient position model is a personalized model specific to the patient for this type of examination. The patient position model includes measurements of patient positioning (e.g., patient pose) based on one or more 3D images of the patient in the examination position, as well as examination-related positioning and geometric information. For example, examination-related positioning and geometric information includes one or more of the following: reference marker information, imaging geometry used for the examination by an imaging scanner (e.g., imaging scanner 150), patient support equipment used, etc. The patient position model is stored in a patient position model database, such as position model database 125. Figure 1 (As already discussed). In some embodiments, the operation of measuring the patient's 3D body shape (box 220) occurs together with (or just before) the generation of the patient model (box 245).

[0042] It should be understood that the operations of method 200 include certain operations that have a sequential relationship with certain other operations, and some operations may be interchangeable with other operations in sequence. For example, locating the patient for a first examination (box 210) occurs before measuring the patient's 3D body shape (box 220). Similarly, locating the patient for the first examination (box 210) occurs before performing one or more patient scans (box 240) for the first examination, and measuring the patient's 3D body shape (box 220) occurs before (or alternatively, as part thereof) generating the patient position model (box 245). However, as an example, measuring the patient's 3D body shape (box 220) and / or generating the patient position model (box 245) may occur before or after performing one or more patient scans (box 240) for the first examination.

[0043] Figures 3A-3B Illustrated medical imaging systems (e.g., those already discussed) are provided according to one or more embodiments for current (e.g., second / subsequent) examination operations. Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method 300 (including process components 300A and 300B) for a medical imaging system 100 is provided, referring to the components and features described herein (including, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions). Method 300 provides for: retrieving a patient location model generated based on a first (e.g., previous) examination of the patient, and using the patient location model to guide the localization of the patient for a current examination (e.g., after the first examination). The current examination involves an imaging examination of the same type as a previous examination of a particular patient. The type of examination includes identification modalities (e.g., CT) and targets (e.g., brain scans). The patient location model includes measurements of patient localization (e.g., patient pose) based on one or more 3D images of the patient in the examination location, as well as examination-related localization and geometric information. For example, examination-related localization and geometric information includes one or more of the following: reference marker information, imaging geometry used for the examination by an imaging scanner (e.g., imaging scanner 150), patient support equipment used, etc.

[0044] Method 300 can typically be used in medical imaging systems 100 ( Figure 1 The method 300 can be implemented as one or more modules as a set of logic instructions stored in a machine or computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc., in hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, a hardware implementation may include configurable logic, fixed-function logic, or any combination thereof. Examples of configurable logic include appropriately configured PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, and general-purpose microprocessors. Examples of fixed-function logic include appropriately configured ASICs, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits. Configurable or fixed-function logic may be implemented using CMOS logic circuits, TTL logic circuits, or other circuits.

[0045] For example, the computer program code used to execute method 300 can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, Perl, Smalltalk, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). Additionally, program or logic instructions can include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, status setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, personalized electronic circuitry, and / or status information of other hardware-local structural components (e.g., host processor, central processing unit / CPU, microcontroller, etc.).

[0046] Go to Figure 3A The process component 300A of method 300 begins at box 310, which provides: retrieving a patient position model generated for a specific patient during a first (e.g., previous) examination of a specific examination type. The patient position model includes measurements of patient positioning (e.g., patient pose) based on one or more 3D images of the patient in the examination position, as well as examination-related positioning and geometric information. For example, the examination-related positioning and geometric information includes one or more of reference marker information, imaging geometry used for the examination by an imaging scanner (e.g., imaging scanner 150), patient support equipment used, etc. Box 315 provides: transforming the coordinates of the patient position model to one or more new reference markers (e.g., reference markers used herein) on the current scanner to be used for the current examination. Figure 1 (One or more reference markers discussed). In some embodiments, this transformation is not required if the current scanner is the same equipment used for the first / previous inspection.

[0047] At box 320, patient positioning guidance is provided for the current examination based on a patient position model including any transformations of coordinates (box 315). Patient guidance includes one or more instructions (e.g., audible or auditory instructions) or visual indicators for patient positioning. In some embodiments, positioning guidance includes visual positioning guides, such as virtual reality (VR) displays, patient tables, or laser projections onto the patient's body. In some cases, positioning scans are used to assist in patient positioning (e.g., certain aspects of the patient's anatomy, such as fat composition, organ size, etc., can change between examinations).

[0048] At box 325, it is determined whether any patient support equipment was used for the examination. If no (No at box 325), the method proceeds to box 340. If yes (Yes at box 325), the method proceeds to box 330, which provides: retrieving a list of support equipment and locations used in the first (previous) examination from the patient position model. Support equipment may include one or more of pads, headlifts, etc. Box 335 provides: placement of support equipment to assist patient positioning, as provided in the patient position model.

[0049] Box 340 provides: measurements of the patient's current 3D body shape and position relative to one or more reference markers. This includes: measurements from 3D image units (e.g., those already discussed). Figure 1 The 3D image unit 115 in the imager acquires a 3D image of the patient, identifies the patient's 3D body shape (e.g., body outline), and identifies the body position (e.g., position of the body outline) relative to one or more reference markers found on the imaging scanner. The current 3D body shape and position include the patient's current body pose, which refers to the position and orientation of the patient's body in space (such as, for example, 3D space).

[0050] Box 345 provides for determining the difference between the current body posture measurement for the patient and a predefined position from the patient position model (e.g., including any transformations of the coordinates (box 315)). Method 300 then continues using processing component 300B. Figure 3B ).

[0051] Turn now Figure 3BIn method 300, process component 300B continues from process component 300A at box 350, where box 350 provides: determining whether the patient's current body posture is within a threshold (e.g., a predefined threshold) for patient positioning based on each patient position model. If yes (yes at box 350), the method proceeds to box 375. If no (no at box 375), the method proceeds to box 355, where box 355 provides: determining whether better alignment of the patient is possible—that is, realignment or repositioning of the patient and / or scanner (e.g., table) could reduce the difference between the current body posture measurement for the patient and a predefined position from the patient position model. The determination of possible better alignment may include one or more of automatic determination (e.g., based on differences in the scanner or support equipment used in the current examination compared to a previous examination) or manual determination (e.g., based on the inability to move the patient to a more advantageous position). If no (No at box 355), it is determined that the difference between the patient's current pose and the patient position model (e.g., inconsistency) is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner (e.g., this prevents better patient alignment due to differences in scanning equipment or patient condition, etc.), and the method proceeds to box 370. If yes (Yes at box 355), the method proceeds to box 360.

[0052] At box 360, feedback is provided to medical personnel (e.g., technicians) and / or patients—for example, including indications of positioning discrepancies in instructions for changing the position of the patient and / or scanner (e.g., moving the stage or other parts of the scanner). Instructions for repositioning the patient and / or scanner are determined to reduce discrepancies (e.g., inconsistencies) between current body posture measurements for the patient and a predefined position from a patient position model. Examples of instructions include one or more of voice or sound commands, visual instructions, commands to an image scanner (e.g., robotic components), etc., for repositioning patient and / or imaging scanner components (e.g., patient stage). After instructions are provided at box 360, the method at box 365 returns to box 340 for processing component 300A.

[0053] Box 370 provides for modifying the imaging protocol (e.g., the scan geometry and / or scan parameters for the current scanner) to compensate for any remaining differences or inconsistencies between the current patient pose (e.g., after any repositioning according to box 360) and the patient position model (e.g., any transformation including coordinates) (box 315). For example, the imaging protocol is reconfigured to change the geometry (e.g., field of view) for the current scan. As an example, in the case of a current MR imaging examination, the angularity of the MR slice is adjusted based on the difference between the current pose and the patient position model.

[0054] Box 375 provides for performing one or more patient scans for the current examination, as required by the imaging examination protocol (e.g., as adjusted according to box 370). The one or more patient scans are used to generate one or more medical images of the patient for the current examination. In an embodiment, the generated images from the one or more current scans are adjusted to (at least partially) compensate for discrepancies (e.g., inconsistencies) between the patient's current pose and a patient position model. In an embodiment, image adjustment includes one or more adjustments to field of view, slice thickness, slice angularity, and linear slice translation, warping / rotation, etc.

[0055] Box 380 provides: generating and storing images in an image database (e.g., Figure 1 The image metadata database 145 (already discussed) stores metadata reflecting any remaining differences (e.g., inconsistencies) between the patient's current pose and the patient position model after adjusting one or more imaging protocols or renderings of the current scan, as well as images corresponding to the patient scan and / or rendered (e.g., generated) from the scan. The metadata can be used by a radiologist to read the images(s) generated from the current examination and, for example, to perform an assessment considering patient positioning differences between previous and current examinations. Furthermore, in embodiments, the medical imaging system uses the metadata to perform analysis on the images generated from the current scan based on remaining inconsistencies. In some embodiments, the analysis of the images generated from the current scan includes one or more of the following: transformations of the generated images, feature recognition of the generated images, measurement of portions of the generated images (e.g., measuring regions of interest in the image), or overlaying bounding boxes (e.g., bounding boxes surrounding regions of interest in the image) on the generated images.

[0056] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for performing a current imaging examination on a patient according to one or more embodiments is provided, referring to the components and features described herein (including, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions). Method 400 can generally be performed in a medical imaging system 100 ( Figure 1 The method 400 can be implemented as one or more modules as a set of logic instructions stored in a machine or computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc., in hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, a hardware implementation may include configurable logic, fixed-function logic, or any combination thereof. Examples of configurable logic include appropriately configured PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, and general-purpose microprocessors. Examples of fixed-function logic include appropriately configured ASICs, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits. Configurable or fixed-function logic may be implemented using CMOS logic circuits, TTL logic circuits, or other circuits.

[0057] For example, the computer program code used to perform the operations and / or associated functions shown in method 400 can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, Perl, Smalltalk, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). Additionally, program or logic instructions can include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, state setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, personalized electronic circuitry, and / or state information of other hardware-local structural components (e.g., host processor, central processing unit / CPU, microcontroller, etc.).

[0058] The illustrated processing box 410 provides access to a stored patient position model, wherein, at box 410a, the patient position model is generated based on the patient's pose during the patient's previous imaging examination, wherein, at box 410b, the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein, at box 410c, the patient position model includes the patient's imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning relative to reference markers located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0059] The illustrated processing block 420 provides for matching the patient's current pose with a patient position model, wherein, at block 420a, an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided. In some embodiments, matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes transforming the coordinates of the patient position model based on the difference between reference markers located on a current scanner used for the current imaging examination and reference markers located on a previous scanner used for a previous imaging examination. In some embodiments, the patient's current pose is captured as a 3D body image of the patient via a 3D imaging unit. In some embodiments, metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan includes the estimated accuracy of the 3D imaging unit. In some embodiments, matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes estimating the pose of an occluded object; and adjusting the 3D body image of the patient based on the estimated object pose. As an example, an occluded object is tracked, the pose of the occluded object is estimated, and the occluded image portion of the patient corresponding to the pose of the occluded object is replaced with a corresponding image portion from a previous image of the patient.

[0060] The illustrated processing box 430 provides for performing a current scan on the patient using the current scanner when it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, wherein, at box 430a, one or more of the protocol or drawing in the current scan are adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model.

[0061] In some embodiments, method 400 further provides: storing any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting one or more of the protocol or drawing of the current scan as metadata associated with the resulting image of the scan, as illustrated in processing box 440.

[0062] In some embodiments, method 400 further provides: issuing a direction for adjusting the patient's current pose or one or more of the current scanners in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is not within a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the direction for adjusting the patient's current pose or one or more of the current scanners includes a command to automatically move at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model.

[0063] In some embodiments, method 400 further includes: matching the placement of a support device to a patient position model, wherein the patient position model includes information regarding the positioning of the support device used for the previous imaging examination relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination. In some embodiments, method 400 further includes: displaying the resulting image of a scan having information regarding remaining inconsistencies.

[0064] In some embodiments, method 400 further provides: performing analysis on the resulting image from the current scan based on residual inconsistencies. In some embodiments, the analysis of the resulting image from the current scan includes one or more of the following: transforming the resulting image, identifying features of the resulting image, measuring portions of the resulting image, or overlaying bounding boxes on the resulting image.

[0065] In some embodiments, method 400 further provides: providing visual positioning guidance for the patient's current posture based on a patient position model. In some embodiments, the visual positioning guidance includes a virtual reality (VR) display, a patient table, or a laser projection on the patient's body.

[0066] Figure 5 The illustration is for use in a medical imaging system (such as...) according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1The block diagram of an example computing system 10 used in a medical imaging system 100 is shown below, with reference to the components and features described herein (including, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings and associated descriptions). The computing system 10 may implement one or more components or features of the medical imaging system 100, and / or those referenced herein. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 3A to 3B and / or Figure 4 Any of the components, features, or methods described herein. Although Figure 5 Some components are illustrated, but computing system 10 may include additional or multiple components connected in various ways. It should be understood that not all embodiments necessarily include these components. Figure 5 Each component is shown.

[0067] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the computing system 10 includes one or more processors 22, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 24, a network interface 26, a memory 28, a data storage device 30, a user interface 32, and / or a sensor interface 34. In some embodiments, the computing system 10 also includes a display 38. These components are coupled, connected, or otherwise communicate data via interconnects 36. In some embodiments, the computing system 10 interfaces with a separate display (e.g., a display installed as part of a separate system or device). In embodiments, the computing system 10 communicates data (e.g., via a network connection, bus connection, wired and / or wireless connection, etc.) and / or interfaces with an imaging scanner 15, which may correspond to an imaging scanner 150 (…). Figure 1 (This has already been discussed).

[0068] Processor 22 includes one or more processing devices, such as a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), fixed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), etc., and associated circuitry, logic, and / or interfaces. Processor 22 may, as needed or appropriately, include or be connected to memory (e.g., memory 28) storing executable instructions and / or data. Processor 22 executes instructions to implement, control, operate any device, component, or feature of medical imaging system 100 and / or referenced herein. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 3A-3B and / or Figure 4 The processor 22 may interface with or connect to any of the described devices, components, features, or methods. Figure 1The device or component shown transmits, sends, or receives messages, requests, notifications, data, etc. Processor 22 can be embodied as any type of processor capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, processor 22 can be embodied as one or more single-core or multi-core processors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers, or other processors or processing / control circuitry. Processor 22 may include embedded instructions (e.g., processor code).

[0069] I / O subsystem 24 includes circuitry and / or components adapted to facilitate input / output operations using processor 22, memory 28, and other components of computing system 10.

[0070] Network interface 26 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces for sending and receiving data over one or more communication networks using one or more communication network protocols. Network interface 26 can operate under the control of processor 22 and can send / receive data to / from one or more other devices or components (e.g., Figure 1 Network interface 26 may send / receive various requests and messages (any one or more of the devices or components shown). Network interface 26 includes wired and / or wireless data communication capabilities; these capabilities may support data communication with wired and / or wireless communication networks (such as network 27), and also include the Internet, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), wireless personal area network, cellular network, telephone network, any other wired and / or wireless network for sending and receiving data signals, or any combination thereof (including, for example, a Wi-Fi network or corporate LAN). Network interface 26 may support communication via short-range wireless communication fields (such as Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), or radio frequency identification (RFID)). Examples of network interface 26 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of an antenna, radio frequency transceiver, wireless transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet port, universal serial bus (USB) port, or any other device configured to send and receive data.

[0071] Memory 28 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces to store executable instructions and / or data, which, when executed, implement, control, or operate any device or feature of the medical imaging system 100 and / or references herein. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 3A-3B and / or Figure 4The device, component, feature, or method described herein or interfaced with it. Memory 28 may be embodied as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage device capable of performing the functions described herein, and may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), write-once-read-many memory (e.g., EEPROM), removable storage drive, hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, solid-state memory, etc., and any combination thereof. In operation, memory 28 may store various data and software used during the operation of computing system 10, such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers. Therefore, memory 28 may include at least one non-transient computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by computing system 10, cause computing system 10 to perform operations to perform one or more functions or features of medical imaging system 100 and / or references herein. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 3A-3B and / or Figure 4 Any of the components, features, or methods described. Memory 28 may be communicatively coupled to processor 22, either directly or via I / O subsystem 24.

[0072] Data storage device 30 may include one or more devices of any type configured for short-term or long-term data storage, such as memory devices and circuitry, memory cards, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, non-volatile flash memory, or other data storage devices. Data storage device 30 may include or be configured as a database, such as a relational or non-relational database, or a combination of more than one database. In some embodiments, the database or other data storage device may be physically separated from and / or located remotely from computing system 10, and / or may reside in another computing device, a database server, a cloud-based platform, or any storage device that communicates data with computing system 10. In embodiments, data storage device 30 includes or corresponds to the location model database 125 already discussed. Figure 1 ) and / or image metadata database 145 ( Figure 1 One or more of the following. In some embodiments, the computing system 10 includes a second data storage device ( Figure 5 (not shown) to implement one of the location model database 125 or the image metadata database 145 (e.g., where the location model database 125 and the image metadata database 145 are implemented as separate databases).

[0073] User interface 32 includes code for presenting information or a screen to a user on a display and receiving input (including commands) from the user via an input device (e.g., a touchscreen device). User interface 32 may include a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0074] Sensor interface 34 includes circuitry and / or components adapted to facilitate communication and / or exchange of data, commands, or signals between computing system 10 and one or more sensors, which may include one or more sensors in a 3D imaging unit. Figure 1 (As already discussed). Sensor interface 34 can work in conjunction with network interface 26 to establish communication with one or more sensors.

[0075] Interconnect 36 includes any one or more individual physical buses, point-to-point connections, or both connected via appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. Interconnect 36 may include, for example, a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an HyperTransport or Industry Standard Architecture bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 694 bus (e.g., "FireWire"), or any other interconnect suitable for coupling or connecting components of computing system 10.

[0076] Display 38 can be any type of device for presenting visual information (such as a computer monitor, flat panel display, or mobile device screen), and can include liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, plasma panel, or cathode ray tube display, etc. Display 38 may include a display interface for communicating with the display. In some embodiments, display 38 may include a display interface for communicating with a display external to computing system 10.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more of the illustrative components of the computing system 10 may be incorporated (in whole or in part) into another component or otherwise form part of another component. For example, memory 28 or a portion thereof may be incorporated into processor 22. As another example, user interface 32 may be incorporated into code in processor 22 and / or memory 28. In some embodiments, the computing system 10 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, mobile computing devices, smartphones, wearable computing devices, Internet of Things devices, laptop computers, tablet computers, computers, workstations, servers, multiprocessor systems, and / or consumer electronics devices. In some examples, computing system 10 or a portion thereof is implemented in one or more modules as a set of logic instructions stored in at least one non-transient machine or computer-readable storage medium (such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), firmware, flash memory, etc.), stored in configurable logic (such as, for example, programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), stored in fixed-function logic hardware using circuitry technologies (such as application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), or transistor-transistor logic (TTL) technology), or any combination thereof.

[0078] Embodiments of each of the aforementioned systems, devices, components, features, and / or methods (including medical imaging system 100, patient location acquisition module 110, location and geometry module 120, location model database 125, positioning feedback module 130, imaging metadata module 140, image metadata database 145, imaging scanner 150, method 200, method 300, method 400, and / or any other system component) may be implemented in hardware, software, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, hardware implementations may include configurable logic, fixed-function logic, or any combination thereof. Examples of configurable logic include appropriately configured PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, and general-purpose microprocessors. Examples of fixed-function logic include appropriately configured ASICs, combinational logic circuits, and sequential logic circuits. Configurable or fixed-function logic may be implemented using CMOS logic circuits, TTL logic circuits, or other circuits.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, all or part of the foregoing systems, devices, components, features, and / or methods may be implemented in one or more modules as a collection of program or logical instructions stored in a machine or computer-readable storage medium (such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc.) for execution by a processor or computing device. For example, the computer program code for performing the operations of the components may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​applicable / appropriate to one or more operating systems (OS), including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, Perl, Smalltalk, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages).

[0080] Additional notes and examples:

[0081] Example M1 includes a computer-implemented method for performing a current imaging examination on a patient, the method comprising: accessing a stored patient position model generated based on the patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; and determining... If the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold, or if the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, a current scan is performed on the patient using the current scanner, wherein one or more of the protocol or rendering of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model; and any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or rendering of the current scan are stored as metadata associated with the image produced by the scan.

[0082] Example M2 includes the method according to Example M1, and further includes issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold.

[0083] Example M3 includes the method according to Example M1 or M2, wherein the guidance for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner includes: a command for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

[0084] Example M4 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M3, further comprising matching the placement of the support equipment to a patient position model, wherein the patient position model includes information regarding the positioning of the support equipment used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0085] Example M5 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M4, and further includes displaying the resulting image of the scan having information about the remaining inconsistencies.

[0086] Example M6 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M5, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: transforming the coordinates of the patient position model based on the difference between a reference marker located on the current scanner used for the current imaging examination and a reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0087] Example M7 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M6, wherein the patient’s current pose is captured as a 3D body image of the patient via a 3D imaging unit.

[0088] Example M8 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M7, wherein the metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan includes the estimated accuracy of the 3D imaging unit.

[0089] Example M9 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M8, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: estimating the object pose of an occluding object and adjusting the 3D body image of the patient based on the estimated object pose.

[0090] Example M10 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M9, and further includes performing analysis on the resulting image of the current scan based on residual inconsistencies.

[0091] Example M11 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M10, wherein the analysis of the resulting image from the current scan includes one or more of the following: transforming the resulting image, identifying features of the resulting image, measuring portions of the resulting image, or overlaying a bounding box on the resulting image.

[0092] Example M12 includes the method according to any one of Examples M1-M11, and further includes providing visual positioning guidance for the patient's current posture based on the patient position model.

[0093] Example S1 includes a computing system including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing system to perform operations including: accessing a stored patient position model, the patient position model being generated based on a patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model, wherein the current pose is provided. Relative to the indication of the patient position model; if it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, a current scan is performed on the patient using the current scanner, wherein one or more of the protocol or rendering of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model; and any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or rendering of the current scan are stored as metadata associated with the image produced by the scan.

[0094] Example S2 includes the computing system according to Example S1, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold.

[0095] Example S3 includes a computing system according to Example S1 or S2, wherein the instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient’s current posture or the current scanner include: commands for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

[0096] Example S4 includes a computing system according to any one of Examples S1-S3, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: matching the placement of a support device with a patient position model, wherein the patient position model includes information regarding the positioning of the support device used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0097] Example S5 includes a computing system according to any one of Examples S1-S4, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including displaying an image generated by the scan having information about remaining inconsistencies.

[0098] Example S6 includes a computational system according to any one of Examples S1-S5, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: transforming the coordinates of the patient position model based on the difference between a reference marker located on the current scanner used for the current imaging examination and a reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0099] Example S7 includes the computing system described in any of Examples S1-S6, wherein the patient’s current pose is captured as a 3D body image of the patient via a 3D imaging unit.

[0100] Example S8 includes the computing system described in any of Examples S1-S7, wherein the metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan includes the estimated accuracy of the 3D imaging unit.

[0101] Example S9 includes the computing system described in any of Examples S1-S8, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: estimating the object pose of an occluding object and adjusting the patient's 3D body image based on the estimated object pose.

[0102] Example S10 includes a computing system according to any one of Examples S1-S9, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: performing analysis on the image generated by the current scan based on residual inconsistencies.

[0103] Example S11 includes a computing system according to any one of Examples S1-S10, wherein the analysis of the resulting image from the current scan includes one or more of the following: transforming the resulting image, identifying features of the resulting image, measuring portions of the resulting image, or overlaying a bounding box on the resulting image.

[0104] Example S12 includes a computing system according to any one of Examples S1-S11, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: providing visual positioning guidance for the patient's current posture based on the patient position model.

[0105] Example C1 includes at least one computer-readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform operations including: accessing a stored patient position model generated based on a patient's pose during a previous imaging examination of the patient, wherein the current imaging examination is of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and wherein the patient position model includes imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model, wherein providing the current pose relative to the patient position... The model provides an instruction; if it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, a current scan is performed on the patient using the current scanner, wherein one or more of the protocol or rendering of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model; and any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or rendering of the current scan are stored as metadata associated with the image produced by the scan.

[0106] Example C2 includes at least one computer-readable storage medium according to Example C1, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold.

[0107] Example C3 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to Example C1 or C2, wherein the instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner include: commands for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

[0108] Example C4 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C3, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: matching the placement of a support device with a patient position model, wherein the patient position model includes information regarding the positioning of the support device used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0109] Example C5 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C4, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, including displaying an image generated by the scan having information about remaining inconsistencies.

[0110] Example C6 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C5, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: transforming the coordinates of the patient position model based on the difference between a reference marker located on the current scanner used for the current imaging examination and a reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

[0111] Example C7 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C6, wherein the patient's current posture is captured as a 3D body image of the patient via a 3D imaging unit.

[0112] Example C8 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C7, wherein the metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan includes the estimated accuracy of the 3D imaging unit.

[0113] Example C9 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C8, wherein matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: estimating the object pose of an occluding object and adjusting the 3D body image of the patient based on the estimated object pose.

[0114] Example C10 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C9, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: performing analysis on the image generated by the current scan based on residual inconsistencies.

[0115] Example C11 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C10, wherein the analysis of the resulting image from the current scan includes one or more of the following: transforming the resulting image, identifying features of the resulting image, measuring portions of the resulting image, or overlaying a bounding box on the resulting image.

[0116] Example C12 includes at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Examples C1-C11, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to perform additional operations, the additional operations including: providing visual positioning guidance for the patient's current posture based on the patient position model.

[0117] Example A1 includes an apparatus comprising a module for performing the method of any one of Examples M1 to M12.

[0118] The embodiments are applicable to use with all types of semiconductor integrated circuit (“IC”) chips. Examples of these IC chips include, but are not limited to, processors, controllers, chipset components, programmable logic arrays (PLAs), memory chips, network chips, system-on-a-chip (SoC), solid-state drive (SSD) / NAND drive controllers (ASICs), etc. Furthermore, in some of the figures, signal lines are represented by lines. Some may differ to indicate more component signal paths, have numerical labels to indicate the number of component signal paths, and / or have arrows at one or more ends to indicate the primary direction of information flow. However, this should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. Rather, such added details may be used in conjunction with one or more exemplary embodiments to facilitate a more readily understood understanding of the circuit. Any represented signal line (whether or not it contains additional information) may actually include one or more signals that can travel in multiple directions and can be implemented using any suitable type of signaling scheme, such as digital or analog lines implemented using differential pairs, fiber optic lines, and / or single-ended lines.

[0119] Example sizes / models / values / ranges may have been given, but the examples are not limited thereto. As manufacturing technologies (e.g., photolithography) mature over time, it is expected that smaller devices can be manufactured. Furthermore, to simplify the description and discussion, and to avoid obscuring certain aspects of the embodiments, well-known power / ground connections to the IC chip and other components may or may not be shown in the drawings. Additionally, arrangements may be shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the embodiments, also taking into account the fact that details regarding implementations of such block diagram arrangements are highly dependent on the platform in which the embodiments are to be implemented; that is, such details should be entirely within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In the context of setting forth specific details (e.g., circuitry) to describe exemplary embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with variations thereof. Therefore, this description is considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0120] The term “coupled” may be used herein to refer to any type of direct or indirect relationship between the components under discussion, and may be applied to electrical, mechanical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, electromechanical or other connections, including logical connections via intermediate components (e.g., device A may be coupled to device C via device B). Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein merely to facilitate discussion and do not carry a specific temporal or chronological meaning.

[0121] As used in this application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "one or more" can represent any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrase "one or more of A, B, or C" can mean A, B, C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C.

[0122] Those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the embodiments can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific examples, the true scope of the embodiments should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for performing a current imaging examination on a patient, comprising: Access the stored patient position model, which was generated based on the patient's posture during the patient's previous imaging examination. Wherein, the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and The patient location model includes the imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; The patient's current pose is matched with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; and If it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold, or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, then the current scanner is used to perform a current scan on the patient. The protocol or plotting of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner include: commands for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

4. The method of claim 1 further includes matching the placement of the support equipment with the patient position model. in, The patient location model includes information about the positioning of the support equipment used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying an image generated by the scan having information about remaining inconsistencies.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes transforming the coordinates of the patient position model based on the difference between a reference marker located on the current scanner used for the current imaging examination and a reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The patient's current posture is captured as a 3D body image of the patient via a 3D imaging unit.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan includes the estimated accuracy of the 3D imaging unit.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Matching the patient's current pose with the patient position model includes: estimating the pose of the occluded object and adjusting the patient's 3D body image based on the estimated pose.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing analysis on the image generated by the current scan based on residual inconsistencies.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The analysis of the image generated by the current scan includes one or more of the following: transforming the generated image, identifying features of the generated image, measuring portions of the generated image, or overlaying bounding boxes on the generated image.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing visual positioning guidance for the patient's current posture based on the patient position model.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Performing a current scan on the patient using the current scanner also includes storing any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model after adjusting the protocol or one or more of the mapping in the current scan as metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan.

14. A computing system, comprising: processor; as well as A memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing system to perform operations, including: Access the stored patient position model, which was generated based on the patient's posture during the patient's previous imaging examinations. Wherein, the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and The patient location model includes the imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; Match the patient’s current pose with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; If it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold, or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, then the current scanner is used to perform a current scan on the patient. The protocol or plotting of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model.

15. The computing system according to claim 14, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including: issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold, wherein the instructions for adjusting the patient's current posture or the current scanner include: a command for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

16. The computing system according to claim 14, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including matching the placement of the support equipment with the patient position model. The patient location model includes information about the positioning of the support equipment used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

17. The computing system according to claim 14, wherein, When the instruction is executed, it causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including: The image produced by the scan, which displays information about the remaining inconsistencies, is displayed; and Based on the patient location model, visual positioning guidance is provided for the patient's current posture.

18. The computing system according to claim 14, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to store any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model as metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan, after adjusting the protocol or one or more of the plotting for the current scan.

19. At least one computer-readable storage medium, including an instruction set that, when executed by a computing system, causes the computing system to perform operations, the operations including: Access the stored patient position model, which was generated based on the patient's posture during the patient's previous imaging examinations. Wherein, the current imaging examination is an examination of the same type as the previous imaging examination, and The patient location model includes the imaging geometry and three-dimensional (3D) positioning of the patient relative to reference markers located on a previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination; Match the patient’s current pose with the patient position model, wherein an indication of the current pose relative to the patient position model is provided; If it is determined that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is within a predetermined threshold, or that the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model is unlikely to be reduced by repositioning the patient or the current scanner, then the current scanner is used to perform a current scan on the patient. The protocol or plotting of the current scan is adjusted based on the inconsistency between the current pose and the patient position model.

20. The at least one computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including: issuing instructions for adjusting one or more of the patient's current posture or the current scanner in response to determining that the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model is not within the predetermined threshold, wherein the instructions for adjusting the patient's current posture or the current scanner include: a command for automatically moving at least a portion of the current scanner to reduce the inconsistency between the current posture and the patient position model.

21. The at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including matching the placement of the support equipment with the patient position model. The patient location model includes information about the positioning of the support equipment used for the previous imaging examination relative to the reference marker located on the previous scanner used for the previous imaging examination.

22. The at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein, When the instruction is executed, it causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including: The image produced by the scan, which displays information about the remaining inconsistencies, is displayed; and Based on the patient location model, visual positioning guidance is provided for the patient's current posture.

23. The at least one non-transient computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein, When executed, the instruction causes the computing system to perform additional operations, including storing any remaining inconsistencies between the current pose and the patient position model as metadata associated with the resulting image from the scan after adjusting the protocol or one or more of the plotting in the current scan.

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