AI-Guided X-Ray Imaging Conditions for Non-Standard Postures

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical imaging, particularly X-ray imaging, inappropriate imaging conditions can lead to undesired medical images and unnecessary radiation exposure due to user experience variability, and conventional methods relying on standard human body models may fail for non-standard postures.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus uses a generative model to generate a virtual medical image from a camera image, allowing for the setting of optimal imaging conditions based on the virtual image, including adjustments to the X-ray tube's position, angle, and range to achieve desired medical images without additional radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If imaging conditions are set based on standard human body models, then imaging process is simplified, but imaging accuracy deteriorates for non-standard postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging condition settingVSAvoidimaging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's actual posture and anatomy by generating a virtual medical image from a camera image using AI. This virtual model replicates the unique anatomical features and positioning of the specific patient, allowing accurate imaging condition determination without requiring manual measurement or adjustment for each non-standard posture case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters (X-ray tube position, angle, distance) based on the generated virtual medical image. Instead of using fixed parameters from standard models, the AI-generated virtual image provides customized parameter recommendations that adapt to each patient's specific anatomy and positioning, resolving the contradiction between standardized simplicity and individualized accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual imaging condition setting is used, then flexibility is improved, but operator dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging condition flexibilityVSAvoidoperator experience dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated determination of imaging conditions by having the AI generative model independently analyze the camera image and generate the virtual medical image with embedded imaging parameter recommendations. This self-service capability reduces dependency on operator experience while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to various anatomical variations and positioning scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through the generated virtual medical image, allowing operators to verify that the recommended imaging conditions will produce the desired diagnostic view. This feedback mechanism builds trust in the automated system while maintaining operator oversight, combining AI-driven consistency with human judgment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If pre-imaging is performed to determine imaging conditions, then imaging accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging condition accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the physical pre-imaging process (which uses X-rays to obtain positioning images) with an AI-based computational approach. A camera captures the patient's posture, and the generative model creates a virtual medical image that substitutes for the actual pre-imaging X-ray, thereby determining accurate imaging conditions without additional radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual medical image generated by the AI acts as an intermediary between the camera image and the final imaging decision. This virtual intermediate representation provides all necessary anatomical and positioning information needed to determine imaging conditions, eliminating the need for physical pre-imaging while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4659675A1Information processing apparatus, medical imaging system, image processing method, image processing program, and x-ray imaging system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • EP4659675A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659675A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659675A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a camera image including an examination portion of an object. The processing circuitry is further configured to input a prompt including at least the camera image into a generative model to acquire a virtual medical image from the generative model. The processing circuitry is further configured to set a main imaging condition, which is an imaging condition used for a main imaging, based on the virtual medical image, and to output the main imaging condition to a medical imaging apparatus.