Arm-Removed Scout Images for Consistent X-Ray Current Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT scanners face issues with sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality due to mismatched arm positions in scout images used for X-ray tube current modulation during scan series, particularly when subjects change arm positions between groups.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that generates a scout image without arms by removing identified arm regions from a scout image, designating it as a reference for X-ray source current modulation for both arm positions, ensuring consistent modulation across scan groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the last scout image is automatically designated as the reference image for X-ray tube current modulation, then the system is simple and quick to operate, but the reference image may not match the subject's arm position during subsequent scan groups, resulting in sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic reference image selectionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the arms from the scout image to create a modified reference image. This extraction process eliminates the problematic element (arms in different positions) that causes the mismatch between the reference image and actual scan conditions, allowing the reference image to accurately represent the torso anatomy without the confounding variable of arm position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the reference image by changing its content parameters - specifically removing the arm regions through image processing. This parameter change transforms the reference image from one that includes arms in the first position to one that represents only the torso, making it applicable for multiple scan groups regardless of arm position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a scout image with arms in the first position is used as reference for both groups, then the reference image is consistent for the first group, but it causes higher radiation dose for the second group where arms are in a different position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference image consistencyVSAvoidradiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting and removing the arm regions from the scout image, the patent creates a reference image that contains only the torso anatomy. This extraction eliminates the source of the harmful effect - the arm position mismatch that causes incorrect tube current modulation and subsequently higher radiation dose for the second scan group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the problematic presence of arms in the scout image into a benefit by removing them. The arms, which originally caused mismatch and harmful radiation dose, are extracted and their removal creates a universally applicable reference image that improves dose optimization for all scan groups regardless of arm position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If another scout scan is performed between groups to match arm position, then the reference image matches the second group's arm position, but the scan time is extended and peak contrast agent uptake may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscan time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a preliminary action by removing the arms from the first scout image before the scan series begins. This preliminary modification creates a reference image that is valid for all subsequent scan groups, eliminating the need for intermediate scout scans and preventing loss of contrast agent uptake timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The modified scout image with arms removed serves multiple functions across different scan groups. A single reference image can be used for both the first group (with arms up) and the second group (with arms down), making the reference image universally applicable and eliminating the need for group-specific reference images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12440175B2Method and system for creating a reference scout image for x-ray source current modulation

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A system(s), a computer-implemented method(s) and/or computer executable instructions encoded on a computer readable medium(s) obtains, for a scan series for a subject that includes arms of the subject at different positions relative to the subject, a scout image for the subject, removing the arms of the subject from the scout image, designating the scout image with the arms of the subject removed as a reference image for X-ray source current modulation for the scan series, and utilizes the designated scout image for X-ray source current modulation for the scan series.