Automated Subject Positioning in Medical Imaging Using Scout Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging and treatment systems rely on subjective doctor analysis for patient positioning, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming manual adjustments, which affect imaging quality and treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a processor to analyze scout images to determine the location of reference and target structures, calculate offsets, and automate the positioning of subjects for improved accuracy and efficiency in medical imaging and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning adjustment by doctor is used, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but positioning accuracy and scanning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated image-guided positioning system. The processor automatically analyzes scout images to determine subject position and calculates required adjustments, substituting the doctor's manual visual assessment and physical adjustment with automated computational analysis and control, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically analyzing the scout image and determining the subject's position relative to the imaging field without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously calculates positioning adjustments and guides the positioning process, allowing the system to serve itself in the positioning task while improving accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning adjustment by doctor is used, then adaptability to different cases is improved, but scanning time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of positioning determination from subjective manual assessment to objective automated image analysis. By processing scout images through automated algorithms that calculate subject position and determine required adjustments, the system maintains adaptability to different anatomical variations while dramatically reducing the time required for positioning, thereby improving scanning efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If multiple scanning regions are used for whole body imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but scanning time and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by analyzing the scout image before the main imaging scan to determine the subject's position and the optimal scanning regions. This preliminary positioning analysis allows the system to plan the multiple scanning regions in advance, ensuring proper coverage of the entire body or specified areas while optimizing the scan protocol to reduce total scanning time and improve overall efficiency
4Area of stationary object
If multiple scanning regions are used for whole body imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but image quality and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the scout image analysis to guide the positioning and scanning region determination. The processor analyzes the scout image to determine subject position, uses this information to calculate required positioning adjustments, and then applies these adjustments before the main scan. This feedback loop ensures accurate positioning and proper definition of multiple scanning regions, maintaining high positioning accuracy while achieving comprehensive imaging coverage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure directs to a system and method for automated positioning of a subject. The method may include obtaining a scout image of a subject when the subject is positioned at a first position in an apparatus. The method may also include determining location information of a reference structure of the subject based on the scout image. The method may also include determining an offset between the first position of the subject relative to a characteristic point of the apparatus according to the location information of the reference structure. The method may further include moving the subject to a second position based on the offset. The method may still further include performing, using the apparatus, a procedure relating to a target structure of the subject located at the second position.