Automatic Dose Control for Medical Imaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in automatically optimizing radiation doses for patients, as existing methods rely on heuristics and phantom-based measurements that do not account for patient-specific and device-specific factors, leading to suboptimal image quality and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically calculating target radiation doses by acquiring patient-specific and device-specific parameters, evaluating image quality from stored images, and using a cloud-based data store to select and analyze reference images for determining optimal acquisition parameters, thereby optimizing radiation dose delivery while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation dose is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but radiation exposure to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts acquisition parameters such as tube current, tube voltage, and scan length based on patient-specific parameters (weight, height, BMI, age) and examination type to optimize the radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically changing parameters rather than using fixed protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from patient constitution data, examination type, and image quality requirements to automatically determine optimal radiation dose parameters. The automatic dose control system continuously adjusts parameters based on evaluated image quality and patient-specific factors, resolving the contradiction through closed-loop control.
2Ease of operation
If manual heuristics and empirical values are used for dose determination, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of dose optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automatic dose determination by automatically calculating optimal acquisition parameters based on patient data and examination type without requiring manual heuristic adjustments by radiologists. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-optimizing while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of dose parameters with automated computer-based calculation and control. The automatic dose control system substitutes human heuristic decision-making with algorithm-based optimization, improving dose precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If phantom-based measurements are used for quality assurance, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision of patient-specific dose deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from uniform phantom-based measurements to patient-specific localized dose optimization by considering individual patient constitution (weight, height, BMI, age) and specific examination requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making dose determination locally adapted to each patient rather than using generalized phantom models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic calculation of optimal dose parameters before the actual examination based on patient data and examination type. This preliminary dose planning resolves the contradiction by enabling patient-specific optimization in advance rather than relying on post-examination phantom measurements.
4Device complexity
If fixed protocols are used for dose control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to patient-specific factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed protocols to dynamic automatic dose control that adapts parameters based on patient-specific factors (weight, height, BMI, age) and examination type. This resolves the contradiction by making the system dynamic and adaptive while maintaining automated simplicity through algorithm-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal automatic dose control mechanism that can adapt to various patient types, examination protocols, and device configurations through a single integrated algorithm. This universal approach resolves the contradiction by providing both simplicity and broad adaptability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments relate to a method, an analyzer, a radiation dose disturbance system, and a computer program for automatically calculating a target radiation dose of ionizing radiation. In this case, both patient-specific parameters and equipment-specific parameters are taken into account. On a cloud-based data store, reference images are read out that concern the same anatomical target region in which the imminent examination is also intended to be carried out. The anatomical target region is advantageously determined in a manner dependent on the clinical issue. The reference images are evaluated with regard to radiation dose and image quality in order to generate a target radiation dose with a corresponding control command.