Contactless 3D Surface Scanning for CT Parameter Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT imaging methods require radiation exposure for determining recording parameters, which can lead to unnecessary patient exposure and limited information about surface contours, making it challenging to achieve optimal image quality while minimizing radiation.

Innovation Solution

A method using contactless electromagnetic sensors, such as stereo cameras or range measuring systems, to calculate the three-dimensional contour of a patient's surface without additional radiation, allowing for the determination of recording parameters like dose and contrast medium volume based on anatomic landmarks, thereby reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a topogram is recorded to determine recording parameters, then information about surface contour is obtained, but the patient is exposed to additional radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface contour informationVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the X-ray based topogram recording system with an optical 3D scanning system using electromagnetic sensors (cameras). This substitution eliminates radiation exposure while obtaining surface contour information, directly resolving the contradiction between information acquisition and radiation harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate step of optical 3D scanning that captures surface geometry without radiation. This intermediary method provides the necessary surface contour information that would otherwise require a topogram, thereby avoiding the harmful radiation exposure while maintaining the required information quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If recording parameters are determined manually or with limited tools, then flexibility in parameter selection is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection flexibilityVSAvoidparameter determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic determination of recording parameters based on the 3D surface data and anatomic landmark detection. The computer automatically selects optimal parameters such as tube voltage, current, and scan settings without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability through algorithm-based parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and anatomic landmark identification before the actual X-ray recording. This preliminary action provides advance information about patient anatomy that enables automatic optimization of recording parameters, saving time during the actual imaging process while maintaining flexibility in parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional topogram methods are used, then recording parameters can be determined, but the information obtained is limited and additional radiation is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter determination accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the radiation-based topogram measurement system with a non-radiative optical 3D scanning system. This substitution maintains or improves measurement precision for surface contour detection while completely eliminating the harmful radiation exposure, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement accuracy and radiation harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and easy determination of recording parameters with minimal radiation exposure, providing accurate dose modulation and precise patient positioning, resulting in enhanced image quality and reduced patient risk.

Implementation Method 1

contactless scanning of at least part of the surface of the patient by use of at least one electromagnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

calculated from the two-dimensional image taken with the camera a three-dimensional contour of the scanned surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS9811902B2Determining a value of a recording parameter by use of an anatomic landmark

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method and an imaging system are disclosed. The method, for determining at least one value of at least one recording parameter for a recording of an X-ray image of a patient positioned on an examination table, uses contactless scanning of at least part of the surface of the patient via at least one electromagnetic sensor, to calculate the three-dimensional contour of the scanned surface without additional exposure to radiation. At least one anatomic landmark of the patient can be identified using the three-dimensional contour, and the position of the anatomic landmark is determinable in the coordinate system of the table. The value of the recording parameter is determinable using the position of the anatomic landmark. The value of the recording parameter is determinable quickly and easily since contactless scanning of surfaces can be achieved quickly and easily in terms of technology.