Computed Tomography 3D Scan Tube Current Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional scout scans in CT imaging lead to patient size ambiguity and difficulty in organ segmentation due to improper centering and tissue overlap, which complicates the estimation of X-ray tube current profiles.
Innovation Solution
Replacing two-dimensional scout scans with three-dimensional scans to obtain precise attenuation information and perform organ segmentation, allowing for accurate calculation of X-ray tube current profiles and reducing radiation dose while improving image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a two-dimensional scout scan is used to position scan range and provide patient position information, then the scanning process is simple and fast, but patient size ambiguity and tissue overlap occur causing difficulty in organ segmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional scout scanning to three-dimensional volumetric scanning. The three-dimensional scan acquires attenuation information from multiple projection angles, enabling accurate measurement of patient size and density in all spatial dimensions. This dimensional change eliminates the ambiguity and overlap problems inherent in two-dimensional projections while maintaining scanning efficiency through automated processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-dimensional scout scan is used to provide attenuation information for mA profile estimation, then the radiation dose is low, but improper centering causes patient size ambiguity and tissue overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the two-dimensional scout scan with a three-dimensional volumetric scan that acquires attenuation information from multiple projection angles. This three-dimensional approach provides comprehensive and accurate attenuation data for all patient tissues, eliminating the centering sensitivity and tissue overlap problems of two-dimensional scans. The additional dimensional information enables robust mA profile estimation while keeping radiation dose acceptable through optimized scanning protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning parameters from fixed-angle two-dimensional projection to multi-angle three-dimensional volumetric scanning. By adjusting scan geometry and acquisition parameters, the system obtains accurate attenuation information from multiple perspectives, enabling precise organ segmentation and patient size measurement without the limitations of conventional scout scanning.
3Loss of time
If conventional scout scanning is used for positioning, then the process is rapid, but it causes difficulty in organ segmentation and mA profile calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional volumetric scanning to acquire comprehensive spatial and attenuation information from multiple projection angles. This enables automatic and accurate organ segmentation through computational algorithms that process the three-dimensional data, eliminating the manual positioning and segmentation difficulties associated with two-dimensional scout scans. The additional dimensional data provides clear anatomical boundaries and spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated processing where the three-dimensional scan data is automatically processed by computational algorithms to generate organ segmentation and patient size measurements. The system performs self-service by automatically calculating mA profiles and generating positioning information without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining rapid processing speeds while achieving accurate organ segmentation.
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
This approach prevents patient size ambiguity and facilitates precise organ segmentation, enabling effective organ-based X-ray tube current modulation and protection, thus enhancing image quality and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
performing a three-dimensional scan of an examined site to obtain a three-dimensional scan image of the examined site and attenuation information of the examined site
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computed tomography (CT) imaging method and apparatus. The CT imaging method includes performing a three-dimensional scan of an examined site to obtain a three-dimensional scan image of the examined site and attenuation information of the examined site, the three-dimensional scan image being used to position a scan range. The method further includes calculating the tube current profile of an X-ray radiation dose for the examined site according to the three-dimensional scan image and attenuation information, and performing a main scan of the examined site according to the tube current profile to obtain a main scan image.