X-ray CT Imaged Range Reproduction Using Camera Landmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiologic technologists face challenges in precisely reproducing the imaged range in follow-up examinations using X-ray CT apparatuses, leading to variability across individuals.
Innovation Solution
An imaged-range defining apparatus and method that uses camera images to fix landmarks and define imaged ranges based on previous examination data, ensuring accurate reproduction of the imaged range in subsequent scans by processing camera images, identifying body parts, fixing landmarks, and adjusting scan positions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radiologic technologist manually defines an imaged range in a follow-up examination, then the examination can be performed, but the precision of reproducing the past imaged range deteriorates due to difficulty and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures an external image of the patient's body surface and copies the imaged range definition from the past examination onto this external image. The past imaged range is projected onto the external image based on corresponding body surface features, allowing the technologist to define the new imaged range by referencing this copied representation rather than manually measuring anatomical landmarks again.
Solution Approach 2:
An external image of the patient's body surface serves as an intermediary between the past CT images and the current scan planning. This external image displays the past imaged range overlaid on the patient's current body surface appearance, mediating the transfer of spatial information from previous examinations to the current examination setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual imaged range definition is used, then flexibility in handling different patients is maintained, but variability in defined imaged ranges across individual radiologic technologists increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the past imaged range on the external image, providing a consistent reference that all technologists can see and use. This copied representation standardizes the reference material across different users, reducing variability in how different technologists interpret and reproduce the imaged range.
Solution Approach 2:
The external image serves multiple functions: it displays the patient's current body surface appearance, overlays the past imaged range for reference, and provides a visual guide for defining the new imaged range. This multi-functional tool benefits all technologists equally, providing universal access to the same reference information regardless of individual experience or interpretation.
3Productivity
If manual imaged range definition is used, then the process can be completed, but the time required increases due to the difficulty of precise reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the external image and pre-calculating the projection of the past imaged range onto this external image before the technologist begins defining the new scan range. This preliminary preparation of visual reference information saves time during the actual imaged range definition process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a visual copy of the past imaged range on the external image, the system provides immediate visual feedback and guidance to the technologist. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual measurements and calculations, allowing rapid definition of the new imaged range while maintaining accuracy through direct visual reference.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method with which an imaged range in the past can be reproduced with high precision. In accordance with certain embodiments, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a camera-image producing section for producing a first camera image of a patient, a landmark fixing section for fixing a landmark with reference to a chest of the patient, and an imaged-range defining section for defining a first imaged range in a first scan based on landmark data representing the landmark. The camera-image producing section acquires a second camera image of the patient in a follow-up examination, the landmark fixing section fixes a second landmark with reference to the chest of the patient contained in the second image, and the imaged-range defining section defines second imaged range in a second scan based on landmark data representing the landmarks, and imaged-range data representing the first imaged range.