CT Imaging Condition GUI with 2D Quality Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing X-ray CT devices require a lengthy and complex process for setting optimal CT imaging conditions, making it difficult for inexperienced users to determine suitable settings, leading to repeated imaging attempts until an optimum reconstructed image is obtained.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a CT software function that uses a two-dimensional index for image quality, allowing users to intuitively select and set CT imaging conditions through a graphical user interface with presets and control elements like icons, dropdown lists, and radio buttons, enabling easy adjustment and confirmation of imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging conditions are set freely for various materials and structures, then the adaptability of the CT device is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging condition settings into multiple independent parameters (X-ray condition, exposure time, number of views, slice thickness, BH correction data selection, scaling factor, SDD, SRD, CT imaging mode, scan count, total scan time). Each parameter can be adjusted independently through the GUI, allowing users to modify only the necessary parameters without reconfiguring the entire system. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface dimension that provides visual representation and organization of imaging parameters. The GUI displays parameters in a structured layout with categories and subcategories, transforming the complex multi-dimensional parameter space into an intuitive visual interface. This dimensional transformation allows users to navigate and adjust parameters more easily without being overwhelmed by the underlying complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging conditions are set freely for various materials and structures, then the adaptability of the CT device is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex imaging parameter settings. The GUI provides pre-configured parameter sets, visual feedback mechanisms, and guided selection processes that mediate the interaction between users and the underlying complex parameters. This intermediary layer shields users from the full complexity while maintaining the ability to access and adjust all necessary parameters for different materials and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the ability to copy and reuse imaging condition settings across different imaging tasks. Once a set of parameters is optimized for a particular material or structure type, it can be copied and applied to similar imaging scenarios, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining adaptability to different imaging requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CT imaging is performed with various imaging conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to repeated imaging attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform preliminary configuration and validation of imaging parameters through the GUI before actual CT imaging begins. Users can preview parameter settings, check compatibility, and adjust conditions in advance, preventing the need for repeated imaging attempts. This preliminary action phase allows optimization of imaging conditions without consuming actual imaging time.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of CT imaging conditions are created beforehand as presets, each preset is created beforehand as an icon, and each preset is associated with an icon and registered. Each icon is disposed in a CT imaging condition setting screen according to a spatial resolution and density resolution that serve as two-dimensional indexes relating to image quality. The selection of a given icon by a user results in the selection of the CT imaging conditions corresponding to the selected icon. The indexes relate to image quality and are two-dimensional, and this facilitates operation and makes it possible to intuitively select optimal CT imaging conditions with a small number of steps.