CT Phantom Centering Using Edge Detection and Auto Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual alignment of phantoms in CT imaging systems leads to misalignment errors and inefficiencies, affecting image quality and requiring repeated realignments and scans.

Innovation Solution

An automated phantom centering method that determines distances to the isocenter using edge finding algorithms and adjusts the phantom's position automatically to align it accurately with the imaging system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment of phantoms is used during calibration, then the operator can physically position the phantom, but misalignment errors occur and calibration accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated computational system. The imaging system acquires scan data of the phantom, applies edge finding algorithms to determine the phantom's position, calculates distances to the isocenter, and automatically adjusts the table position. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with an automated image-processing and control system eliminates human error and improves both calibration accuracy and alignment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual alignment procedures are used, then the calibration process can be performed, but repeated realignments and scans are required, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction of phantom misalignment through automated detection and adjustment. After acquiring scan data, the system automatically determines edge positions, calculates misalignment distances, and adjusts the table position without requiring operator intervention for repeated realignments. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple calibration attempts and significantly improves calibration efficiency while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If automated phantom centering is implemented, then alignment accuracy and calibration precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing imaging system: the same imaging system that acquires calibration data also performs edge detection, calculates distances, and controls table positioning. The control mechanism already present in the imaging system is utilized to execute the automated centering. This multi-functional approach achieves high alignment precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the added computational and control functions leverage existing hardware capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4684734A1Systems and methods for automated phantom centering

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

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AI summary

Systems and methods are herein provided for automatic phantom centering. In one example, a method for an imaging system comprises acquiring scan data of a phantom (304); determining one or more distances to center of the phantom (306); and automatically adjusting a position of the phantom based on the one or more distances to center (308).