X-ray CT Scanogram ROI Selection for Diagnostic Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic reading doctors face inefficiencies in observing and marking large numbers of CT scans, requiring sequential review of images to add marks for lesion identification, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus and method that includes an X-ray irradiation unit, detection unit, scanogram image creation, region-of-interest setting, and image reconstruction, allowing for efficient creation and display of images by moving the subject in a body axis direction to create a scanogram image, setting regions of interest, and reconstructing images based on X-ray information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential image review is performed to add marks for lesion identification, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but work efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming manual review of dozens of images per patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a scout scan (scanogram) before the main CT acquisition to pre-identify regions of interest and automatically set scanning parameters. This preliminary positioning and ROI identification eliminates the need for manual sequential review of all images, as the system has already determined which areas require detailed examination and configured appropriate scanning parameters in advance.
2Measurement precision
If manual mark addition is required on each image, then lesion identification accuracy is maintained, but operational complexity increases due to the need to review and mark dozens of images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the region of interest identification task from the manual image review process. The system automatically extracts and highlights ROIs on the scanogram image, allowing doctors to focus only on these pre-identified areas during main scanning. This extraction eliminates the need to manually review and mark dozens of images while maintaining lesion identification accuracy through automated ROI detection and highlighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanogram image serves as an intermediary between the raw CT data and the final diagnostic images. It provides a preliminary overview that mediates the selection of ROIs and scanning parameters, reducing the information overload on doctors by presenting only the most relevant areas for further examination rather than requiring review of all acquired images.
3Reliability
If full-volume scanning is performed for all patients, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but scanning time and data processing load increase unnecessarily for simple cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different scanning parameters and acquisition ranges based on the specific region of interest identified on the scanogram. Instead of uniform full-volume scanning for all patients, the system configures localized scanning parameters (such as field of view, slice thickness, and scan range) tailored to each patient's specific ROI, ensuring diagnostic completeness for the area of concern while reducing unnecessary scanning of unrelated regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes scanning parameters (such as field of view size, scan range, and reconstruction settings) based on the ROI identification results from the scanogram. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize scanning coverage and quality for each specific case, maintaining diagnostic reliability for identified ROIs while reducing scanning time and data volume for cases with limited or localized regions of interest.
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 rapid and efficient image creation and display for diagnosis, reducing the workload for diagnostic reading doctors by allowing region-of-interest-based scanning and reconstruction, thus improving workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates X-rays from each direction around a subject; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays having been transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
According to an X-ray CT apparatus and a scanning method of the present invention, in order to efficiently create an image used for diagnosis, an operator selects a desired part from a part selection GUI before main scanning by using an ROI object imitating a shape of each part, held in a storage device, and thus the ROI object can be disposed on a scanogram image, in which setting information corresponding to a part is set for the ROI object in advance, a region of interest associated with the part is set, main scanning is performed under conditions associated with the set region of interest, and an image is reconstructed on the basis of X-ray information obtained through the main scanning.