CT Scout Image Selection for Arm-Position-Matched Dose Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT scanners face issues with sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality due to mismatched arm positions in scout images used for X-ray tube current modulation during multi-group scans, particularly when there is insufficient time to acquire a new scout image matching the arm position for subsequent groups.
Innovation Solution
A CT imaging system that automatically identifies and utilizes a scout image with matching arm positions for each scan group by processing a set of scout images, either by removing arm pixels or using trained AI to generate a reference image without arms, ensuring consistent X-ray tube current modulation across different arm positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the last scout image is automatically designated as the reference image for X-ray tube current modulation, then the process is simple and fast, but the arm position in the reference image may not match the arm position during subsequent scan groups, resulting in sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scan series into multiple groups with different arm position requirements. For each group, the system automatically selects the most appropriate scout image (with arms up or arms down) as the reference image, rather than using a single last-acquired scout image for all groups. This segmentation allows each scan group to have a matching reference image, resolving the arm position mismatch issue while maintaining automated processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If another scout image is acquired between scan groups to match the arm position, then the arm position matching accuracy is improved, but the examination time is extended and peak contrast agent uptake may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and selection of appropriate scout images (with arms up or arms down) before the scan series begins. By pre-classifying scout images into categories based on arm position, the system can quickly match the correct scout image to each scan group without requiring additional scout acquisitions between groups. This preliminary action eliminates time delays while ensuring accurate arm position matching.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the X-ray tube current is modulated based on a scout image with arms in a different position, then the radiation dose can be optimized for that position, but the image quality becomes sub-optimal when the arm position changes between groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reference image selection mechanism that adapts to the arm position requirements of each scan group. Instead of using a static last-acquired scout image for all groups, the system dynamically selects the most appropriate scout image (arms up or arms down) based on the current scan group's requirements. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the X-ray tube current modulation is optimized for each group's actual arm position, maintaining both radiation dose efficiency and image quality consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system(s), a computer-implemented method(s) and/or computer executable instructions encoded on a computer readable medium(s) receives a current position of arms of a subject for a group of a scan series, automatically identifies a scout image from a set of scout images with images of the subject with arms in different positions relative to the subject in which arms of the subject are at a position relative to the subject that corresponds to the current position of the arms of the subject, and utilizes the identified scout image for X-ray source current modulation for the group.