Automatic Scanning and Positioning Apparatus for CT Scout Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual positioning methods for CT scans of sinuses and orbits are time-consuming, rely heavily on operator experience, and can be inaccurate, particularly in orbital scans where minimizing X-ray radiation exposure is crucial, with no existing automatic positioning apparatus providing high precision.

Innovation Solution

An automatic scanning and positioning apparatus that receives scout images, uses multiple information fuzzy algorithms to automatically determine scanning scopes, and executes axial scanning, reducing manual intervention and radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual positioning method is used, then the scanning process can be completed, but it takes time and efforts and relies heavily on doctor's experiences and vision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic positioning and scanning scope determination without requiring manual intervention. The computer automatically identifies anatomical structures and determines optimal scanning parameters based on the scout image, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring operator intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning process with an automated computer-based image processing system. Instead of doctors manually clicking or dragging to adjust scanning scope, the system uses algorithms to automatically determine positioning and scanning parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning is performed, then scanning scope can be adjusted, but accuracy may be insufficient and unable to execute anticipated axial scanning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidscanning execution reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the determined scanning scope on the scout image, allowing verification of automatic positioning accuracy. The feedback mechanism ensures the scanning scope is correctly identified before execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic positioning and scanning scope determination before the actual axial scanning. This preliminary action includes identifying anatomical structures and calculating optimal scanning parameters to ensure accurate scan execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If scout scanning is conducted to obtain scout image, then positioning information is available, but X-ray radiation is exposed to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning informationVSAvoidX-ray radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a scout scan with minimal radiation exposure just enough to obtain sufficient positioning information, rather than performing full diagnostic scanning. This partial action approach obtains necessary positioning data while minimizing harmful radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9610054B2Automatic scanning and positioning apparatus for a scout image
Publication Date: 2017.04.04 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC
  • US9610054B2 patent drawing
  • US9610054B2 patent drawing
  • US9610054B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic scanning and positioning apparatus for a scout image, comprising: a receiving means, for receiving a scout image of a subject obtained through scout scanning; a checking and determining means, for automatically checking at least one position in the scout image according to a plurality of information contained in the scout image, and automatically determining a scanning scope based on the at least one position; and an executing means, for executing axial scanning to the subject based on the determined scanning scope.