X-ray CT Tube Current Modulation via Anatomical Landmark Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses face challenges in optimizing tube current settings during auto exposure control (AEC), leading to increased doses in regions with small X-ray absorption due to high tube current values set for areas with large absorption, resulting in uneven image quality and unnecessary radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus employs processing circuitry to detect anatomical landmarks and adjust tube current settings by specifying boundaries between regions, allowing for modulation of tube current suitable for each imaged area, thereby optimizing scan conditions and reducing dose in low-absorption regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tube current value is set for the entire scan range, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the dose is increased in regions with small X-ray absorption and image quality is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The scan range is divided into multiple regions based on X-ray absorption characteristics. The processing circuitry specifies boundaries between regions and sets different tube current values for each region, allowing optimized dose distribution while maintaining imaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tube current values are assigned to different regions according to their specific X-ray absorption characteristics. Regions with large absorption receive higher tube current values, while regions with small absorption receive lower values, achieving localized optimization of both dose and image quality.
2Device complexity
If a single tube current value is set for the entire scan range, then the control process is simple, but image quality uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry automatically segments the scan range into multiple regions based on anatomical landmarks and X-ray absorption characteristics, eliminating the need for manual region division while achieving uniform image quality across different body parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects anatomical landmarks and specifies region boundaries without requiring manual intervention. The processing circuitry autonomously determines optimal tube current values for each region, maintaining simplicity while improving image quality uniformity.
3Device complexity
If region boundaries are not specified, then the calculation process is simple, but dose optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry performs preliminary detection of anatomical landmarks and automatic specification of region boundaries before the actual imaging process. This preliminary segmentation enables subsequent tube current optimization without adding significant complexity to the overall workflow.
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
This approach enables more accurate detection of regions and modulation of tube current, reducing dose and improving image quality uniformity by partitioning the calculation unit of tube current values at region boundaries, thus enhancing imaging efficiency and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
detecting X-rays transmitted through a subject with a detector
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to generate image data based on a detection result obtained by detecting X-rays transmitted through a subject with a detector. The processing circuitry is configured to specify a boundary between a first region and a second region in the image data, based on anatomical landmarks in the image data, and adjust setting of scan conditions relating to a tube current value in accordance with information relating to a position of the boundary.