CT Volumetric Inspection Cinematic Sequence Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT systems require manual inspection of volumetric images, prolonging scan time, patient discomfort, and reducing throughput due to the need for operators to adjust views for quality and positioning, which also delays image availability on other workstations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically generates a cinematic sequence from three-dimensional CT scan data, allowing for automatic display of multiple frames with varying parameters such as angle of rotation, position, and brightness, enabling efficient inspection without manual selection, and allowing continuous display until user acceptance or manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of volumetric images is performed by adjusting views, then quality and positioning can be visually inspected, but scan time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-inspection by automatically analyzing the volumetric image data for quality metrics and positioning accuracy without requiring manual operator intervention. The processor executes algorithms that evaluate image quality parameters and determine whether the scan meets predefined criteria, enabling the system to inspect itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of adjusting views and visually inspecting images is replaced with an automated computational system. The processor uses software algorithms to automatically evaluate image quality and positioning, substituting the mechanical interaction between operator and interface with an automated digital inspection process.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is performed to ensure proper positioning and quality, then data accuracy is maintained, but throughput of the CT scanning apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically verifies data quality and positioning accuracy through self-inspection algorithms, eliminating the need for manual review while maintaining reliability standards. This automated self-verification process enables continuous operation without throughput reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the inspection process from manual visual assessment to automated parameter-based evaluation. By defining specific quality parameters and positioning criteria that can be automatically measured and evaluated, the system maintains data accuracy while enabling high-speed automated inspection.
3Reliability
If operator manually selects views for inspection, then comprehensive quality assessment is possible, but time is consumed and patient comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic quality assessment without requiring operator interaction, thereby minimizing the time patients must remain in the scanning apparatus. The automated self-inspection process maintains comprehensive quality evaluation while reducing patient exposure to discomfort.
4Reliability
If manual inspection is performed before transferring volumetric image to external storage, then data quality is verified, but availability of image on other workstations is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic quality verification and simultaneously initiates transfer to external storage without sequential delays. The self-inspection process occurs in parallel with or immediately during the transfer operation, ensuring both data quality verification and timely availability on other workstations.
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 significantly reduces scan time, enhances patient comfort, and increases imaging throughput by automating the inspection process, ensuring faster data availability and quality assessment.
Implementation Method 1
receive projection data (i.e., a set of x-ray projection frames, plus the positions of the x-ray source and the x-ray detector for each projection frame) generated by a CT scan of an object, generate a three-dimensional, volumetric data set from the projection data
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for inspecting data generated during a scan of an object. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, generate a three-dimensional, volumetric data set based on the projection data, and automatically generate a plurality of cinematic frames of a cinematic sequence based on the three-dimensional, volumetric data set. Each of the plurality of cinematic frames has a different value for at least one parameter. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a signal to display the cinematic sequence in a frame-by-frame manner. In some embodiments, the processor continuously displays the cinematic sequence until a user accepts the three-dimensional, volumetric data set or stops the cinematic sequence (e.g., to perform a manual inspection of the three-dimensional, volumetric data set and/or re-initiate a scan of the object).