External Optical Camera for Attenuation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging technologies face challenges in minimizing radiation exposure and correcting for patient motion during image acquisition, with existing methods either requiring additional radiation doses for attenuation correction or producing lower quality images due to motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
An external device with an optical camera is used to acquire and process optical image data, estimating physical parameters such as attenuation maps and motion data without performing a medical imaging scan, allowing for pre-acquisition registration and real-time motion correction, thereby reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transmission scan using a CT scanner is performed to acquire an attenuation map, then attenuation correction quality is improved, but radiation dose exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging data to create a copy or approximation of the attenuation map without performing a actual CT transmission scan. The optical images are processed to generate synthetic attenuation maps that replicate the function of CT-based attenuation maps, thereby avoiding additional radiation exposure while maintaining correction quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological system (CT scanner performing transmission scan) with an optical system. Instead of using X-rays to create an attenuation map, the system uses optical cameras and image processing algorithms to estimate attenuation properties from visible light images, substituting one physical modality for another to eliminate radiation exposure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deep learning techniques are performed on a non-attenuated reconstruction to estimate the attenuation map, then radiation dose exposure is reduced, but computing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of optical imaging data to extract anatomical structure information before the main reconstruction process. By pre-processing the optical images to identify tissue boundaries and densities, the system reduces the computational burden on subsequent deep learning models that estimate the attenuation map, as they start with pre-processed structural information rather than raw data
3Measurement precision
If patients remain still during image acquisition, then image quality is improved, but acquisition time increases due to motion correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical imaging data is continuously acquired and processed during the main imaging procedure. The system uses this real-time optical data to monitor patient motion and dynamically adjust the attenuation map and reconstruction parameters, providing continuous feedback that maintains image quality without requiring extended acquisition times for multiple scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous acquisition of both primary imaging data and optical reference data throughout the procedure. Rather than performing separate motion correction scans that interrupt the main acquisition, the system continuously collects optical images that are processed in real-time to correct for motion, maintaining uninterrupted useful action throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for imaging. An external device may be used to acquire optical image data of a subject. One or more physical parameters of the subject may be determined based on the optical image data. The one or more physical parameters may be translated to one or more properties of the subject. The one or more properties may then be used to generate medical image data of the subject.