Medical Imaging Control Device for Post-Processing Data Sufficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging data often contains artifacts due to motion, obesity, metal implants, and other factors, making post-processing challenging and inefficient, as these issues are typically discovered after the patient has left the examination area, requiring re-acquisition with potential additional radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device for analyzing measurement data using defined criteria to assess post-processing capacity and modify control parameters, enabling automatic detection of image characteristics and optimization of data acquisition for improved post-processing suitability, allowing for real-time assessment and adjustment of imaging parameters before the post-processing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection by operating personnel is performed to assess image suitability for post-processing, then the process is simple and quick, but artifacts which hamper or make post-processing impossible cannot always be detected with the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated computer-based analysis system. The control device automatically evaluates measurement data using predefined criteria to assess post-processing capacity and detect image characteristics, substituting human visual inspection with algorithmic analysis that provides both automation and improved detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment of measurement data quality through automatic analysis. The control device independently evaluates whether acquired images are suitable for post-processing without requiring external expert intervention, enabling the system to self-correct by triggering re-acquisition when deficiencies are detected
2Productivity
If post-processing is performed after the actual examination, then the workflow is simple and linear, but problems are only discovered when the patient is no longer in the modality and may have already left
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary assessment of measurement data quality immediately after acquisition but before post-processing. The control device automatically analyzes whether the acquired images are suitable for post-processing, detecting artifacts and deficiencies in advance. This preliminary check prevents downstream problems by identifying issues while the patient is still present and can be recalled if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces feedback by automatically evaluating measurement data quality and using this information to control subsequent actions. When the analysis reveals insufficient post-processing capacity, the system triggers re-acquisition with modified control parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents progression of inadequate data through the workflow
3Reliability
If a completely new acquisition is performed when image areas are missing or inadequate, then sufficient data can be obtained for post-processing, but the patient is regularly positioned differently and the images do not correspond
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of insufficient measurement data quality before post-processing. By automatically analyzing whether acquired images are suitable for post-processing and detecting missing or inadequate image areas, the system can trigger re-acquisition with modified control parameters to obtain the necessary additional data while the patient is still in position
Solution Approach 2:
The control device modifies control parameters for re-acquisition based on the analysis results. When insufficient data is detected, the system adjusts parameters such as scan ranges, timing, or acquisition settings to obtain the missing information without requiring complete re-positioning of the patient, thereby maintaining image correspondence
4Reliability
If additional radiation exposure is applied during re-acquisition, then sufficient measurement data can be obtained for post-processing, but the patient receives higher cumulative radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of measurement data quality to determine whether re-acquisition is actually necessary. By automatically detecting insufficient post-processing capacity, the system avoids unnecessary re-acquisitions and their associated radiation exposure, only triggering additional scans when truly needed
Solution Approach 2:
When re-acquisition is triggered, the control device modifies control parameters to optimize the additional acquisition. The system adjusts parameters to obtain only the missing or inadequate data with minimal additional radiation, rather than performing a complete repeat acquisition, thereby reducing cumulative dose while ensuring data sufficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for using measurement data of an object of examination for a post-processing process. In an embodiment, the method includes recording first measurement data, the first measurement data being previously determined via a medical imaging modality; automatically analyzing the first measurement data based on defined criteria and automatically inspecting a set of control parameters with aid of an analysis of the first measurement data using defined criteria with regard to second measurement data, the second measurement data being previously recorded via the modality using the set of control parameters, wherein the defined criteria include at least one of a post-processing capacity and identification of at least one image characteristic; and using at least one of the first measurement data and the second measurement data in a post-processing process. A control device and a medical imaging system are also disclosed.