Imaging System Scan Area Determination via Pixel Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual adjustment of scan ranges in imaging systems, such as PET/CT, is inaccurate and time-consuming, leading to unnecessary CT doses and prolonged scanning processes, increasing patient burden and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that determines a first scan area, acquires raw data, generates a positioning image, and calculates a pixel value distribution curve to automatically define a second scan area, optimizing the scanning process by reducing unnecessary scanning and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of scan range is performed, then user can control scan area, but accuracy of scan area determination deteriorates and unnecessary CT dose increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan area determination accuracyVSAvoidCT dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining the scan area using the positioning image and pixel value distribution curve, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment. The processor autonomously identifies the scan range based on image data, ensuring both accuracy and avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment of scan range by user interaction is replaced with an automated image processing system. The processor analyzes the positioning image and generates the scan area definition through computational methods, substituting human operation with automated digital processing.

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

2Productivity

If manual adjustment of scan range is performed, then user can control scan area, but scanning process time increases and efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidscanning process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically determining the scan area before the actual scanning process begins. The positioning image is processed and the scan range is defined in advance through automated algorithms, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments during the scanning workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual adjustment process is replaced with automated image processing and computational analysis. The processor rapidly analyzes the positioning image and determines the scan area through algorithmic processing, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual user adjustment.

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

3Duration of action of moving object

If manual adjustment of scan range is performed, then user can control scan area, but patient burden increases due to prolonged scanning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning timeVSAvoidpatient burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The scan area is determined in advance through automated processing of the positioning image before the patient undergoes the actual scanning. This preliminary automated determination eliminates delays during the patient's scanning experience, reducing overall duration and patient burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously determines the appropriate scan area without requiring patient involvement or adjustment during the process. This self-service capability streamlines the workflow and reduces the time the patient must remain in the scanning position, thereby reducing patient burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11331066B2Imaging method and system for determining a scan area
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US11331066B2 patent drawing
  • US11331066B2 patent drawing
  • US11331066B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a storage device storing a set of instructions and at least one processor in communication with the storage device, wherein when executing the instructions, the at least one processor is configured to cause the system to determine a first scan area on a scanning object. The system may also acquire raw data generated by scanning the first scan area on the scanning object and generate a positioning image based on the raw data. The system may also generate a pixel value distribution curve based on the positioning image, and determine a second scan area on the scanning object based on the pixel value distribution curve. The system may also scan the second scan area on the scanning object.