Non-Circular Orbit Scan Pattern for CT Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) imaging devices face challenges in producing accurate images due to artifacts caused by metal objects, such as surgical tools and implants, which result in photon starvation and beam hardening, leading to obscured anatomical features and inaccurate diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-circular orbit scan pattern design for CT imaging devices, using a robotic C-arm system, which determines optimal scan patterns based on object characteristics to minimize artifacts and enhance image quality by reducing missing or inaccurate data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circular trajectory scan is used for CT imaging, then the scanning process is simple and standardized, but metal objects cause photon starvation and beam hardening artifacts that obscure anatomical features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric circular scan trajectory to an asymmetric elliptical scan trajectory. This asymmetric path changes the angular distribution of X-ray beams relative to metal objects, reducing the concentration of beams that cause photon starvation and beam hardening artifacts while maintaining adequate coverage of anatomical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the scan trajectory parameters from a circular path (equal radii in all directions) to an elliptical path (different semi-major and semi-minor axes). This parameter modification alters the beam angles and path lengths through metal objects, reducing artifact severity while preserving diagnostic image quality.
2Reliability
If multiple scan patterns are evaluated to reduce artifacts, then image quality improves, but computing resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing scout scans and artifact analysis before the actual diagnostic scan. This allows the system to identify metal objects and predict artifact locations in advance, enabling selective application of multiple scan patterns only in regions where artifacts are likely to occur, rather than uniformly across the entire scan volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the scan volume into regions with and without metal objects based on preliminary imaging. Different scan patterns are applied selectively to different segments: standard circular scans for artifact-free regions and optimized elliptical scans for regions containing metal objects, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining image quality where needed.
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 improved visualization of anatomical features, reduces the risk of misdiagnosis, and conserves computing resources by minimizing the impact of artifacts in CT images.
Implementation Method 1
A computed tomography (CT) imaging device uses computer-processed combinations of X-ray measurements taken from a variety of angles to produce cross-sectional images
Implementation Method 2
Cone beam CT is an imaging technique that involves obtaining internal images of an object using divergent X-ray measurements in the form of a cone
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a device may obtain scan information associated with scanning a section of a body that includes an object within tissue of the section. The device may determine a region of the section that is likely to be represented by an artifact in an image obtained using a first scanning type of a medical image device. The device may determine a plurality of scan patterns for scanning the region using a second scanning type. The device may determine, for the plurality of scan patterns, individual scan scores associated with scanning the region. The device may select, based on the individual scan scores, an optimal scan pattern from the plurality of scan patterns. The device may transmit the optimal scan pattern to the medical imaging device to permit the medical imaging device to scan the section to obtain optimized image data associated with the region.