Protocol-Dependent 2D Pre-Scan Projection for CT Scan Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2-D pre-scan projection images in CT scans provide limited information about the tissue of interest, leading to extended scan plans to ensure coverage, which may result in unnecessary radiation exposure and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The use of different rendering algorithms in the imaging system to visually enhance the region of interest in 2-D pre-scan projection images based on selected protocols for 3-D volume scans, allowing for more accurate planning and reduced radiation exposure by improving the clarity of tissue boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scan plan is extended to ensure complete coverage of the region of interest, then the reliability of scan coverage is improved, but the radiation exposure and scan time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different rendering algorithms (Maximum Intensity Projection, Minimum Intensity Projection, Mean Intensity Projection) to project 3D volumetric data onto 2D planes, creating visually enhanced images that clearly delineate tissue boundaries and interfaces. This allows accurate identification of the region of interest without requiring extended scan plans, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining reliable scan coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of extending the physical scan range to ensure coverage with a computational approach using intensity projection algorithms. By processing the 3D volumetric data through these algorithms, the system achieves clear visual differentiation of tissues without requiring additional scanning, thus reducing radiation exposure while maintaining coverage reliability.
2Reliability
If the scan plan is extended to ensure complete coverage, then the reliability of scan coverage is improved, but the scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intensity projection algorithms to render 3D volumetric data with enhanced contrast and clear tissue boundaries. This allows the operator to accurately identify the region of interest and define precise scan plans without needing to extend the scan range, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining reliable coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary 3D volumetric scan to acquire comprehensive data, then uses intensity projection algorithms to pre-process and visualize this data before finalizing the scan plan. This preliminary action provides clear anatomical information that enables precise scan planning without requiring time-consuming extended scans.
3Device complexity
If standard rendering algorithms are used to generate 2-D pre-scan projection images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of tissue boundaries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple intensity projection algorithms (Maximum Intensity Projection, Minimum Intensity Projection, Mean Intensity Projection) that process 3D volumetric data to generate 2D images with enhanced contrast and clearly defined tissue boundaries. These algorithms provide superior measurement precision for tissue interfaces while maintaining reasonable computational complexity through established image processing techniques.
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 more precise planning of 3-D volume scans, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and improving the accuracy of scan plans by enhancing the visibility of tissues like bones and lungs, thereby optimizing the scan coverage and patient dose.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray tube that rotates around an examination region and emits X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region
Implementation Method 2
A detector array detects X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region and an object or subject therein (which attenuates the X-ray radiation)
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system (302) includes an X-ray radiation source (312) configured to emit radiation that traverses an examination region, a detector array (314) configured to detect radiation that traverses an examination region and generate a signal indicative thereof, wherein the detected radiation is for a 3-D pre-scan, and a reconstructor (316) configured to reconstruct the signal to generate a 2-D pre-scan projection image. The imaging system further includes a console (318) wherein a processor thereof is configured to execute 3-D volume planning instructions (328) in memory to display the 2-D pre-scan projection image (402, 602, 802, 1002) and a scan plan or bounding box (404, 604, 804, 1004) for planning a 3-D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for a 3-D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest being planned and receive an input confirming or adjusting the scan plan box to create a 3-D volume scan plan for the 3-D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.