Radiation Dose Management via Intermediary Processing and Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging systems lack effective methods for accurately managing and visualizing radiation dose distribution during and after scans, leading to potential excessive radiation exposure in patients.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for radiation dose management using a computing device to obtain and process scan information, determining radiation dose distribution in various scan modes, and displaying this information in visualization models to help manage and adjust scan plans effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiation dose management systems are implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a processing device as an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the medical imaging device and the radiation dose management system. This processing device collects scan information from the medical imaging device, processes it to determine radiation dose distributions, and presents the information in a user-friendly format. By placing this intermediary layer, the system manages complexity while maintaining patient safety through accurate radiation dose tracking and visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation dose management system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a medical imaging device module that performs scans, a processing device module that collects and processes scan information, and a presentation module that displays radiation dose distributions. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making it easier to implement and maintain while ensuring comprehensive radiation dose management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If detailed radiation dose distribution data is collected and visualized, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation dose measurement precisionVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining radiation dose distributions at different spatial locations within the scan region. Instead of providing a single average dose value, the system calculates and presents radiation dose information for multiple positions, allowing precise localization of high-dose areas. This enables clinicians to understand the spatial distribution of radiation exposure and make informed decisions about scan planning and patient safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device serves as an intermediary that handles the complex task of calculating radiation dose distributions from raw scan information. It processes detailed spatial and dosimetric data, applies appropriate algorithms for different scan modes (such as spiral CT or conventional CT), and presents the results in an accessible format. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision while shielding the user from the underlying computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scan modes are supported with different record modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan mode adaptabilityVSAvoidrecord mode complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the record mode adaptable based on the scan mode being used. The system automatically selects appropriate recording and presentation methods according to the specific scan type (e.g., spiral CT, conventional CT, different scan regions). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle diverse scanning protocols efficiently without requiring manual configuration, improving versatility while managing complexity through automated mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple scan modes and record types through a unified architecture. It can process information from various medical imaging devices, support different scan protocols, and present radiation dose data in appropriate formats for each scenario. This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to different clinical requirements without requiring separate specialized systems for each scan type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230148984A1Systems and methods for radiation dose management
Publication Date: 2023.05.18 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US20230148984A1 patent drawing
  • US20230148984A1 patent drawing
  • US20230148984A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for radiation dose management. The method includes obtaining scan information of a subject. The scan information includes a scan mode, a scan region of the subject, and a radiation dose of the subject. The method includes determining a record mode based on the scan mode. The method includes recording the scan region and the radiation dose based on the record mode.