Radiological Scout Imaging With Stitched Multi-Position Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiological imaging systems lack detailed and extensive scout images, leading to precision and deformation issues during mechanical and software processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for acquiring a series of images between a start and end location, stitching them to form a composite scouting image, using a gantry with a rotatable ring and translational mechanism, and a sensor system to trigger image acquisition at defined intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single scout image is acquired using existing radiological imaging systems, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the image lacks detail and suffers from precision and deformation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scout imaging process into multiple discrete image acquisitions taken at different positions along the patient's body. Instead of capturing a single scout image, the system acquires a series of images (e.g., 5-10 images) at regular intervals, then stitches them together to form a comprehensive composite scout image. This segmentation approach improves image detail and precision while avoiding the deformation issues inherent in single-image scouting.
2Loss of information
If multiple images are acquired and stitched to form a composite scout image, then image detail and precision are improved, but the imaging time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image acquisition during the gantry's normal rotational movement. The imaging system captures multiple scout images continuously as the gantry rotates, utilizing the existing mechanical motion rather than requiring separate positioning steps. This continuous acquisition approach minimizes additional imaging time while ensuring comprehensive coverage of the patient's anatomy for detailed composite scout image creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with software-based image stitching and registration. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment for each scout image, the system uses computational algorithms to automatically align and stitch the images together. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and processing time while maintaining high image quality and detail in the composite scout image.
3Area of stationary object
If image acquisition is performed at regular intervals during gantry translation, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the complexity of coordinating gantry movement and image capture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gantry's rotational mechanism serve dual functions: its primary function of positioning the X-ray source and detector for CT imaging, and a secondary function of capturing scout images during rotation. By utilizing the existing gantry rotation for scout image acquisition, the system achieves comprehensive anatomical coverage without requiring separate translation mechanisms or complex coordination systems. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining extensive scout image coverage.
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
Provides a detailed scouting image for precise planning of subsequent imaging or surgical procedures, overcoming precision and deformation issues in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a source suitable to emit radiation that passes through the at least part of the patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation
Implementation Method 2
a detector arranged to receive the radiation and to generate data signals based on the radiation received
Data Source
AI summary
A radiological image is acquired of a part of a patient by positioning the patient within an analysis zone of the radiologic imaging device and setting an imaging start location. The part of the patient to be diagnosed is included between the start location and an end location. A series of images is acquired with a radiologic beam beginning at the start location and continuing until the end location is imaged. The images in the series of images are stitched together to form a composite scouting image.