Medical Imaging Scanning Region Control via Depth-2D Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning scanning regions in medical imaging systems, such as CT devices, are time-consuming and imprecise, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure due to the difficulty in accurately defining the scanning region, especially when it needs to be small or when anatomical regions are not fully covered.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize depth image data and 2D image data registration to create a precise and intuitive interface for setting scanning region limits, either through a telecentrically correct 2D image display or a three-dimensional avatar, allowing operators to define scanning regions with reduced radiation exposure and increased precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning with laser sighting device is used, then the scanning region can be defined, but the process is time-consuming and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning method (laser sighting device) with an automated optical-capture-based system. The control device automatically captures images, determines scanning region boundaries, and positions the scanning region without manual intervention, thereby improving both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the examination object and its anatomical features. By processing this image copy, the system determines the scanning region boundaries more accurately and quickly than manual methods, without directly measuring the physical object.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the scanning region is made small to reduce radiation exposure, then radiation dose is reduced, but the risk of not fully covering the region of interest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by capturing images of the examination object, processing these images to determine anatomical landmarks and boundaries, and using this information to automatically adjust and optimize the scanning region. This closed-loop approach ensures the scanning region is minimized for radiation safety while guaranteeing complete coverage of the region of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing before the actual scanning to pre-determine the optimal scanning region boundaries. This preliminary action identifies the exact extent of the region of interest, allowing the subsequent scan to be precisely confined to this area, thereby reducing radiation exposure while ensuring complete coverage.
3Reliability
If the scanning region is enlarged to ensure complete coverage, then coverage reliability is improved, but unnecessary radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from image processing to precisely identify anatomical boundaries and the extent of the region of interest. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary enlargement of the scanning region by providing accurate boundary information, thus minimizing radiation exposure while maintaining complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by determining different boundary positions for different regions of the examination object based on image analysis. Instead of using a uniform or conservative scanning region, the system tailors the scanning boundaries to the specific anatomical features present, ensuring coverage only where necessary and reducing radiation exposure in non-essential areas.
4Ease of operation
If laser marking lines are used for positioning, then the scanning region can be visualized, but the patient may find them distressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the physical laser marking system with an image-based visualization system. Instead of projecting laser lines onto the patient, the system captures images, processes them to identify anatomical features, and displays the scanning region boundaries on a monitor or display device, thereby eliminating patient distress while maintaining visualization functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device are disclosed for controlling a scanning region of a medical imaging system for subsequent recording of a region of interest of an examination object. Depth image data of the examination object are captured. 2-D image data of at least one 2-D image of the examination object are created and the 2-D image is displayed. The 2-D image data and the depth image data of the examination object are registered to each other at least in some regions. By using the 2-D image, at least one limit position of the scanning region is then determined. Finally, on the basis of the depth image data and the limit position in the 2-D image of the examination object, a limit contour line extending through the limit position is determined and displayed such that the limit contour line is superimposed on the 2-D image of the examination object.