Scout Scan Couch Markers for Precise X-Ray Region Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanners face challenges in accurately centering the region of interest for scout scans, leading to time-consuming manual adjustments, potential human error, and increased radiation exposure due to repeated scans when the target tissue is outside the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) displays a graphical representation of the movable support couch with reference markers, allowing users to visually align the patient anatomy relative to physical features, facilitating precise boundary selection for scout scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual couch repositioning is used to center the region of interest, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the couch and patient anatomy on a display screen, allowing the operator to see the relative positioning without physically moving the couch. This graphical interface enables accurate positioning decisions to be made visually, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments and scout scans.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scout scans are acquired to ensure target tissue is in view, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary visual assessment using the graphical interface showing couch position and patient anatomy before acquiring any scout scans. This preliminary action allows the operator to confidently set the scan range without needing to acquire multiple scout scans to verify target inclusion, thereby minimizing radiation exposure while ensuring accurate target localization.
3Ease of operation
If predetermined couch position is used, then setup process is simplified, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to patient variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic graphical interface that updates in real-time as the couch moves or as scan parameters are adjusted. The visual representation adapts to show the current relative position of the region of interest within the field of view, allowing the operator to make precise positioning adjustments tailored to each patient's anatomy rather than relying on fixed predetermined positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a radiation therapy system comprises: causing a graphical representation of a movable support couch of the X-ray imaging system to be displayed, wherein the graphical representation includes one or more reference markers that each correspond to a respective physical feature of the movable support couch; receiving a first user input that includes a first position indicator that corresponds to a first boundary of an X-ray imaging region; and generating an X-ray image of the X-ray imaging region, wherein a first edge of the X-ray image corresponds to the first boundary.