X-Ray Dose Estimation Using Scouting Images for Reliable Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The selection of radiation dose for x-ray imaging is often based on operator experience, leading to over or under-exposed images, which can result in incorrect diagnoses and the need for additional exposures, increasing patient radiation exposure.

Innovation Solution

A system using a scouting image captured at a high gain setting to determine an optimal radiation dose for a subsequent diagnostic image, employing a machine learning algorithm to estimate the appropriate dosage based on the scouting image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radiation dose is selected based on operator experience, then ease of operation is maintained, but image quality and diagnostic reliability deteriorate due to over or under-exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator ability to select radiation doseVSAvoidimage exposure quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically determining the optimal radiation dose through the scouting image and machine learning algorithm, eliminating the need for operator estimation while ensuring consistent image quality. The system serves itself by using the captured scouting image to compute the diagnostic dose without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of operator-based dose selection with an automated computational system. The machine learning algorithm substitutes the operator's experience-based judgment with data-driven dose determination, replacing human decision-making with an automated image-processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If higher radiation dose is used to ensure proper exposure, then image quality improves, but patient radiation exposure and harmful effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage exposure qualityVSAvoidpatient radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing a low-dose scouting image before the diagnostic exposure. This preliminary image is used to calculate the optimal diagnostic dose, allowing the system to plan the subsequent higher-dose image with precision, thereby avoiding both under-exposure and excessive radiation delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the scouting image information to determine the optimal diagnostic dose. The machine learning algorithm analyzes the scouting image and provides feedback on the required diagnostic exposure level, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts the diagnostic dose based on actual patient anatomy and tissue characteristics observed in the scouting image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If follow-up images are taken to correct improper exposure, then diagnostic reliability improves, but total radiation dose and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtime for additional exposures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The scouting image serves as preliminary action that prevents the need for follow-up images. By using this low-dose preliminary image to calculate the optimal diagnostic dose, the system ensures that the subsequent diagnostic image will be properly exposed, eliminating the need for corrective retakes and associated time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If multiple images are taken to ensure proper diagnosis, then diagnostic reliability improves, but total radiation dose increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtotal patient radiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the scouting image as preliminary action to plan the optimal diagnostic exposure, ensuring that a single diagnostic image can be properly exposed. This approach eliminates the need for multiple diagnostic exposures, thereby maintaining diagnostic reliability while minimizing total radiation dose to the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250252558A1Estimating optimal radiation dose for x-ray diagnostic image

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 FAIRCHILD IMAGING INC

AI summary

Techniques are provided for estimating an optimal radiation dose for x-ray imaging. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes operating an x-ray sensor at a first gain setting. The method also includes capturing a scouting image at the first gain setting using a scouting image radiation dose. The method further includes employing a radiation dose model to provide a diagnostic image radiation dose based on the scouting image. The diagnostic image radiation dose is greater than the scouting image radiation dose. The method further includes operating the x-ray sensor at a second gain setting. The second gain setting is less than the first gain setting. The method further includes capturing a diagnostic image using the provided diagnostic image radiation dose.