Simulated X-Ray Projection From Low-Dose CT for Faster Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiologists are less familiar and less comfortable with ultra-low-dose CT imaging due to its slower read time and different image format compared to conventional X-ray imaging, leading to a preference for interpreting CXR images, which foregoes the advantages of CT imaging's additional information and analytical capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Transform three-dimensional CT data into two-dimensional images that simulate conventional X-ray images using artificial intelligence techniques, such as convolutional neural networks, to present ULDCT data in a more familiar and easily interpretable format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If CT imaging is used to replace CXR imaging, then additional three-dimensional spatial information and analytical capability are obtained, but reading time increases and radiologists are less comfortable with the different image format

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional spatial informationVSAvoidreading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a two-dimensional copy of the three-dimensional CT data that mimics the appearance and characteristics of conventional X-ray images. This copy allows radiologists to familiarize themselves with CT data in a format similar to CXR, reducing reading time and increasing comfort while still utilizing the richer information content of CT imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms three-dimensional volumetric CT data into two-dimensional projection images through simulated X-ray generation. This dimensionality reduction creates images that are more familiar to radiologists accustomed to planar X-ray interpretation, thereby decreasing reading time and improving adoption while preserving access to the underlying 3D information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If radiologists rely on conventional planar X-ray images, then reading time is reduced and comfort is increased, but the advantages of CT imaging's additional information and analytical capability are foregone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiologist comfortVSAvoidadditional information from CT

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multiple viewing modes and representations, allowing radiologists to access both the familiar two-dimensional X-ray-like projections for quick assessment and the full three-dimensional CT data for detailed analysis. This multi-functionality ensures radiologist comfort while preserving access to additional CT information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The generated two-dimensional simulated X-ray images serve as an intermediary between conventional CXR and three-dimensional CT data. This intermediary format bridges the gap by presenting CT information in a visually familiar format while maintaining the option to access the complete 3D dataset when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ultra-low-dose CT imaging is used to replace conventional X-ray imaging, then radiation dose is reduced, but image quality decreases and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation doseVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical image acquisition with computational image generation. Instead of acquiring additional physical X-ray data, the system uses computational algorithms to generate simulated X-ray projections from the ultra-low-dose CT data, thereby improving image quality without increasing radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation of the imaging data by transforming ultra-low-dose CT volumetric data into simulated two-dimensional X-ray projections. This parameter transformation allows the data to be presented in a format with improved visual quality and reduced noise characteristics while maintaining the low radiation dose advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates the adoption of ULDCT by presenting images in a format that radiologists are accustomed to, while maintaining the advantages of CT imaging's three-dimensional spatial information and analytical capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

generate a two-dimensional image by tracing rays from a simulated radiation source outside of a subject of the three-dimensional image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS20250359837A1Simulating x-ray from low dose ct

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

Systems and methods for transforming three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) data into two dimensional images are provided. Such a method is provided including retrieving three-dimensional CT imaging data, where the three-dimensional CT imaging data comprises projection data acquired from a plurality of angles about a central axis. Once the three-dimensional CT imaging data is retrieved, the imaging data is processed as a three-dimensional image and the method proceeds to generate a two-dimensional image by tracing rays from a simulated radiation source outside of the three-dimensional image. The two-dimensional image is then presented to a user as a simulated X-Ray.