Automated Spine Scan Mode Selection for Medical Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging systems require manual determination of scan ranges and modes by operators, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in image data acquisition for spinal lesions or injuries.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor and storage device that automatically determines a target portion within image data of a subject's spine, and selects an appropriate scan mode based on the identified target portion, thereby optimizing image data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual determination of scan range and mode is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan range and mode determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining the scan range and mode through image data analysis. The processor autonomously identifies the target portion (spine region) and selects appropriate scan parameters without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual determination while maintaining high accuracy through automated algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually analyzing images and setting parameters, the system uses image processing algorithms and automated decision-making to determine scan ranges and modes, substituting human cognitive processes with computational mechanisms that are both faster and more consistent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual determination by operator is used, then clinical experience is applied, but inter-user variation increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidconsistency of scan range and mode determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures homogeneity in scan range and mode determination by using standardized automated algorithms that apply the same criteria to all patients. This eliminates the variability introduced by different operators' experiences and skill levels, ensuring consistent and reliable results across all cases while significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs self-service by independently analyzing image data and determining scan parameters without relying on operator expertise. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent, repeatable results that are not influenced by individual operator variations, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12243228B2Systems and methods for image data acquisition

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system and method for image data acquisition. The method may include obtaining image data of a subject including a first type of tissue and a second type of tissue. The method may include determining, based on the image data of the subject, a target portion including at least a portion of at least one of the first type of tissue or the second type of tissue. The method may include determining, based at least in part on the target portion represented in the image data, a scan mode corresponding to the target portion. The method may include causing an imaging device to acquire, based on the scan mode, image data of the target portion.