Tomographic Scanner Parameter Selection via Scout Image Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT imaging systems lack an efficient method for automatically determining optimal X-ray tube voltage and current settings based on patient-specific attenuation values, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased scan times.

Innovation Solution

A CT imaging device and method that captures a scout image to calculate average attenuation values, allowing for the determination of appropriate tube voltage and current settings through a user interface and rule-based systems, enabling precise configuration for different scanning procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated parameter selection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan timeVSAvoidparameter selection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal tube voltage and current parameters by processing scout images and attenuation values without requiring manual operator input. The automated parameter selection component analyzes patient-specific attenuation characteristics and selects imaging parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment and reducing scan setup time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary attenuation assessment using scout images before the actual CT scan. By calculating average attenuation values from the scout image and determining optimal parameters in advance, the system prepares the imaging parameters beforehand, which streamlines the subsequent scanning process and improves overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual parameter selection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection systemVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters (tube voltage and current) based on patient-specific attenuation characteristics derived from scout images. By changing parameters according to measured attenuation values rather than using fixed manual settings, the system optimizes image quality for each patient's anatomical characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system determines optimal parameters based on local attenuation characteristics of the patient's anatomy as captured in the scout image. By analyzing region-specific attenuation values and selecting parameters tailored to the patient's actual tissue density distribution, the system achieves superior image quality compared to uniform manual parameter selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If standardized parameter settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection systemVSAvoidparameter optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system adapts imaging parameters to match patient-specific attenuation characteristics by calculating average attenuation values from scout images and selecting tube voltage and current settings accordingly. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the system to adapt to different patient sizes, tissue densities, and anatomical regions without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses scout images as feedback to determine optimal parameters for the subsequent CT scan. By measuring attenuation values from the preliminary scout image and using this information to select imaging parameters, the system creates a feedback loop that enables automatic adaptation to each patient's specific characteristics while maintaining simple standardized operational procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables tailored X-ray tube voltage and current settings, improving image quality and reducing scan times by optimizing parameter selection based on patient-specific attenuation values.

Implementation Method 1

An X-ray tube voltage and an X-ray tube current are determined for a scanning procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

A scout image of a patient is obtained at the CT imaging device, the scout image including a region of interest. An average attenuation within the region of interest is determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9089265B2Automated parameter selection for a tomographic imaging device

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUND

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for configuring parameters associated with a tomographic scanner. A tomographic scanner is configured to capture a scout image of a patient. A configuration component is configured to determine an average attenuation value representing at least a portion of the scout image and determine each of the tube voltage and tube current for the tomographic scanner from the average attenuation value.