Color-Coded CT Tube Current Maps for Scout Scan Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT scan systems struggle to intuitively display tube current modulations in relation to anatomical regions, leading to visual clutter and difficulty in assessing local tube current values, which diverts attention from medical interpretation.
Innovation Solution
Convert tube current values to color codes and apply transformation functions to scout scans, allowing for intuitive visualization of tube current modulations and anatomical regions, with optional statistical overlays and comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tube current values are displayed using traditional numerical or graphical overlays on scout scans, then tube current information is provided, but visual clutter increases and anatomical regions become difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to represent different tube current values directly on the scout scan image. Each anatomical region is colored according to its tube current value, creating an intuitive visual map where color intensity or hue indicates the magnitude of tube current modulation. This eliminates the need for separate numerical overlays or graphs, thereby reducing visual clutter while preserving all tube current information in the image itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional tube current data (numerical values) into a two-dimensional visual representation by mapping colors onto the spatial coordinates of the scout scan. This dimensional transformation allows tube current information to be perceived simultaneously across all anatomical regions, improving information visibility without requiring additional graphical elements that would increase visual complexity.
2Loss of information
If detailed tube current data is presented in traditional formats, then complete information is available, but medical practitioner workflow efficiency decreases due to increased interpretation time
Solution Approach 1:
By encoding tube current values as colors on the scout scan, the patent enables medical practitioners to rapidly assess tube current modulation patterns across different anatomical regions through immediate visual perception rather than sequential numerical analysis. The color-coded representation preserves complete tube current data while reducing interpretation time, as the human visual system can process spatial color patterns much faster than numerical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of numerically analyzing tube current data with an optical visualization system. Instead of requiring practitioners to mentally process numerical values and their spatial relationships, the system optically encodes all tube current information in the color distribution of the scout scan, allowing instantaneous comprehension of tube current modulation patterns.
3Ease of operation
If tube current modulations are not clearly visualized, then workflow remains simple, but the ability to assess local tube current values and identify anatomical regions is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses the difficulty of detecting local tube current values by assigning distinct colors to different tube current magnitudes in different anatomical regions. This color-coded visualization makes tube current modulations immediately detectable and measurable at a glance, while the implementation integrates seamlessly into existing scout scan workflows without requiring separate analysis steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different color characteristics to different anatomical regions based on their specific tube current values. Each region's color encoding reflects its local tube current modulation characteristics, enabling precise local assessment while maintaining overall workflow simplicity through a unified visual representation.
Data Source
AI summary
When performing an imaging scan on a patient, x-ray tube currents are modulated as the scan is performed. The x-ray tube current values and modulations may be recorded and accessed. The accessed values may be processed to generate overlays and displays for identifying patient and diagnostic device issues.