X-ray CT Scan Plan Timing Chart Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray computed tomographic apparatuses face difficulties in intuitively and clearly understanding the overall scan sequence and operability due to the display of scan plans in table form, especially with increased scan mode options and imaging speed, which complicates dynamic and multi-slice imaging.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a scan plan support apparatus that generates a timing chart to visually represent the scan sequence, allowing operators to intuitively understand and modify scan conditions, including tube current and scan intervals, through a graphical interface, enhancing both visibility and operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scan plans are displayed in table form with text, then operability and visibility of individual scan conditions are improved, but intuitive understanding of the overall scan sequence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional table display into a two-dimensional timing chart that visually represents the scan sequence over time. The timing chart adds a temporal dimension to the display, showing scan intervals and sequence order graphically rather than just in tabular form, thereby improving intuitive understanding while maintaining operability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scan modes are supported simultaneously, then imaging versatility is improved, but scan plan complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex scan plan into individual scan elements that can be independently configured and visualized. Each scan element represents a discrete imaging task with specific parameters, allowing operators to manage multiple scan modes by breaking them down into manageable units rather than dealing with a monolithic complex plan.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing chart serves as an intermediary visualization tool that simplifies the representation of complex multi-mode scan plans. It provides a graphical interface that mediates between the complex underlying scan parameters and the operator's need for intuitive understanding, making it easier to plan and manage diverse imaging sequences.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scan plan support apparatus for supporting development of a scan plan for X-ray computed tomography comprises a scan planning unit (200) adapted to generate data of a scan planning window including a time chart in which a plurality of scan elements are arranged based on start times of scans in a time direction. The scan plan support apparatus further comprises a display unit (116) for displaying the scan planning window on the basis of the generated data. Each scan element represents a scan mode type and dose index of X-ray scan, and the time chart represents the dose index of X-ray scan over time in each scan element.