X-ray Scout Image Selection for Current Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging systems face challenges in modulating X-ray source current effectively during scan series, particularly when subject arm positions change between scan groups, leading to sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The system obtains scout images with the subject's arms in different positions before the scan series and designates these images as reference images for X-ray source current modulation for each corresponding scan group, ensuring accurate arm position matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the last scout image acquired is automatically designated as the reference image for X-ray tube current modulation, then the system operation is simplified, but the arm position may not match between scan groups leading to sub-optimal radiation dose and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scan series into multiple scan groups, each with its own designated reference scout image. Instead of using a single reference image for the entire series, the system segments the reference image assignment by scan group, allowing each group to have a reference image that matches the subject's arm position during that specific scan. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplified operation through automated reference image designation while achieving precise arm position matching through group-specific references.
2Manufacturing precision
If another scout scan is performed between scan groups to match arm positions, then arm position matching is improved, but the time required increases and peak uptake of contrast agent may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires that scout images be acquired with the subject in the specific arm positions needed for each scan group before the scan series begins. These preliminary scout images are then designated as reference images for their corresponding scan groups. This eliminates the need for intermediate scout scans between groups, as all necessary reference images are prepared in advance, thus maintaining precise arm position matching while avoiding time loss and contrast agent uptake delays.
3Device complexity
If a single reference scout image is used for all scan groups, then the device complexity is reduced, but radiation dose optimization is compromised for groups with different arm positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different reference scout images to different scan groups based on the specific arm position requirements of each group. Instead of using a single reference image for the entire series, the system tailors the reference image selection to the local requirements of each scan group, ensuring optimal radiation dose and image quality for each group while maintaining manageable complexity through automated designation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system(s), a computer-implemented method(s) and/or computer executable instructions encoded on a computer readable medium(s) obtains, for groups of a scan series for a subject, scout images for the subject that were acquired prior to planning the scan series and that include images of arms of the subject in different positions relative to the subject, designates, for each group of the groups, a scout image of the scout images with a position of the arms of the subject that corresponds to a position of the arms of the subject in the group as the reference image for X-ray source current modulation for the group, and utilizes the designated scout images for X-ray source current modulation for the series.