System and method for automated projection radiography
Inventors
Foos, David H. • SIEGEL, Eliot L
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12318233-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Radiographic imaging identifies a subject anatomy for radiographic image content and automatically identifies a subject's position from one or more sensor signals. The imaging apparatus issues re-positioning guidance signals for re-positioning the patient. Signals are generated to set an imaging exposure technique and component positions according to data associated with the subject anatomy. A radiographic image of the subject is acquired according to the component and technique signals by automatically energizing the x-ray source. The acquired radiographic image is analyzed using trained logic to determine clinical diagnostic suitability of the image and to identify one or more abnormalities in the subject anatomy.
Core Innovation
The invention provides automated projection radiography with digital radiography by automatically identifying a subject anatomy for radiographic imaging. It automatically identifies a position of a subject with respect to an X-ray imaging apparatus from one or more sensor signals, and outputs a guidance signal to communicate repositioning instructions to the subject when necessary. It generates configuration signals for configuring and positioning components of the imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus components comprise at least an X-ray source and a DR detector for the radiographic imaging.
The invention further generates one or more technique signals to set imaging exposure levels according to the identified subject anatomy. It acquires a radiographic image of the subject anatomy by automatically energizing the X-ray source. The acquired radiographic image is analyzed using trained logic to determine clinical diagnostic suitability of the acquired radiographic image.
In addition, the invention assesses the acquired radiographic image according to trained logic to identify one or more abnormalities in the subject anatomy. The disclosed workflow also includes patient identification/verification, exam order acquisition, positioning guidance and exposure readiness interlocks, and recording/reporting results on a display, including analysis of abnormalities and clinical diagnostic suitability. System architectures include a standalone configuration and a hub-and-spoke network architecture with a central control console and satellite imaging sites.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines a computer system implemented method with six main inventive features. Dependent claims refine how anatomy/position information is obtained, how repositioning guidance is presented, how exposure is set, and how abnormalities are assessed.
Identify subject anatomy and automatically identify subject position from sensor signals
identifying a subject anatomy for radiographic imaging; automatically identifying a position of a subject with respect to an X-ray imaging apparatus from one or more sensor signals and, if necessary, outputting a guidance signal to communicate repositioning instructions to the subject
Generate imaging apparatus configuration and positioning signals using an X-ray source and DR detector
generating configuration signals for configuring and positioning components of the imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus components comprise at least an x-ray source and a DR detector for the radiographic imaging
Generate technique signals to set imaging exposure levels from identified anatomy
generating one or more technique signals to set imaging exposure levels according to the identified subject anatomy
Acquire radiographic image by automatically energizing the X-ray source
acquiring a radiographic image of the subject anatomy by automatically energizing the x-ray source
Analyze image with trained logic to determine clinical diagnostic suitability (image QC)
analyzing the acquired radiographic image of the subject anatomy using trained logic to determine clinical diagnostic suitability of the acquired radiographic image
Assess image with trained logic to identify one or more abnormalities
assessing the acquired radiographic image of the subject anatomy according to trained logic to identify one or more abnormalities in the subject anatomy
Across the independent claim, the method combines automated subject anatomy identification, automatic position determination from sensor signals with optional repositioning guidance, configuration and positioning of imaging components, anatomy-based technique signaling for exposure levels, acquisition by energizing the X-ray source, and trained-logic-based image QC followed by trained-logic-based abnormality identification.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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