阅读说明：本技术 基于3d预扫描体积图像数据的协议相关的2d预扫描投影图像 (Protocol dependent 2D pre-scan projection image based on 3D pre-scan volumetric image data ) 是由 K·M·布朗 于 2020-05-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种成像系统(302)包括：X射线辐射源(312),其被配置为发射穿过检查区域的辐射；探测器阵列(314),其被配置为探测穿过检查区域的辐射并生成指示所述辐射的信号,其中,探测到的辐射用于3D预扫描；以及重建器(316),其被配置为重建所述信号以生成2D预扫描投影图像。所述成像系统还包括控制台(318),其中,其处理器被配置为：执行存储器中的3D体积规划指令(328)以显示所述2D预扫描投影图像(402、602、802、1002)和扫描计划或边界框(404、604、804、1004),所述扫描计划或边界框用于基于针对正被规划的感兴趣区域/组织的3D体积扫描的选定协议来规划感兴趣区域/组织的3D体积扫描；并且接收确认或调整所述扫描计划框的输入,以创建用于所述感兴趣区域/组织的所述3D体积扫描的3D体积扫描计划。(An imaging system (302) comprising: an X-ray radiation source (312) configured to emit radiation through an examination region; a detector array (314) configured to detect radiation traversing an examination region and generate a signal indicative thereof, wherein the detected radiation is used for a 3D pre-scan; and a reconstructor (316) configured to reconstruct the signal to generate a 2D pre-scan projection image. The imaging system further includes a console (318), wherein the processor thereof is configured to: executing 3D volume planning instructions (328) in memory to display the 2D pre-scan projection images (402, 602, 802, 1002) and a scan plan or bounding box (404, 604, 804, 1004) for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned; and receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.)

1. An imaging system (302), comprising:

an X-ray radiation source (312) configured to emit radiation through an examination region;

a detector array (314) configured to detect radiation traversing an examination region and generate a signal indicative thereof, wherein the detected radiation is used for a 3D pre-scan;

a reconstructor (316) configured to reconstruct the signals to generate 2D pre-scan projection images; and

a console (318) having a processor (324) and a memory (326), wherein the processor is configured to execute 3D volume planning instructions (328) in the memory, the 3D volume planning instructions causing the processor to:

displaying the 2D pre-scan projection images (402, 602, 802, 1002) and a scan plan or bounding box (404, 604, 804, 1004) for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned; and is

Receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest,

wherein the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest is performed based on the 3D volume scan plan.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the console is configured to: identifying the region/tissue of interest based on the selected scan protocol, obtaining a rendering algorithm for the identified region/tissue of interest, and rendering the 2D pre-scan projection image of the region/tissue of interest based on the obtained rendering algorithm.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rendering algorithm is a volume rendering algorithm that projects 3D volume data into a 2D plane.

4. The system of any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region/tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection images.

5. The system of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rendering algorithm is selected from the group consisting of: maximum intensity projection, soft tissue/edge interface, minimum intensity projection, multi-planar reconstruction, and curved multi-planar reconstruction.

6. The system of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rendering algorithm is selected from the group consisting of: only the contrast image and the virtual non-contrast image.

7. The system of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the memory comprises a predetermined mapping between scanning protocols and rendering algorithms, and the console is further configured to select the rendering algorithm according to the predetermined mapping based on the selected scanning protocol.

8. The system of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the console selects the rendering algorithm based on user input identifying the rendering algorithm.

9. The system of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the console selects the selected rendering algorithm based on a trained machine learning algorithm.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the trained machine learning algorithm is trained to map a rendering algorithm to a scan protocol based at least on one of a selection of rendering algorithms of a clinician or healthcare entity.

11. A method, comprising:

obtaining projection data from a 3D pre-scan;

reconstructing the projection data to create a 2D pre-scan projection image;

displaying the 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned; and is

Receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

identifying the region/tissue of interest based on the selected scan protocol;

obtaining a rendering algorithm for the identified region/tissue of interest; and is

Rendering the 2D pre-scan projection image of the region/tissue of interest based on the obtained rendering algorithm.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region/tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection images.

14. The method of any of claims 12 to 13, further comprising:

the rendering algorithm is obtained from a predetermined mapping between the scanning protocol and the rendering algorithm based on user input or selected by a machine learning algorithm.

15. The method of any of claims 11 to 14, further comprising:

performing the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest based on the 3D volume scan plan.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer, cause the processor to:

obtaining projection data from a 3D pre-scan;

reconstructing the projection data to create a 2D pre-scan projection image;

displaying the 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned; and is

Receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.

17. The computer-readable storage media in accordance with claim 16, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to:

identifying the region/tissue of interest based on the selected scan protocol;

obtaining a rendering algorithm for the identified region/tissue of interest; and is

Rendering the 2D pre-scan projection image of the region/tissue of interest based on the obtained rendering algorithm.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region/tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection image.

19. The computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 17 to 18, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to:

the rendering algorithm is obtained from a predetermined mapping between the scanning protocol and the rendering algorithm based on user input or selected by a machine learning algorithm.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to:

performing the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest based on the 3D volume scan plan.

Technical Field

The following generally relates to imaging and more particularly to protocol dependent two-dimensional (2D) pre-scan projection images based on three-dimensional (3D) pre-scan volumetric image data and is described with particular application to Computed Tomography (CT).

Background

A Computed Tomography (CT) scanner includes an X-ray tube that rotates about an examination region and emits X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region. The detector array detects X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region and an object or subject therein (which attenuates the X-ray radiation) and is incident thereon. The detector array generates projection data indicative of the incident X-ray radiation. A reconstructor reconstructs the projection data to generate three-dimensional (3D) volumetric image data indicative of the examination region and the object or subject therein.

Before performing the volume scan, a pre-scan is performed to generate 2D pre-scan projection images to plan the volume scan. Historically, a pre-scan (also known as scout, pilot or survey) has been performed with an X-ray tube statically positioned at a given angle and moving a target or object along a longitudinal scan axis (z-axis) through an examination region while the X-ray tube emits X-ray radiation. A reconstructor reconstructs the acquired data to generate a 2D pre-scan projection image that mimics the X-ray image and shows the interior of the object or subject.

The extent of the object or subject scanned during the pre-scan is such that the region/tissue of interest for the volume scan is visible in the 2D pre-scan projection images. For example, a pre-scan for a lung scan may cover from the shoulder to the pelvis. To plan the volume scan, the user identifies a z-axis range on the 2D pre-scan projection image for the region/tissue of interest. This has been done by defining a scan plan or bounding box for the start and end scan positions of the region/tissue of interest to be scanned. FIG. 1 shows a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image 102 with an example scan plan or bounding box 104 superimposed thereon.

US10,045,754B2 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) discusses a low dose 3D pre-scan, which is similar to a 2D pre-scan except that the X-ray tube is rotated during the scan to acquire tomographic data, which is reconstructed to produce 3D pre-scan volumetric image data. The 3D pre-scan volumetric image data has a poorer contrast resolution than the diagnostic 3D volumetric image data of the self-diagnostic scan and is not used for diagnostic purposes. For planning, the 3D pre-scan volume image data is used to generate a 2D pre-scan projection image, for example by summing the 3D volume along a ray path.

The 2D pre-scan projection images generated from the data acquired during the 3D pre-scan are similar to the 2D pre-scan projection images generated from the data acquired during the 2D pre-scan and can similarly be used to plan a volumetric scan of the region/tissue of interest. For example, a user may use a scan plan or bounding box to define start and end scan positions for a region/tissue of interest to be scanned. Fig. 2 shows an example of such a 2D pre-scan projection image 202 and an example scan plan or bounding box 204.

Unfortunately, the 2D pre-scan projection images in either case (i.e., from a 2D pre-scan acquisition (e.g., as shown in fig. 1) and from a 3D pre-scan acquisition (e.g., as shown in fig. 2)) reveal only limited 2D information about the tissue of interest to be scanned. For example, in fig. 1 and 2, there is no clear delineation between the lung and the diaphragm at the lung/diaphragm interface. In this way, the scan plan or bounding box typically extends in the z-axis direction by a margin to ensure that the region is scanned, e.g., to avoid having to rescan the target or object because the entire region of interest is not scanned.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects described herein address the above-referenced problems and/or other problems.

For example, a method is described below that, in one example, displays a 2D pre-scan projection image using different rendering algorithms to visually enhance a region/tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection image, wherein the region/tissue of interest is determined according to a scanning protocol.

In one aspect, an imaging system includes: an X-ray radiation source configured to emit radiation through an examination region; a detector array configured to detect radiation traversing an examination region and generate a signal indicative thereof, wherein the detected radiation is used for a 3D pre-scan; and a reconstructor configured to reconstruct the signal to generate a 2D pre-scan projection image. The imaging system further includes a console having a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute 3D volume planning instructions in the memory, the 3D volume planning instructions causing the processor to: displaying the 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned, and receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest. The 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest is performed based on the 3D volume scan plan.

In another aspect, a method includes obtaining projection data from a 3D pre-scan. The method further includes reconstructing the projection data to create a 2D pre-scan projection image. The method further includes displaying the 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box for planning a 3D volume scan of the region of interest/tissue based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region of interest/tissue being planned. The method further comprises receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.

In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer, cause the processor to: obtaining projection data from a 3D pre-scan, reconstructing the projection data to create a 2D pre-scan projection image, displaying the 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box for planning a 3D volume scan of a region/tissue of interest based on a selected protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned, and receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest.

Those skilled in the art will recognize other aspects of the present application upon reading and understanding the attached description.

Drawings

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and schedules of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D pre-scan.

FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan.

Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates an example imaging system including 3D volume planning instructions according to embodiment(s) herein.

Fig. 4 illustrates a frontal rib MIP2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan according to an embodiment(s) herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art frontal rib 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D pre-scan.

Fig. 6 illustrates a lateral spine MIP2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan according to an embodiment(s) herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a prior art lateral spine 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D pre-scan.

Fig. 8 illustrates a frontal lung MIP2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan according to an embodiment(s) herein.

Fig. 9 illustrates a prior art frontal lung 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D pre-scan.

Figure 10 illustrates a lateral lung MIP2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan according to an embodiment(s) herein.

Fig. 11 illustrates a prior art lateral lung 2D pre-scan projection image and scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D pre-scan.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example method in accordance with embodiment(s) herein.

Detailed Description

The following describes a method for generating a 2D pre-scan image from data acquired with a 3D pre-scan and based on a scan protocol for a region/tissue of interest for a volumetric scan of the region/tissue of interest being planned with the 2D pre-scan image. In one example, this allows for displaying a differently rendered 2D pre-scan image to visually enhance regions/tissues of interest in the 2D pre-scan image.

Fig. 3 illustrates an imaging system 302, such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. The illustrated imaging system 302 includes a stationary gantry 304 and a rotating gantry 306, with the rotating gantry 306 being rotatably supported by the stationary gantry 304. The rotating gantry 306 rotates about a longitudinal axis ("Z") about an examination region 308. An object support 310, such as a couch, supports an object or target in the examination region 308 and guides the object or target for loading, scanning, and/or unloading of the object or target.

An X-ray radiation source 312, such as an X-ray tube, is supported by the rotating gantry 306 and rotates with the rotating gantry 306 about the examination region 308 and emits X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region 308. An X-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 is positioned across the examination region 308 opposite the X-ray radiation source 312. The X-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 detects X-ray radiation that traverses the examination region 308 (and an object or subject therein) and generates a signal indicative thereof (i.e., projection data or line integrals).

A reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct signals from the X-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 to generate image data. For example, in one instance, the reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct a 2D pre-scan image using data acquired from a 2D pre-scan and/or a 3D pre-scan. For 3D pre-scan data, this may include reconstructing 3D pre-scan volumetric image data, and then generating a 2D pre-scan image therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, the reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct diagnostic 3D volumetric image data using data acquired from a diagnostic 3D volumetric scan planned with the 2D pre-scan image.

In one example, reconstructor 316 is implemented with hardware, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), microprocessor (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc., configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored, embedded, encoded, etc., on a computer-readable storage medium and/or non-transitory memory. Reconstructor 316 can be part of system 302 (as shown) and/or remote from system 302 (e.g., in a remote computing system, distributed across other computing systems, part of a "cloud" based resource, etc.).

The operator console 318 includes human-readable output device(s) 320, such as a display monitor, viewfinder, etc., and input device(s) 322, such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. The operator console 318 also includes a processor 324 (e.g., CPU, μ CPU, etc.) and a computer-readable storage medium ("memory") 326 (which does not include transitory media), such as physical memory, e.g., memory storage devices, etc. Computer-readable storage media 326 includes computer-readable instructions. The processor 324 is configured to execute at least computer readable instructions.

In one example, the computer readable instructions include at least 3D data acquisition instructions and reconstruction instructions. Examples of suitable data acquisitions include 2D pre-scans and/or 3D pre-scans, and diagnostic 3D volume scans. Examples of suitable reconstructions include 2D pre-scan projection images from data acquired with a 2D pre-scan and/or 2D pre-scan projection images from data acquired with a 3D pre-scan, and diagnostic 3D volume image data from data acquired from a diagnostic 3D volume scan.

The computer readable instructions also include 3D volume planning instructions 328. As described in more detail below, the 3D volume planning instructions 328 include instructions for creating and displaying 2D pre-scan projection images generated from data acquired with a 3D pre-scan and based on a scanning protocol for a region/tissue of interest for a 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest planned with the 2D pre-scan images. In one example, the scan protocol is obtained from commands prescribed by a clinician (e.g., a referring physician, radiologist, etc.) and is input/selected via input device(s) 322 of console 318 and/or otherwise by a user setting up imaging system 302 to scan a subject.

The following describes a non-limiting example of a 2D pre-scan projection image generated from data acquired with a 3D pre-scan and based on a scanning protocol for a region/tissue of interest for a 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest planned with the 2D pre-scan image.

In one example, the scan protocol is for scanning of ribs, and the execution instructions 328 select a rendering algorithm for the ribs. In this example, the selected rendering algorithm is a Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) rendering algorithm, since the tissue of interest is a bone that attenuates X-rays significantly, which results in voxels with values representing bone or material represented by high intensity. Generally, MIP is a rendering technique for projecting the voxel with the greatest intensity along a ray from a given viewpoint to a projection plane.

In one example, the run instructions 328 determine a rendering algorithm for the scanning protocol for the ribs from a predetermined mapping, a look-up table (LUT), or the like. That is, the mapping, etc. may include data structures that map each type of scanning protocol to a rendering algorithm and are stored in the memory 326 and/or other storage devices. The mapping, etc. may be predetermined based on empirical and/or theoretical data. In another example, the user specifies a rendering algorithm of interest. In yet another example, the instructions 328 include artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning) to select/prefer learning mappings, etc., from individual clinicians and/or users of the healthcare facility.

Fig. 4 shows a 2D pre-scan projection image 402 of a frontal view of an object generated from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for ribs and a scan plan or bounding box 404. For comparison, fig. 5 shows a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image 502 of a frontal view of an object generated from data acquired during 2D or 3D pre-scan 3D (which is not based on a scanning protocol) and a scan plan or bounding box 504. According to fig. 4 and 5, the ribs in the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 4 are visually enhanced (i.e., brighter) relative to the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 5. In one example, this allows the operator to more easily confirm adequate coverage with the scan plan or bounding box 404 and/or adjust the scan plan or bounding box 404 to adequately cover the rib of interest.

In another example, the scanning protocol is a scan for the spine. In this example, the run instructions 328 again select the MIP rendering algorithm because the tissue of interest is bone. Fig. 6 shows a 2D pre-scan projection image 602 of a lateral view of an object generated from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for the spine and a scan plan or bounding box 604. For comparison, fig. 7 shows a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image 702 of a lateral view of an object generated from data acquired during a 2D or 3D pre-scan (which is not based on a scanning protocol) and a scan plan or bounding box 704. According to fig. 6 and 7, the spine in the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 6 is visually enhanced (i.e., brighter) relative to the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 7. As such, this allows the operator to more easily confirm adequate coverage with the scan plan or bounding box 604 and/or adjust the scan plan or bounding box 604 to adequately cover the spine of interest.

In another example, the scanning protocol is directed to scanning of a lung. In this example, the run instructions 328 select an air/soft tissue (ST edge) interface rendering algorithm because the lungs are soft tissue filled with and surrounded by air. Fig. 8 shows a 2D pre-scan projection image 802 of a frontal view of an object generated from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for the lung and a scan plan or bounding box 804. For comparison, fig. 9 shows a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image 702 of a frontal view of an object generated from data acquired during 2D or 3D pre-scan 3D (which is not based on a scanning protocol) and a scan plan or bounding box 904. According to fig. 8 and 9, the lungs in the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 8 are visually enhanced (i.e., brighter) relative to the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 9. This allows the operator to more easily confirm adequate coverage with the scan plan or bounding box 804 and/or adjust the scan plan or bounding box 804 to adequately cover the lungs.

In another example, the scan protocol is again a scan for the lungs. The run instructions 328 also select an air/soft tissue (ST edge) interface rendering algorithm because the lungs are soft tissue filled with and surrounded by air. Fig. 10 shows a 2D pre-scan projection image 1002 of a lateral view of an object generated from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for the lung and a scan plan box 1004. For comparison, fig. 11 shows a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image 702 of a transverse view of an object generated from data acquired during 2D or 3D pre-scan 3D (which is not based on a scan protocol) and a scan plan box 1104. According to fig. 10 and 11, the lungs in the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 10 are visually enhanced (i.e., brighter) relative to the 2D pre-scan projection image of fig. 11. Similarly, this allows the operator to more easily confirm adequate coverage with the scan plan or bounding box 1004 and/or adjust the scan plan or bounding box 1004 to adequately cover the lungs.

Returning to fig. 3, in one example, the console 318 displays only the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection images (e.g., 2D pre-scan projection images 402, 602, 802, or 1002) during the volume scan planning. In another example, the console 318 displays both the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image (e.g., 2D pre-scan projection image 402, 602, 802, or 1002) and the non-visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image (e.g., 2D pre-scan projection image 502, 702, 902, or 1102) during the volumetric scan planning. In another example, the user may switch between the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image and the non-visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image. The displayed images may be automatically determined by the instructions 328 and/or defined by the operator via operator preference or otherwise for each different type of scan and/or examination. The operator may confirm and/or adjust (e.g., increase or decrease the z-axis range), and then confirm the scan plan or bounding box.

Suitable rendering algorithms include algorithms for projecting 3D data into a 2D plane. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, MIP, ST edge, minimum intensity projection (MinIP) which is a negative value of MIP and projects the voxel with the lowest intensity, multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) which reformats the volume to generate 2D pre-scan projection images in axial, sagittal, coronal, and/or oblique planes, curved MPR (pr) which effectively straightens curved structures (e.g., spine, vessels, etc.) so that the entire length of the segment or the entire curved structure is visualized simultaneously in the same plane, and/or other volume rendering techniques.

In one example, the method described herein allows for a more accurate volumetric scan plan, as the scan plan or the boundaries of the bounding box may be more accurately adapted to the region/tissue of interest relative to a volumetric scan plan planned using a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image, which does not visually enhance the region/tissue of interest. In one example, this may reduce the overall patient dose by relieving the margin relative to the following configuration: in this configuration, a prior art 2D pre-scan projection image is created by adding margin to ensure that the region/tissue of interest is covered in the pre-scan.

In addition to or as an alternative to planning the volume scan, the 2D pre-scan projection images described herein (which are generated based on data acquired during the 3D pre-scan and a selected scan protocol for the region/tissue of interest) may also be used in trauma or other situations, for example, to identify fractures of bones directly from the 2D pre-scan projection images, which saves time and/or reduces patient dose in one example.

Where the imaging system 302 is configured for spectral (multi-energy) imaging, the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection images may take advantage of spectral characteristics. For example, the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image may be a contrast-only visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image or a virtual non-contrast visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection image, e.g. wherein the region/tissue of interest comprises a blood vessel or the like. In this case, the predetermined mapping or the like (or other mapping or the like) includes a type of spectral image data for each scan protocol, the user will select the type of spectral image data of interest, and/or the artificial intelligence algorithm will also select the type of learning spectral image data from the user for the individual clinician and/or healthcare facility.

Typically, the spectral configuration will comprise X-ray tubes configured to emit broadband (polychromatic) radiation for a single selected peak emission voltage of interest, and the radiation sensitive detector array will comprise an energy resolving detector, such as a multi-layer scintillator/photosensor detector and/or a photon counting (direct conversion) detector, or an X-ray tube configured to switch between at least two different emission voltages during a scan and/or two or more X-ray tubes angularly offset on a rotating gantry, wherein each X-ray tube is configured to emit radiation with a different average energy spectrum, and the radiation sensitive detector array will comprise a non-energy resolving detector and/or an energy resolving detector.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example method in accordance with embodiment(s) herein.

It should be understood that the order of the actions in this method is not limiting. Accordingly, other orderings are contemplated herein. In addition, one or more acts may be omitted, and/or one or more additional acts may be included.

At 1202, a 3D pre-scan is performed, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1204, a region/tissue of interest for the 3D volume scan is identified from the selected scan protocol for the 3D volume scan, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1206, a rendering algorithm is identified based on a selected scan protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region/tissue of interest, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1208, a 2D pre-scan projection image for planning the 3D volume scan is created using the identified rendering algorithm with the 3D pre-scan data, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1210, a scan plan for a 3D volume scan is created using the 2D pre-scan projection images, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1212, a 3D volumetric scan of the region/tissue of interest is performed based on a scan plan for the 3D volumetric scan, as described herein and/or otherwise.

At 1214, 3D volumetric image data of the region/tissue of interest is reconstructed from the data acquired during the 3D volumetric scan, as described herein and/or otherwise.

The above may be implemented in the form of computer readable instructions encoded or embedded on a computer readable storage medium, which when executed by a computer processor(s), perform the described acts. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the computer readable instructions is carried by a signal, carrier wave, or other transitory medium that is not a computer readable storage medium.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.