Abstract: A computer-implemented method of compensating for image quality issue in an image study. The method includes acquiring a current image study, measuring, via a processor, a patient positioning parameter indicating a deviation of a patient position in the current image study to an optimal patient position for an image exam type of the current image study and analyzing, via an analysis module, the current image study and the determined patient positioning parameter to determine a relationship between positioning errors and a grading of a diagnostic finding for the current image study, wherein the grading of the diagnostic finding includes one of a severity of the diagnostic finding or a certainty classification of the diagnostic finding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assisting scapula positioning in chest X-ray imaging. Provided is a system and related method for assisting subject positioning in chest X-ray imaging, wherein the system comprises an optical detection device (110), a user interface (130), and a processor (120), connected to the optical detection device (110) and the user interface (130). Thereby, the processor (120) is configured to receive an optical image signal of a rear view of the subject(S), determine a current positioning of a scapula of the subject(S) based on the optical image signal, wherein the current positioning of the scapula is assessed as to whether and/or to which extent it would overlap or would not overlap a lung field of the subject to be imaged and determine a feedback for positioning the subject(S) and/or its scapula based on the determined current positioning of the scapula. The user interface (130) is configured to provide the feedback for positioning the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patient positioning. In order to facilitate patient positioning, an apparatus is provided that comprises an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The input unit is configured to receive an X-ray image of an anatomy of interest of a patient obtained from a first image acquisition and a target set of pose parameters describing a target position of the anatomy of interest for image acquisition. The processing unit is configured to detect the anatomy of interest in the X-ray image, to determine a set of pose parameters describing a current position of the detected anatomy of interest in the first image acquisition, to determine a difference between the determined set of pose parameters and the target set of pose parameters, and to construct a trajectory that defines a sequence of sets of pose parameters for bringing the anatomy of interest from the current position to the target position, if the difference is equal to or greater than a pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: In order to enhance enhanced X-ray image inhalation quality monitoring, a metric is proposed hat reproducibly provides an index of ribs visible to be used in the assessment of the inhalation state. In an example, a detected diaphragm in a chest X-ray image may be projected into an atlas that contains labels for all intercostal spaces, namely spaces between rib centerlines. A spatial representation of both the clavicle and the ribs is provided in the atlas, a cumulative histogram is built for all points, i.e. pixels, of the diaphragm, for every point a rib label counter of the rib in the rib label map at that point is incremented as well as all ribs above it, the rib label counter is normalized by a division by the number of points, the median (or a different quantile) may be taken of this distribution serving as an inhalation index. An objective metric of inhalation state is thus achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retrospective analysis of subject and/or implant positioning. Provided is a method and device for assisting positioning of a subject having an implant in X-ray imaging. The method comprises the steps of receiving (S1) X-ray image data of the subject including the implant, receiving (S2) exam request data indicating at least an exam type to be performed for the specific implant, and determining at least one set of image features being assigned to the requested exam type and indicative for positioning of the subject and/or the implant relative to an X-ray imaging device. Further, the method comprises analyzing (S3) an image content of the received X-ray image data for the determined set of image features, and determining (S4), from the analysis of the image content, a feedback being indicative for positioning the subject and the X-ray imaging device to each other with respect to a target positioning, to be provided for assisting the positioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prospective analysis of subject and/or implant positioning. Provided is a computer-im-plemented method for assisting positioning of a subject having an orthopedic implant in X-ray imaging. The method comprises applying one or more radiofrequency, RF, signals to an anatomy of interest of the subject where the orthopedic implant is located. The method further comprises detecting a response signal and/or signal change in response to the applied RF signal impacting the orthopedic implant and tissue being adjacent to and/or surrounding the implant, and determining, from the detected response signal and/or signal change, an implant positioning estimation relative to an X-ray imaging device. Further, the method comprises determining, from the implant positioning estimation, a feedback being indicative for positioning the X-ray imaging device and the subject to each other with respect to a target positioning, to be provided for assisting the positioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical imaging. In order to reduce repeat images, it is proposed to enable automated prediction of quality metrics prior to image formation by exploiting data from sensors. This may greatly improve the quality of medical image data acquired in the actual imaging examination, thereby leading to fewer retakes, less delayed treatment to patients, shortened workflow, and higher patient rate. In X-ray and CT exams, fewer retakes may also reduce radiation doses for patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for supervised training of an artificial neural network for medical image analysis. The method comprises acquiring (SI) first and second sets of training samples, wherein the training samples comprise feature vectors and associated predetermined labels, the feature vectors being indicative of medical images and the labels pertaining to anatomy detection, to semantic segmentation of medical images, to classification of medical images, to computer-aided diagnosis, to detection and/or localization of biomarkers or to quality assessment of medical images. The accuracy of predetermined labels may be better for the second set of training samples than for the first set of training samples. The neural network is trained (S3) by reducing a cost function, which comprises a first and a second part.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (110) and an X-ray detector (120) that are separated by an examination region (150) for performing an X-ray imaging operation on an object (160). A processor (140) is configured to identify (S120) one or more internal structures (180) within the object (160), based on a comparison of depth sensor data representing a three-dimensional surface (170) of the object (160), with an anatomical model comprising the one or more internal structures (180). The processor (140) is also configured to compute (S130), using the depth sensor data and the identified one or more internal structures (180), a surface projection (190) of the one or more internal structures, on the surface (170) of the object (160), from a perspective of the X-ray source (110); and to output (S140) an image representation of the surface projection (190) for displaying as an overlay on the surface (170) of the object (160).

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for providing guidance data (30, 41) for positioning a region of interest (20, 31, 41, 56) of a subject (54), an X-ray source (52), and an X-ray detector (21, 34, 53). The method comprises: obtaining, by a processor (11), current positioning data of at least one palpable bony landmark (23, 33) derived from a palpation; obtaining current positioning data of the X-ray source (52) and of the X-ray detector (21, 34, 53) (S20); determining guidance data (30, 41) for positioning the region of interest (20, 31, 41, 56), the X-ray source (52) and the X-ray detector (21, 34, 53) and providing, by the processor (11), the guidance data (30·41) (S40).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for generating a training set of anonymized images (40) for training an artificial intelligence (AI) component (42) from images (11) of a plurality of persons.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (110), an X-ray detector (120), a depth camera (130), and a processor (140). The processor (140) receives depth camera image data from the depth camera, projects the depth camera image data onto a radiation-receiving surface of the X-ray detector (120), from a perspective of the X-ray source (110), and generates an image representation (170) of the projected depth camera image data on the radiation-receiving surface of the X-ray detector (120), from a perspective of the depth camera (130).

Abstract: A method of generating a modified X-ray image includes obtaining an X-ray image, obtaining a CT image corresponding to the X-ray image, determining a mapping between the X-ray image and the CT image, identifying a structure of interest in the CT image, generating an attenuation map from the CT image, the attenuation map indicative of attenuation due to the structure of interest or everything but the structure of interest on the X-ray image, and generating the modified X-ray image by subtracting the attenuation map from the X-ray image.

Abstract: A method is provided of obtaining body depth information for a patient who is lying on patient support. A patient support depth map of the upper surface of the patient support is obtained without the patient as well as an image and patient depth map of the patient on the patient support. Landmark body positions of the patient are extracted from the image so that points in a region of interest can be mapped to points of a template, using the identified landmark body positions. A body thickness is obtained for said points using the template, the depth value for the respective point and the patient support depth value for the respective point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peripheral perfusion measurement. In order to provide more detailed peripheral perfusion characteristics for better knowledge about a current situation, a device (10) for peripheral perfusion measurement is provided that comprises an image data input (12), a data processor (14) and an output interface (16). The image data input receives at least one perfusion angiographic 2D X-ray image of a region of interest of a subject's foot and a 3D foot-model comprising spatial perfusion-related parameters. The data processor registers the 3D foot-model with the foot in the at least one perfusion angiographic X-ray image. The registering comprises a pose-estimation of the foot in the 2D X-ray image. The information is mapped between the 2D image and the 3D foot-model based on the pose-estimation. Image processing modification instructions are identified based on the mapped information.

Abstract: In order to enhance enhanced X-ray image inhalation quality monitoring, a metric is proposed hat reproducibly provides an index of ribs visible to be used in the assessment of the inhalation state. In an example, a detected diaphragm in a chest X-ray image may be projected into an atlas that contains labels for all intercostal spaces, namely spaces between rib centerlines. A spatial representation of both the clavicle and the ribs is provided in the atlas, a cumulative histogram is built for all points, i.e. pixels, of the diaphragm, for every point a rib label counter of the rib in the rib label map at that point is incremented as well as all ribs above it, the rib label counter is normalized by a division by the number of points, the median (or a different quantile) may be taken of this distribution serving as an inhalation index. An objective metric of inhalation state is thus achieved.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for positioning a subject in medical imaging, comprising: receiving a first image (20) of a region of interest (14, 16) of the subject (S10); determining first positioning data based on the first image (20), wherein the first positioning data indicates an alignment of the region of interest (14, 16) relative to a first image acquisition unit used to acquire the first image (20) (S20); determining guidance data based on the first positioning data, wherein the guidance data comprises a guidance for an alignment of the region of interest (14, 16) relative to a second image acquisition unit used to acquire a second image (60) from a current alignment to a target alignment, wherein the target alignment is to correspond to that derived from the first positioning data (S30); providing the guidance data for acquiring the second image (60) (S40).

Abstract: A method for generating an image representation of slices through a body based on tomographic imaging data for the body. The method comprises processing reconstructed tomographic image slices to selectively embed in each slice image information from at least one 3D volume rendering of the slice plane within the 3D tomographic image dataset. This is done through a selection process wherein, based on a set of pre-defined criteria, a decision is made for each pixel in each reconstructed tomographic slice as to whether the pixel value should be replaced with a new, modified pixel value determined based on the at least one volume rendering. This may comprise simply swapping the pixel value for the value of the corresponding pixel value in the volume rendering, or it may comprise a more complex process, for instance blending the two values, or adjusting a transparency of the pixel value based on the at least one volume rendering.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for analysis of medical image data, which represents a two-dimensional or three-dimensional medical image. The system is configured to read and/or determine, for the medical image, a plurality of image quality metrics and to determine a combined quality metrics based on the image quality metrics. The system is further configured so that the determination of the combined quality metrics takes into account an interaction between the image quality metrics in their combined effect on the combined quality metrics.

Abstract: A resource management system for better operation of a plurality of devices. The system comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving input data including one or more characteristics of at least one work object (P1-P3) and/or including context data. The at least one work object (P1-P3) can be processed by one or more processing devices (Mij). The said processing is specified in a respective work specification (S1-S3). A predictor component (PC) of the system is configured to predict, based on the input data, a change to the work specification. The system comprises an output interface (OUT) for providing output data that represents said predicted change.