Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for displaying to an operator an attenuation map of a filter relative to a current location of an anatomical feature of a subject; and in response to the anatomical feature being within a region of the attenuation map, prompting an operator to reposition the subject. In this way, centering of the anatomical feature relative to an attenuation system may be facilitated for improved image quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fasting switching a filter of an imaging system during scan. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a first contrast enhancement of an injected contrast agent; responsive to the first contrast enhancement being higher than a first threshold, acquiring a first dataset by transmitting a radiation beam to an imaging subject via a first filter; switching to a different, second filter; acquiring a second dataset by transmitting the radiation beam to the imaging subject via the second filter, wherein an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent during the acquisition of the first dataset is substantially the same as an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent in the imaging subject during the acquisition of the second dataset.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for displaying to an operator an attenuation map of a filter relative to a current location of an anatomical feature of a subject; and in response to the anatomical feature being within a region of the attenuation map, prompting an operator to reposition the subject. In this way, centering of the anatomical feature relative to an attenuation system may be facilitated for improved image quality.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fasting switching a filter of an imaging system during scan. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a first contrast enhancement of an injected contrast agent within an imaging subject; responsive to the first contrast enhancement being higher than a first threshold, acquiring a first dataset of the imaging subject by transmitting a radiation beam to the imaging subject via a first filter; switching to a different, second filter after acquiring the first dataset; acquiring a second dataset of the imaging subject by transmitting the radiation beam to the imaging subject via the second filter, wherein an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent in the imaging subject during the acquisition of the first dataset is substantially the same as an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent in the imaging subject during the acquisition of the second dataset.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an imaging system with a user interface, and a hospital radiological information system (RIS) coupled to the imaging system such that the user interface allows for bi-directional data transfer between the imaging system and the RIS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows an operator to initiate a prep delay sequence from an area adjacent a patient table are provided for use with x-ray emitting scanners. An operator is allowed to maintain continued focus on a patient to be scanned and closely monitor the patient during the injection sequence. Overall scan time is reduced by decreasing the number of times the operator must travel between the operator console and the patient table. Risk to prolonged radiation exposure is thereby reduced. Ultimately, the present invention allows for better quality patient care, faster scan times and overall increased throughput, reduced repetitive tasks for the operators, reduced risk of x-ray exposure to operators, and, in some circumstances, eliminating the need for multiple operators.

Abstract: Scalable multislice systems which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multislice detector, a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and a user interface, are described. More specifically, the user interface is implemented in a host computer for defining the configuration of the imaging system. Particularly, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface displays the available scan parameter values for the remaining parameters so that the scan objectives are met. More specifically, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface updates the remaining scan parameters, including prospective and retrospective image thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a system which, in one embodiment, adjusts the x-ray source current to reduce image noise to better accommodate different scanning parameters. Specifically, in one embodiment, the x-ray source current is adjusted as a function of image slice thickness, scan rotation time, collimation mode, table speed, scan mode, and filtration mode. Particularly, a function is stored in a CT system computer to determine an x-ray source current adjustment factor so that the appropriate x-ray source current is supplied to the x-ray source for the determined parameters. After adjusting the x-ray source current, an object is scanned.

Abstract: A scalable multislice system which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multi-slice detector, a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and scalable image display and analysis, is described. In the axial multi-slice scan mode, multiple rows of scan data can be processed before image reconstruction, and the data can be used to produce either multiple thin slices or a reduced number of thicker slices with reduced image artifact. In addition, images with thicker slice thicknesses can be later reconstructed retrospectively into thinner slices of images based on clinical diagnosis needs. As a result, the number of unwanted images for viewing, filming, and archiving is reduced. In addition, high z-axis resolution images can be later reconstructed for patient diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a multislice graphic Rx display which, in one embodiment, determines a true image location in the Z axis, selects a the correct scan data for image generation, and if a scan is initiated via the GUI or via graphic Rx, determines the affect on the ISO center and DFOV, are described. More particularly, the system determines the offset from the scan plane for each image plane, so that the true image location in Z is displayed. The image offset from the scan plane is a function of the detector row thickness, the number of detector rows, the scan pitch (helical scanning only), the image thickness, and the gantry tilt angle. Further, the image thickness is selected by the user via the GUI, and constrains the image interval which is displayed on the graphic Rx display. Based on image thickness and image interval, the correct scan data is selected so that images are generated at locations exactly matching those shown on the graphic Rx display.