Patent Description:
X-ray diagnostic imaging is often used to image internal structures of a patient. Many x-ray based imaging systems obtain images by directing x-rays through the tissues of a patient via an x-ray emitter/tube. In such systems, a body part of interest is placed between the emitter and a detector such that some of the emitted x-rays pass through the body part and strike the detector so as to generate a projection of internal structures within the body part. As will be understood, some of the x-rays that are directed through the body part are absorbed by the tissues. Thus, it is generally desirable to reduce the amount of x-rays a patient is exposed to.

In many x-ray based imaging systems, a radiologist/technologist is able to determine if acquired diagnostic images are acceptable, e.g., sufficient for medical diagnostic purposes, only after such images have been obtained. As will be appreciated, however, numerous issues may render a diagnostic image unacceptable, i.e., insufficient for medical diagnostic purposes, which in turn, may require obtaining additional diagnostics images, thereby increasing the patient's amount of x-ray exposure. For example, the body part intended to be imaged may be partially outside the field of view ("FOV") of the imaging system and/or otherwise disposed in a position not suitable for medical diagnostic purposes.

As will be understood, the quality of an x-ray image is typically based in part on the amount of x-rays used to generate the image. Typically, the higher the amount of x-rays used to obtain an image, the higher the quality and the more likely the image will be acceptable for medical diagnostic purposes. Accordingly, some x-ray based imaging systems seek to predict/improve the acceptability of a diagnostic image by taking an initial image of a body part of interest using a lower amount of x-rays than the amounts typically used to generate acceptable diagnostic images. In other words, some x-ray based imaging systems obtain an initial image that, while potentially unsuitable for medical diagnostic purposes, is suitable for detecting positioning issues with respect to a body part of interest that may render subsequent diagnostics images unacceptable.

As will be appreciated, however, such x-ray based imaging systems typically require manual inspection of the initial image by a technician/radiologist, and are usually capable of detecting only major positioning issues, e.g., scenarios where a large part of the body part of interest is outside the FOV of the imaging system. Accordingly, such x-ray based imaging systems may fail to detect positioning issues where the body part of interest is properly contained within the FOV, but where one or more internal structures within the body part are misaligned. Additionally, such x-ray based imaging systems may be incapable of determining whether an internal structure simply cannot, or should not, be imaged due to various non-positional related issues, e.g., masking/obscuring/hiding of a lesion by healthy tissue, blocking/absorption of x-rays due to highly dense tissues, etc..

What is needed, therefore, is an improved system and method for imaging an object via pre-shot processing.

<CIT> describes a method of providing a quality assurance program for a medical imaging examination, including measuring quality assurance metrics, including at least one of motion, contrast resolution, spatial resolution, radiation does, noise, and anatomic positioning, using a quality assurance sensor; performing an analysis the quality assurance metrics data, comparing the data with norms for same; and providing quality assurance recommendations in real-time for adjustment of the quality assurance metrics during the examination. The sensor includes a sensor body having an upper surface and a flat lower surface, the flat lower surface being divided into more than one portioned segment; a plurality of sensors and test patterns embedded into said flat surface within each portioned segment; wherein the sensors and test patterns in each portioned segment take predetermined quality assurance metrics, to optimize image acquisition during the examination.

<CIT> describes a medical imaging system including: an image generating unit which captures an image of a subject and generates a medical image which is a still image; a region extracting unit which extracts a subject region from the medical image and extracts a local region which includes no edge from the subject region; a motion judging unit which extracts high spatial frequency components from the local region extracted by the region extracting unit and judges whether there is any motion in the subject during image capture based on the extracted high spatial frequency components; and a controlling unit which causes an outputting unit to output a judgment result made by the motion judging unit.

<CIT> describes systems and methods identifying image acquisition parameters. One method includes receiving a patient data set including one or more reconstructions, one or more preliminary scans or patient information, and one or more acquisition parameters; computing one or more patient characteristics based on one or both of one or more preliminary scans and the patient information; computing one or more image characteristics associated with the one or more reconstructions;
grouping the patient data set with one or more other patient data sets using the one or more patient characteristics; and identifying one or more image acquisition parameters suitable for the patient data set using the one or more image characteristics, the grouping of the patient data set with one or more other patient data sets, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, a system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The system includes an X-ray diagnostic imaging device operative to image the object, and
a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire at least one pre-shot image of the object via the imaging device prior to the acquisition of diagnostic images of the object by the imaging device, wherein the at least one pre-shot image is acquired at an amount of radiation lower than that used by the imaging device to acquire diagnostic images, and to generate a global score derived from one or more features of the at least one pre-shot image. The controller is further operative to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, a visual or audio indicator that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired subsequently via the imaging device will be medically deficient, wherein the indicator is based at least in part on the global score.

In another embodiment, a method for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The method includes acquiring at least one pre-shot image of the object via an X-ray diagnostic imaging device. The at least one pre-shot image is acquired at an amount of radiation lower than that used by the imaging device to acquire diagnostic images. The method further includes generating, via a controller, a global score derived from one or more features of the at least one pre-shot image, and generating, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, a visual or audio indicator that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient, wherein the indicator is based at least in part on the global score.

In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions is provided. The stored instructions adapt a controller to acquire at least one pre-shot image of an object via an X-ray diagnostic imaging device. The stored instructions further adapt the controller to generate a global score derived from one or more features of the at least one pre-shot image; and to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, a visual or audio indicator that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired subsequently via the imaging device will be medically deficient wherein the indicator is based at least in part on the global score.

In yet another embodiment not forming part of the present invention, a system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The system includes an imaging device operative to image the object, and a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire the at least one pre-shot image using a first energy spectrum, and to acquire one or more diagnostic images via the imaging device using a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum. The controller is further operative to generate a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images.

In yet another embodiment not forming part of the present invention, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions is provided. The stored instructions adapt a controller to acquire at least one pre-shot image via an imaging device using a first energy spectrum; and to acquire one or more diagnostic images via the imaging device using a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum. The stored instructions further adapt the controller to generate a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images.

Reference will be made below in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like parts, without duplicative description.

As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," and "about" indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances, relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. As used herein, "electrically coupled", "electrically connected", and "electrical communication" mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected such that an electrical current may flow from one to the other. The connection may include a direct conductive connection, i.e., without an intervening capacitive, inductive or active element, an inductive connection, a capacitive connection, and/or any other suitable electrical connection. Intervening components may be present.

As used herein with respect to images and/or the acquisition of images, the term "pre-shot" refers to an image that is acquired/obtained via an electromagnetic radiation based imaging system, e.g., an x-ray imaging system, prior to the acquisition of diagnostic images by the system at an amount of radiation lower than that generally used by the system to acquire/obtain the diagnostic images. The term "diagnostic image", as used herein, refers to images acquired/obtained via an electromagnetic radiation based imaging system typically, but not always, on the order of ten-times (10x) the amount of radiation of a pre-shot image acquired by the same imaging system. The term "medically deficient", as used herein with respect to diagnostic images, means that the diagnostic images are/or would be substantially unacceptable for use in making a medical diagnosis, or otherwise constitute an unnecessary, detrimental, and/or avoidable radiation exposure to a patient, i.e., diagnostic images that should not be, or should not have been, acquired. The term "pre-shot processing", as used herein, means to process and/or analyze a pre-shot image. As used herein, the term "material-equivalent image" refers to a constructed image based at least in part on combining two or more images each acquired with a different electromagnetic spectrum, e.g., x-ray spectra, wherein the constructed image depicts the thickness and/or amount of one or more types of materials, e.g., water, fats, bone, protein, etc., within an object. Accordingly, the terms "water image" and "water-equivalent image" refer to a type of material-equivalent image that depicts the thickness and/or amount of water within an object; the terms "fat image" and "fat-equivalent image" refer to a type of material-equivalent image that depicts the thickness and/or amount of fat within an object; and the terms "protein image" and "protein-equivalent image" refer to a type of material-equivalent image that depicts the thickness and/or amount of protein within an object.

Further, while the embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to a mammography imaging system and procedure, it is to be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be applicable to other types of medical imaging systems and/or procedures that involve radiating a patient/subject/object, e.g., chest x-rays. Further still, as will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention related imaging systems may be used to analyze tissue generally and are not limited to human tissue.

Referring now to <FIG>, the major components of a system <NUM> for imaging an object (<NUM> <FIG>) via pre-shot processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The system <NUM> includes an imaging device/system <NUM> and a controller <NUM>. The imaging device <NUM> is operative to image the object <NUM>, e.g., a human breast or other body part. The controller <NUM> electronically communicates with the imaging device <NUM> and is operative to acquire at least one pre-shot image <NUM> (<FIG>) of the object <NUM> via the imaging device <NUM>. As will be explained in greater detail below, the controller <NUM> is further operative to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image <NUM>, an indicator <NUM>, <NUM> that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object <NUM> acquired <NUM> (<FIG>) via the imaging device <NUM> will be medically deficient.

Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, the imaging device <NUM> includes a radiation source/emitter <NUM> and a radiation detector <NUM>. The radiation source <NUM> is operative to emit radiation rays and, in embodiments, is selectively adjustable between one or more positions, e.g., the radiation source <NUM> may be mounted to a stand/support <NUM> via a rotatable mount <NUM> such that the radiation source <NUM> rotates about a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The radiation detector <NUM> is operative to receive the radiation rays and has a surface <NUM> that defines an imaging region <NUM> (<FIG>). In embodiments, the imaging device <NUM> may include one or more paddles <NUM>, e.g., a compression plate, mounted to the stand <NUM> and slidably adjustable along axis <NUM> (and/or other axis/direction) so as to compress and/or restrain the object <NUM> against the surface <NUM>. In embodiments, the imaging device <NUM> may form part of/be a mammography device.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be a workstation having at least one processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be embedded / integrated into one or more of the various components of the system <NUM> disclosed above. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the radiation source <NUM>, radiation detector <NUM>, the paddles <NUM>, and/or other components of the system <NUM> via a datalink/connection <NUM>. As will be appreciated, in embodiments, the datalink <NUM> may be a wired and/or wireless connection. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may include a radiation shield <NUM> that protects an operator of the system <NUM> from the radiation rays emitted by the radiation source <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may further include a display <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, mouse <NUM>, and/or other appropriate user input devices, that facilitate control of the system <NUM> via a user interface <NUM>.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a flow chart depicting a method <NUM> for imaging an object <NUM> (<FIG>) via pre-shot processing utilizing the system <NUM> (<FIG>), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the method <NUM> includes acquiring <NUM> the at least one pre-shot image <NUM> via the imaging device <NUM>, and generating <NUM> the indicator <NUM>, <NUM> based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image <NUM>. The indicator is a visual indicator <NUM>, e.g., an on-screen message box, light, etc., and/or audio indicator <NUM>, e.g., a chime, beep, machine simulated voice,. wav file, etc..

The method <NUM> further includes generating <NUM> a global score derived from one or more features/qualities/characteristics of the at least one pre-shot image <NUM>, e.g., object <NUM> density, object <NUM> masking effect, object <NUM> position, and/or other suitable qualities/features/characteristics of the pre-shot image <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>. Indicators <NUM>, <NUM> are generated <NUM> based at least in part on the global score.

The method <NUM> may have processing paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for each of the one or more features, wherein each processing path acquires/generates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> a map of the respective feature, and then generates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> a component/sub-score used to generate <NUM> the global score. As used herein, the terms "map" and "feature map" refer to a mapping of a quantity/degree of a characteristic/feature/quality of the pre-shot images <NUM>. For example, a density mapping may depict the density of a body part in a pre-shot image via gray scale in which the lighter a pixel is the more dense the corresponding region of the object is, e.g., a map depicting/conveying the relative or absolute quantity and/or location of fibroglandular tissue in the breast. As will be understood, the global score <NUM> may correspond to a risk that the object/patient <NUM> may have a cancer that will not be depicted through/in the x-ray diagnostic images.

Accordingly, in embodiments, the one or more processing paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may respectively correspond to density of the object <NUM>, e.g., path <NUM>, masking effect of the object <NUM>, e.g., path <NUM>, and additional appropriate features, e.g., path <NUM> representative of the Nth feature. As used herein, the term "masking effect" refers to the likelihood that a particular region of the object <NUM> is obscuring a sub-object/region of interest, e.g., a lesion. For example, a highly heterogeneous content of normal tissues in the breast may have a high masking effect due to their tendency to obscure/hide tumors within the tissues of a breast.

In embodiments, the method <NUM> may further include determining <NUM> whether the global score exceeds a threshold, and restricting <NUM> subsequent acquisition <NUM> of the diagnostic images if the threshold is exceeded. For example, in embodiments, the global score may be on a scale of zero (<NUM>) to one-hundred (<NUM>), with zero (<NUM>) representing the lowest likelihood that the acquired <NUM> diagnostic images will be medically deficient, and with one-hundred (<NUM>) representing the highest likelihood that the acquired <NUM> diagnostic images will be medically deficient. In such embodiments, the threshold <NUM> may be about ten percent (<NUM>%), e.g., the controller <NUM> will prevent/restrict <NUM> acquisition <NUM> of the diagnostic images when analysis/processing <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the feature/maps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> indicates a ten percent (<NUM>%) chance that the acquired <NUM> diagnostic images would be medically deficient.

Turning now to <FIG>, in embodiments, one of the features, e.g., the Nth feature <NUM> (<FIG>), may be a position of the object <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the object <NUM> may be a human breast with the corresponding feature score <NUM> (<FIG>) based at least in part on one of: an inframammary fold <NUM> of the breast <NUM>, a nipple <NUM> of the breast <NUM>, and/or a pectoral muscle <NUM> associated with the breast <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may determine if the breast <NUM> is in a proper position by analyzing one or more geometrical features formed by the structures of the breast <NUM>, e.g., the ratio of d/D where D is the distance from about the inframammary fold <NUM> to about the top of the image <NUM> and d is the distance from about the top of the image <NUM> to about the intersection of the edge <NUM> of the image <NUM> with a line <NUM> substantially perpendicular to the edge <NUM> of the pectoral muscle <NUM> and passing through the nipple <NUM>. In embodiments, the geometrical fractures may include the angle θ formed between the edge <NUM> of the imaging region <NUM>, closest to the edge <NUM> of the pectoral muscle <NUM>, and/or the edge <NUM> of the pectoral muscle <NUM> itself. In embodiments, other relationships/properties of the breast/object <NUM> may be used to generate the positional feature score <NUM>, e.g., the amount and/or shape of tissue detected below the inframammary fold <NUM>.

As also discussed above, many errors in medical diagnostic imaging are human errors that result in imaging of the incorrect/wrong body part. For example, an operator of an imaging system may image a right breast when imaging of the left breast was intended/desired. Thus, as will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention seek to reduce/mitigate and/or eliminate such errors, and in turn, reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to a patient by verifying that the body part <NUM> in the pre-shot image <NUM> is the desired/expected body part to be imaged prior to acquiring <NUM> diagnostic images of the body part <NUM>.

Accordingly, in embodiments, one feature, e.g., the Nth feature <NUM> (<FIG>), which may contribute to, or be independent from, positional analysis/mapping is matching of an anatomical symmetry, i.e., laterality, to the object <NUM>, e.g., determining that the object <NUM> is a left medio-lateral oblique image or a right cranio-caudal image of a breast. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may determine the anatomical symmetry/laterality and/or position of the breast <NUM> based at least in part on the position of the pectoral muscle <NUM>, glandular tissue distribution, the nipple <NUM>, contour of the skin, and/or other structures/relationships discernable in the pre-shot image <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may detect that, in combination with information/data provided by the imaging device <NUM>, e.g., rotation angle as measured at the rotatable mount <NUM> (<FIG>), the shape of the edge <NUM> of the pectoral muscle <NUM> and/or the quantity of tissue below the inframammary fold <NUM> corresponds with a left or a right breast.

In such embodiments, the controller <NUM> may restrict <NUM> (<FIG>) acquisition <NUM> of diagnostic images when the matched anatomical symmetry of the object <NUM> does not match an expected anatomical symmetry of the object <NUM>. In other words, if the controller <NUM>, based on user input, expects to see/detect a left breast in the pre-shot image <NUM>, but instead sees/detects a right breast, the controller <NUM> may prevent/restrict <NUM> the subsequent acquisition <NUM> of the diagnostic images.

Referring now to <FIG>, in embodiments, the controller <NUM> may generate the indicator <NUM>, <NUM> based at least in part on a machine learning model <NUM>, e.g., an artificial neural network, i.e., artificial intelligence may be used as opposed to a more standard defined sets of rules. As such, a plurality of pre-shot images acquired from various objects/patients may be stored in a database <NUM>. In embodiments, a cloud <NUM> architecture, e.g., a computer network, may be implemented to enable one or more experts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g., medical doctors and/or technologists, to assign global scores to each of the pre-shot images in the database <NUM> so as to form a paired training set.

The machine learning model <NUM> may then be trained in a supervised manner with the pre-shot image/global score pairs to generate a global score for any given pre-shot image. In other words, in embodiments, the machine learning model <NUM> may be trained to discriminate good from poor patient and/or organ positioning in a pre-shot image, or to otherwise determine that the diagnostic images <NUM> should not be acquired until the object <NUM> is repositioned, or not acquired at all. For example, in embodiments, the machine learning model <NUM>, or the controller <NUM> using results generated from the machine learning model <NUM>, may determine from a pre-shot image <NUM> that subsequent image acquisition may lead to diagnostic images that would be medically deficient. In embodiments, the global score generated by the machine learning model <NUM> may be on a discrete scale, e.g., unacceptable, poor, fair, good, and/or excellent; or, in other embodiments, on a continuous scale, e.g., zero percent (<NUM>%) to one-hundred percent (<NUM>%). Additionally, while the above discussion concerns training the machine learning model <NUM> with pre-shot images, it will be understood that embodiments of the present invention may train the machine learning model <NUM> on diagnostic images.

Moving to <FIG>, another embodiment of the method <NUM> for imaging the object <NUM> via pre-shot processing is shown, this embodiment does not form part of the present invention. The method <NUM> includes acquiring <NUM> one or more pre-shot images, generating/scoring <NUM> one or more features, e.g., feature maps, from the one or more pre-shot images, and performing <NUM> an action based at least in part on the generated/scored features. In embodiments, the method <NUM> may further include thresholding <NUM> the generated/scored features and making decisions <NUM> as to which action should be performed <NUM>.

In embodiments, the performed actions <NUM> may include optimizing <NUM> one or more acquisition parameters used to acquire <NUM> the diagnostic images, generating <NUM> a warning that the position of the object <NUM> is not acceptable, and/or generating <NUM> a warning that the matched anatomical symmetry of the object <NUM> is not acceptable. For example, in embodiments, one of the generated/scored features, e.g., <NUM>, may be attenuation of the radiation rays/photons across the object <NUM>, i.e., controller <NUM> may determine the most attenuating region of the object <NUM> in order to determine the optimal power parameters, e.g., kVp and/or mAs, and/or x-ray tube anode and filter materials, of the imaging device <NUM> for acquiring <NUM> the diagnostic images, which in turn, may provide for improved signal to noise ratios.

Further, while <FIG> depicts the generation of the warnings for object position <NUM> and matched anatomical symmetry <NUM> as separate warnings, it is to be understood that, in embodiments, the warnings <NUM> and <NUM> may be combined into a single warning. In other words, matching an anatomical symmetry to the object <NUM> may from part of the generated/scored positional feature/map of the object <NUM>.

In embodiments, generating/scoring <NUM> the feature/maps may include generating/scoring <NUM>, <NUM> individual feature/maps. In embodiments, the individually generated/scored feature/maps, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM> may be combined/aggregated into a global score <NUM>, e.g., via summing weighted values of the individually generated/scored feature/maps <NUM> and/or <NUM>. As will be understood, however, other embodiments may utilize other methods of aggregating the individual generated/scored feature/maps <NUM> and/or <NUM>, e.g., averaging.

In embodiments, thresholding <NUM> the generated/scored feature/maps may include thresholding <NUM> and/or <NUM> individual scored feature/maps and/or thresholding <NUM> a global score. For example, the global score generated at step <NUM> may be thresholded at step <NUM>. In embodiments, thresholding <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may involve testing the corresponding feature/map/global scores to see if they exceed a particular value, and if so, triggering/preforming <NUM> one or more of the actions.

In embodiments, deciding <NUM> which actions should be performed <NUM> may include deciding <NUM> and <NUM> based on individual thresholded results, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or deciding <NUM> based on a global thresholded result, e.g., <NUM>. The decisions may include determining if the object <NUM> needs to be repositioned, determining if one or more acquisition parameters needs to be adjusted, and/or determining if the matched symmetry/laterality of the object <NUM> is acceptable/expected.

Illustrated in <FIG> is yet another embodiment of the method <NUM> for imaging an object <NUM> via pre-shot processing, which does not form part of the present invention. The method <NUM> includes acquiring <NUM> at least one pre-shot image using a first energy spectrum; acquiring <NUM> one or more diagnostic images via a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum; and/or generating <NUM> a material-equivalent image, e.g., a water image, a fat image, and/or a protein image, based at least in part on the one or more pre-shot images and the diagnostic images. For example, in embodiments, the material-equivalent image may be a water-equivalent image <NUM>, a fat-equivalent image <NUM>, and/or a protein-equivalent image <NUM>. The first energy spectrum used to acquire <NUM> the one or more pre-shot images may be between about thirty-five (<NUM>) keV to about fifty (<NUM>) keV, and the second energy spectrum used to acquire <NUM> the one or more diagnostic images may be between about ten (<NUM>) keV to about thirty-five (<NUM>) keV.

In embodiments, generation <NUM> of the material-equivalent image may be based at least in part on a 3CB decomposition algorithm/model <NUM>. In embodiments, the 3CB model <NUM> may be applied to both the acquired <NUM> high-energy pre-shot images and the acquired <NUM> low-energy diagnostic images.

Finally, it is also to be understood that the system <NUM> may include the necessary electronics, software, memory, storage, databases, firmware, logic/state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input/output interfaces to perform the functions described herein and/or to achieve the results described herein. For example, as previously mentioned, the system may include at least one processor and system memory / data storage structures, which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one processor of the system <NUM> may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more supplementary co-processors such as math co-processors or the like. The data storage structures discussed herein may include an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, an optical disc such as a compact disc and/or a hard disk or drive.

Additionally, a software application that adapts the controller to perform the methods disclosed herein may be read into a main memory of the at least one processor from a computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium", as used herein, refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to the at least one processor of the system <NUM> (or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or opto-magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

While in embodiments, the execution of sequences of instructions in the software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods/processes described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the methods/processes of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

It is further to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.

For example, in an embodiment, a system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The system includes an imaging device operative to image the object, and a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire at least one pre-shot image of the object via the imaging device; and to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to the likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient. The controller is further operative to generate a global score derived from one or more features of the at least one pre-shot image. In such embodiments, the indicator is based at least in part on the global score. In certain embodiments, the controller is further operative to restrict imaging of the object via the imaging device if the global score does not exceed a threshold. In certain embodiments, the one or more features include at least one of a density of the object, a masking effect of the object, and a position of the object. In certain embodiments, the object is a human breast, the one or more features includes the position of the breast, and the global score is based at least in part on at least one of an inframammary fold of the breast, a nipple of the breast, and a pectoral muscle associated with the breast. In certain embodiments, the controller is further operative to match an anatomical symmetry to the object. In such embodiments, the indicator is based at least in part on the matched anatomical symmetry. In certain embodiments, the controller is further operative to restrict imaging of the object via the imaging device when the matched anatomical symmetry of the object is not an expected anatomical symmetry for the object. In certain embodiments, the controller generates the indicator based at least in part on a machine learning model. In certain embodiments, the controller is further operative to acquire the at least one pre-shot image using a first energy spectrum, and to acquire the one or more diagnostic images using a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum. In such embodiments, the controller is further operative to generate a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images.

Other embodiments provide for a method for imaging an object via pre-shot processing. The method includes acquiring at least one pre-shot image of the object via an imaging device. The method further includes generating, via a controller and based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to the likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient. The method further includes generating, via the controller, a global score derived from one or more features of the at least one pre-shot image. In such embodiments, the indicator is based at least in part on the global score. In certain embodiments, the method further includes restricting, via the controller, imaging of the object with the imaging device if the global score does not exceed a threshold. In certain embodiments, the one or more features include at least one of a density of the object, a masking effect of the object, and a position of the object. In certain embodiments, the object is a human breast, the one or more features includes the position of the breast, and the global score is based at least in part on at least one of an inframammary fold of the breast, a nipple of the breast, and a pectoral muscle associated with the breast. In certain embodiments, the method further includes matching, via the controller, an anatomical symmetry to the object. In such embodiments, the indicator is based at least in part on the matched anatomical symmetry. In certain embodiments, the method further includes restricting, via the controller, imaging of the object with the imaging device when the matched anatomical symmetry of the object is not an expected anatomical symmetry for the object. In certain embodiments, the controller generates the indicator based at least in part on a machine learning model. In certain embodiments, the method further includes acquiring one or more diagnostic images via the imaging device and generating, via the controller, a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images. In such embodiments, the at least one pre-shot image is acquired with a first energy spectrum and the one or more diagnostic images are acquired with a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum.

Yet still other embodiments provide for a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The stored instructions adapt a controller to acquire at least one pre-shot image of an object via an imaging device. The stored instructions further adapt the controller to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to the likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient.

Yet still other embodiments not forming part of the present invention provide for a system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing. The system includes an imaging device operative to image the object, and a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire the at least one pre-shot image using a first energy spectrum, and to acquire one or more diagnostic images via the imaging device using a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum. The controller is further operative to generate a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images. In certain embodiments, the controller is further operative to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to the likelihood that the one or more diagnostic images will be medically deficient.

Yet still other embodiments not forming part of the present invention provide for a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions. The stored instructions adapt a controller to acquire at least one pre-shot image via an imaging device using a first energy spectrum; and to acquire one or more diagnostic images via the imaging device using a second energy spectrum lower than the first energy spectrum. The stored instructions further adapt the controller to generate a material-equivalent image based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image and the one or more diagnostic images.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated, by taking advantage of the information available within a pre-shot image, some embodiments of the present invention provide for improved prediction/calculation as to the acceptability of subsequent diagnostic images, prior to their acquisition, so as to reduce the number of unacceptable diagnostic images, which in turn, may reduce the amount of unnecessary radiation exposure to a patient.

Further, by utilizing a machine learning model to access/analyze the pre-shot images, as opposed to relying on human analysis and/or more rigid computerized approaches, some embodiments of the present invention provide for improved detection and/or correction of possible problems/issues with an object to be imaged, prior to the acquisition of diagnostic images, as compared to systems and methods that rely substantially on human assessment/analysis of a pre-shot image.

Additionally, while the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, in the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format are not intended to be interpreted as such, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for imaging an object (<NUM>) via pre-shot processing, the system (<NUM>) comprising:
an X-ray diagnostic imaging device (<NUM>) operative to image the object (<NUM>);
a controller (<NUM>) in electronic communication with the imaging device (<NUM>) and operative to:
acquire (<NUM>) at least one pre-shot image (<NUM>) of the object (<NUM>) via the imaging device (<NUM>) prior to the acquisition of diagnostic images of the object (<NUM>) by the imaging device (<NUM>), wherein the at least one pre-shot image is acquired at an amount of radiation lower than that used by the imaging device (<NUM>) to acquire diagnostic images;
generate (<NUM>) a global score derived from one or more features (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least one pre-shot image (<NUM>); and
generate (<NUM>), based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image (<NUM>), a visual or audio indicator (<NUM>, <NUM>) that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object (<NUM>) acquired (<NUM>) subsequently via the imaging device (<NUM>) will be medically deficient, wherein the indicator (<NUM>, <NUM>) is based at least in part on the global score (<NUM>).