onmedic news: RSNA Roundup: Researchers refine X-ray tech with Kinect gaming sensor

dimarts, 1 de desembre del 2015

RSNA Roundup: Researchers refine X-ray tech with Kinect gaming sensor

Microsoft‘s (NSDQ:MSFT) Kinect, originally developed as a motion sensor for its Xbox gaming systems, is helping researchers refine X-ray imaging through analysis of body part thickness, motion and positioning, researchers said today.

Data from a feasibility study of the device was presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting.

“Patients, technologists and radiologists want the best quality X-rays at the lowest dose possible without repeating images. This technology is a tool to help achieve that goal. Patients will benefit from reduced radiation exposure and higher quality images to ensure diagnostic accuracy,” study author Dr. Steven Don of St. Louis, Mo.’s Washington University School of Medicine said in prepared remarks.

The software developed for the gaming console sensor measures body part thickness, motion, positioning and beam adjustment before X-ray imaging to address common problems that can affect the results.

“To optimize radiation exposure and image quality, X-ray technique should be set based on body-part thickness. Use of traditional calipers is time-consuming, intrusive, and sometimes frightening to young children. Using Microsoft Kinect with this software, we can measure body-part thickness automatically without patient contact,” Dr. Don said in a press release.

The software also returns motion and positioning information for automatic exposure control sensors and image receptors as well as data on which body parts are within the X-ray field.

The system can alert the operator when “factors do not match the requisition,” researchers said, such as if the wrong body part is being scanned, or if there are issues that could compromise image quality.

“This device can help technologists and radiologists achieve the radiation dose goal of ALARA, As Low As Reasonably Achievable, while enhancing the quality and consistency of X-ray images,” Dr. Don said in a prepared statement. “In the future, we hope to see this device, and other tools like it, installed on radiography equipment to aid technologists by identifying potential problems before they occur.”

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