A feasibility study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting detailed how software developed for the Microsoft Kinect gaming console has been used to create a hands-free technology that measures body part thickness and evaluates motion, positioning and beam adjustment directly before X-ray imaging. Researcher Steven Don said with the technology, "patients will benefit from reduced radiation exposure and higher quality images to ensure diagnostic accuracy."
In the study, the researchers combined the Microsoft Kinect 1.0 technology with software to address problems that affect imaging results, such as body-part thickness and motion. Don said "to optimise radiation exposure and image quality, X-ray technique should be set based on body-part thickness… Using Microsoft Kinect with this software, we can measure body-part thickness automatically without patient contact."
Further, the software provides motion and positioning information in regards to automatic exposure control sensors, image receptor and body part within the X-ray field. Meanwhile, real-time monitoring alerts the user when any of these factors do not match the request or may compromise image quality. Don commented "this device can help technologists and radiologists achieve the radiation dose goal of...As Low As Reasonably Achievable, while enhancing the quality and consistency of X-ray images." He added "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."
The Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis researchers applied for a patent last year and will continue research with the updated Microsoft Kinect 2.0 while seeking feedback from radiological technologists to improve the software.
