Researchers have developed software for the Microsoft Kinect camera that measures body part thickness and checks for motion, positioning and beam adjustment immediately before X-ray imaging.

“Patients, technologists and radiologists want the best quality X-rays at the lowest dose possible without repeating images,” said Steven Don, M.D., associate professor of radiology at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. “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.”

The software also provides information on motion and positioning with respect to automatic exposure control (AEC) sensors, image receptor and body part within the X-ray field.For the feasibility study, Dr. Don and colleagues combined the technology of the Microsoft Kinect 1.0 with proprietary software to address common problems that affect imaging results, including body-part thickness and motion. They wanted to improve the standard method that is often time-consuming, intrusive, and frightening to young children. Using Microsoft Kinect with this software, they can measure body-part thickness without patient contact.

The underlying software also provides valuable information on motion and positioning with respect to automatic exposure control (AEC) sensors, image receptor and body part within the X-ray field. It alerts the user when any of these factors do not match the requisition and could compromise image quality. As a result, the system can eliminate common causes of unnecessary repeat image acquisition.

“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.

Co-authors on the study are Robert MacDougall, M.Sc., and William Clayton.