Gaming Technology Takes Aim at X-Rays

Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO

Xbox technology could make X-rays more precise.

A team of scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a new approach to imaging patients, Based on the Microsoft Xbox gaming system, they say that their research can produce high-quality X-rays with minimal radiation exposure, particularly in children who may not be able to remain still long enough for normal X-rays to produce the clearest images.

Using proprietary software developed for the Microsoft Kinect system, the team has adapted the hands-free technology used for the popular gaming system to aid radiographers when taking X-rays. The software coupled with the Kinect system can measure thickness of body parts and check for motion, positioning, and the X-ray field of view immediately before imaging, said Steven Don, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology at the university’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. Real-time monitoring alerts technologists to factors that could compromise image quality. For example, “movement during an X-ray requires retakes, thereby increasing radiation exposure,” Don said.

The technology could benefit all patients, but particularly children because of their sensitivity to radiation and greater variation in body sizes, which can range from premature infants to adult-sized teenagers. Setting appropriate X-ray techniques to minimize radiation exposure depends on the thickness of the body part being imaged. High-quality X-rays are critical in determining diagnoses and treatment plans.

Traditionally steel calipers have been used to measure body-part thickness for X-rays. However, calipers are “time-consuming, intrusive and often scary to kids, especially those who are sick or injured,” said Don, who is also a pediatric radiologist.

“To achieve the best image quality while minimizing radiation exposure, X-ray technique needs to be based on body-part thickness,” Don said. The gaming software has an infrared sensor to measure body-part thickness automatically without patient contact. “Additionally, we use the optical camera to confirm the patient is properly positioned,” he explained. (See Figure 1)

Originally developed as a motion sensor and voice and facial recognition device for the Xbox gaming system, Microsoft Kinect software allows individuals to play games hands-free, or without a standard controller. Scientists, computer specialists, and other inventors have since adapted the Xbox technology for nongaming applications.

Don and his colleagues, for example, combined the Microsoft Kinect 1.0 technology with proprietary software to improve X-ray imaging.

Future Uses

Don and his colleagues have received funding from Washington University and The Society for Pediatric Radiology that they will use to continue research with the updated Microsoft Kinect 2.0 and seek feedback from radiological technologists to improve the software. While further research and development are needed, the eventual goal is to apply the technology to new X-ray machines as well as retrofitting older equipment.

For more information, visit https://medicine.wustl.edu  .

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