Ct imaging system and method using a task-based image quality metric to achieve a desired image quality

A method comprising:

• receiving operator inputs that include a modified system feature and a clinical task having a task object;
• receiving operator inputs for determining a task-based image quality (IQ) metric, the task-based IQ metric representing a desired overall image quality of image data for performing the clinical task, the image data being acquired using a reference system feature, wherein the reference system feature and the modified system feature are the same type of feature and include a reconstruction algorithm or a scan parameter;
• determining an exposure-control parameter based on the task object, the modified system feature, and the task-based IQ metric;
• and
• directing the x-ray source to generate the x-ray beam during the CT scan, wherein at least one of the tube current or the tube potential during the CT scan is a function of the exposure-control parameter.

A computed tomography (CT) imaging system comprising:

• an x-ray source configured to operate at a tube current and at a tube potential while generating an x-ray beam;
• a CT detector configured to collect projection data of a person;
• at least one processing unit configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory, the at least one processing unit, when executing the programmed instructions, configured to:
• receive operator inputs that include a clinical task having task object, a reference system feature, a modified system feature, and a target image quality (IQ) reference, the target IQ reference representing an acceptable image quality obtainable using the reference system feature, wherein the reference system feature and the modified system feature are the same type of feature and include a reconstruction algorithm or a scan parameter;
• determine a task-based IQ metric based on the task object, the reference system feature, and the target IQ reference;
• determine an adjusted IQ reference based on the task-based IQ metric, the task object, and the modified system feature;
• and
• direct the x-ray source to generate the x-ray beam during the CT scan, wherein at least one of the tube current or the tube potential during the CT scan is a function of the adjusted IQ reference.