Methods and apparatus for automatic image noise reduction

A system for optimizing image noise in an imaging system tile imaging system including an x-ray source, a computer and a detector the detector including at least one slice of detectors said system configured to be coupled to the x-ray source and the computer to:

• accept a scan protocol selection;
• provide a plurality of pre-programmed default imaging system parameters for the selected scan protocol;
• accept an adjustment of at least one said default imaging system parameter;
• generate an x-ray source current adjustment factor based on said at least one adjusted imaging system parameter using a stored algorithm;
• statically adjust an x-ray source current using said generated x-ray source current adjustment factor;
• and
• after statically adjusting the x-ray source current, scan an object using said statically adjusted x-ray source current.

An imaging system comprising:

• an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam;
• a detector array including an array of detectors configured to collect slice data;
• and
• a computer configured to:
• accept a scan protocol selection;
• provide a plurality of pre-programmed default imaging system parameters for the selected scan protocol;
• accept an adjustment of at least one default imaging system parameter;
• and
• generate an x-ray source current adjustment factor based on at least one adjusted imaging system parameter using a stored algorithm;
• and
• said imaging system configured to:
• statically adjust an x-ray source current of the x-ray source using the generated x-ray source current adjustment factor;
• and
• after statically adjusting the x-ray source current, scan an object using said statically adjusted x-ray source current.