System and method for x-ray imaging alignment

Abstract

The present invention provides a positioning system comprising at least a portable detector enabling a user to continuously know the spatial position of the detector relative to the X-ray source so that it can be more easily aligned and to monitor during the procedure that the portable detector is within a predetermined tolerance range for keeping the alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a radiation interlock switch to prevent the emission of radiation in case the X-ray source and the detector are misaligned within the predetermined tolerance.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 191,449 entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR X-RAY IMAGING ALIGNMENT”, filed June 23, 2016, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 184,554 entitled “Mobile Imaging System and Method”, filed June 25, 2015, the entire description of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Regarding the sources of government funding

[0004] This invention is partly supported by government funding, obtained through the Pediatric Devices Consortium (PDC) grant program approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Technical Field

[0005] The disclosure detailed herein pertains to the field of medical technology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the field of X-ray imaging technology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the field of medical software technology. Background Technology

[0006] Modern medical facilities, such as hospitals or emergency care facilities, are typically large and complex organizations. These facilities can be organized into departments or branches specializing in specific types of patient care or areas of expertise. For example, a medical facility might have a radiology department handling a wide range of medical imaging tasks, such as computed tomography (CT) systems, X-ray systems (including conventional and digital imaging systems), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, positron emission tomography (PET) systems, ultrasound systems, nuclear medicine systems, and so on. Such systems provide invaluable tools for identifying, diagnosing, and treating physical conditions and significantly reduce the need for surgical diagnostic interventions. In many cases, these forms complement each other and provide physicians with a range of techniques for imaging specific types of tissues, organs, physiological systems, etc. However, patients requiring X-rays, for example, often have to be transported to a radiology department, or even a separate and geographically distant imaging center. This incurs additional delays, costs, and inconvenience for both patients and practicing physicians.

[0007] Digital imaging systems are becoming increasingly prevalent for generating digital data that can reproduce useful radiographic images. In one application of a digital imaging system, radiation from a radiation source is directed toward an object, typically a patient in medical diagnostic applications, and a portion of the radiation passes through the object and strikes a detector. The detector's surface converts the radiation into visible photons, which are then sensed. The detector is divided into discrete image elements, or an array of pixels, and encodes an output signal based on the amount or intensity of radiation affecting each pixel region. Because the radiation intensity changes as it passes through the object, the image reproduced based on the output signal can provide projections of tissue or other features similar to those obtainable using conventional radiographic film techniques.

[0008] In use, the signal generated at the pixel location of the detector is digitized. The digital values ​​are transmitted to processing circuitry, where they are filtered, scaled, and further processed to produce an image dataset. The dataset can then be used to reconstruct the obtained image and display it.

[0009] Despite advancements in this field, existing systems for portable diagnostic imaging still suffer from significant drawbacks. Current mobile radiographic / fluorescence imaging systems are cumbersome and expensive. These mobile systems typically include fixed, mechanical C-arms or other mechanical structures that connect the radiation source and detector to each other, mechanically fixing the detector relative to the X-ray source to prevent misalignment beyond pre-defined tolerances typically mandated by governments. Furthermore, the spatial position of the detector relative to the X-ray source is not always known, as is the case in fixed, permanent digital radiographic / fluorescence (DR) imaging systems. The need for mobile systems that comply with applicable regulations remains particularly strong when the object to be imaged is very fragile or essentially immobile. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Among other things, the present invention is considered to satisfy this need in a very easy and efficient manner. In particular, the present invention provides a positioning system that enables a user to continuously know the spatial position of a detector relative to an X-ray source. The X-ray source can be more easily aligned, and in order to maintain alignment, the portable detector is monitored within a predetermined tolerance range during the process. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further provides a radiation interlock switch to prevent radiation emission if the X-ray source and detector are misaligned within the predetermined tolerance range for any reason. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention according to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific embodiments shown in the drawings are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope or claims of the invention in any way.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top partial view showing the overall use of the device.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a bottom partial view showing the overall use of the device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the creation of a calibration system.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for aligning and generating instance images.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a one-time revaluation method for repositioning.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the real-time source relocation method.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a real-time detector repositioning method.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining radiation dose.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the radiation source system used for imaging a patient.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the radiation source used to image the patient, aligned with a portable detector used for example images.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the portable detector.

[0023] Figure 12 This is an aerial view showing the portable detector.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a radiation source used to image a patient, aligned with a portable detector used for calibration.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a perspective view showing the radiation source system, the monitor, and the computer.

[0026] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing the radiation source system and the alignment display.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the beam-generating component aligned below the radiation source.

[0028] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between devices and modules.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the alignment beam calibration system and other systems.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the alignment module and its sub-modules.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the alignment display system and its components.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the security system and its sub-modules.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware architecture of a computing device used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary logical architecture of a client device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 24 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary architectural arrangement of clients, servers, and external services according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 25 This is another block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware architecture of a computing device used in various embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] One or more different inventions are described in this application. Furthermore, many alternative embodiments may be described for the one or more inventions described herein; it should be understood that these are provided merely for illustrative purposes and do not in any way limit the inventions contained herein or the claims set forth herein. One or more inventions may be broadly applicable to many embodiments, as will be readily apparent from this disclosure. Generally, embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more inventions, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural, logical, software, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the particular scope of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more inventions can be practiced with various modifications and alterations. Specific features of one or more inventions described herein may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments or drawings that form part of this disclosure, and specific embodiments of one or more inventions are shown by way of example. However, it should be understood that such features are not limited to their use in the one or more specific embodiments or drawings described with reference to them. This disclosure is neither a textual description of all embodiments of one or more inventions, nor a list of features of one or more inventions that must be present in all embodiments.

[0038] The portions of the headings provided in this patent application and the headings of this patent application are for convenience only and are not intended to limit this disclosure in any way.

[0039] Devices that communicate with each other do not need to communicate continuously unless otherwise expressly stated. In addition, devices that communicate with each other can communicate directly or indirectly through one or more communication devices or intermediaries (logical or physical).

[0040] The description of an embodiment having several components that communicate with each other does not imply that all such components are necessary. Rather, various optional components may be described to illustrate various possible embodiments of one or more inventions and to more fully illustrate one or more aspects of the invention. Similarly, although process steps, method steps, algorithms, etc., may be described sequentially, such processes, methods, and algorithms may generally be configured to operate in an alternating order unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, any steps or order that may be described in this patent application does not itself imply a requirement to perform those steps in that order. The steps of the described process may be performed in any actual order. Furthermore, although described or implied to occur non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after another), some steps may be performed simultaneously. Moreover, the illustration of a process by way of description in the accompanying drawings does not imply that the illustrated process does not include variations and modifications thereof, does not imply that the illustrated process or any step thereof is necessary for one or more inventions, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. Moreover, steps are generally described once for each embodiment, but this does not imply that they must appear once, or that they may occur only once each time a process, method, or algorithm is implemented or performed. In some embodiments or events, some steps may be omitted, or some steps may be performed more than once in a given embodiment or event.

[0041] When this document describes a single device or item, it is obvious that more than one device or item can be used in place of that single device or item. Similarly, when this document describes more than one device or item, it is obvious that a single device or item can be used in place of more than one device or item.

[0042] The functionality or features of a device can be embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. Therefore, other embodiments of one or more inventions do not need to include the device itself.

[0043] For clarity, the technologies and institutions described or referenced herein will sometimes be described in the singular. However, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, a particular embodiment may include multiple iterations of the technology or multiple instantiations of the institution. The process descriptions or blocks in the figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or code portions comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of embodiments of the invention, wherein, for example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, depending on the functionality involved, the functionality may be performed independently of the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements. Also in the drawings, the leftmost digit of each reference numeral corresponds to the drawing in which the reference numeral was first used. Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can also be used in a variety of other systems and applications.

[0045] This invention has some generally known elements and some specifically defined terms, including: patient 175 (reference) Figure 9 and 10 ), operator, APR, predetermined tolerance, software, database (e.g., local storage 11 and remote storage 16, see reference). Figure 22 ), user input, user device 24 (reference) Figure 23 User interface, network 31 and 54, server 32 (reference) Figure 24 and 25 Computer 171 (Reference) Figure 9 , 10 13, 14, 15 and 16), central processing unit, memory (such as memory 25, see reference 25) Figure 23 Operating system, graphical user interface, presentation layer 27 (reference) Figure 23 This includes one or more modules and ultimately multiple program codes. However, their use and relationship to the novel components and steps of the invention render them suitable for use herein. They are explained thereafter to illustrate their role in the specification.

[0046] The term "user input" can include text or information entered by a user into one or more module presentation layers 27. User device 24 (reference) Figure 23 This includes interactive devices, which have one or more CPUs (e.g., reference 1). Figure 22 Processor 13 and reference Figure 23 The processor 21 and memory 25 having one or more modules containing executable instructions are typically computer 171. The term "user interface" includes a display mechanism for a graphical user interface that is part of a presentation layer 27 of one or more modules. In some embodiments, examples of a user interface may include: a screen, a display, a projector, a touch panel, an indicating device, a scrolling device, a button, or a switch.

[0047] The term "network" 31 may include a communication network that allows computers to exchange data. In some embodiments, examples of network 31 are thought to include: personal area network (LAN), wireless personal area network (WLAN), near area network (LAN), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless mesh network, wireless metropolitan area network (MAN), wireless wide area network (WAN), cellular network, home area network (LAN), storage area network (LAN), campus area network (LAN), backbone LAN, metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), enterprise private network (VPN), virtual private network (VPN), intranet, extranet, Internet, Internet of Things (IoT), near field communication (NFC), or mobile phone network.

[0048] The term "server" 32 includes one or more CPUs (e.g., reference 1) that respond to requests across a computer network and have the ability to execute one or more instructions on one or more modules residing on memory 25. Figure 22 Processor 13 and reference Figure 23 The system of processor 21 (e.g., programming instructions to operate suitable computer hardware). The term "computer" 171 includes general-purpose devices that are programmable to perform a finite set of arithmetic or logical operations. In some embodiments, examples of computer 171 are thought to include: desktop computers, in-vehicle computers, game consoles, laptop computers, notebooks, handheld computers, tablet computers, smartphones, or smartbooks. Computer 171 preferably includes a central processing unit, memory, an operating system, and a graphical user interface.

[0049] The term "central processing unit" refers to the hardware within a computer that executes the instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations of the system. The term "memory" includes physical devices used for temporarily or permanently storing programs (instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use in a computer or other digital electronic device.

[0050] The term "operating system" includes a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides public services to computer programs. The term "graphical user interface" includes a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators (such as secondary symbols), rather than text-based interfaces, typed command labels, or text navigation.

[0051] The term "presentation layer" 27 includes graphical output from one or more modules for user interaction, typically for one or more graphical user interfaces. In some embodiments, the term "module" as used herein may include a block of programmed instructions hosted on memory 25, executed by one or more CPUs performing one or more series of functions. The term "program" includes a series of instructions written to a computer, executed by one or more CPUs, to perform a specified task.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 1In some embodiments, the invention is used as disclosed: First, an individual (whether an operator or other person) wishes to use the invention to capture medical images or videos of patient 175 (step 101). Patient 175 includes any recipient of healthcare services that are the object of use of the example invention. In some embodiments, examples of patient 175 are believed to include: outpatients, inpatients, or daytime patients. Operators include individuals who provide preventive, therapeutic, promotional, or rehabilitative healthcare services and provide training to use the example system. In some embodiments, examples of operators are believed to include: sports coaches, audiologists, chiropractors, clinical nursing specialists, clinicians, community health workers, dentists, dietitians and nutritionists, emergency medical technicians, physician assistants, health administrators, medical assistants, medical laboratory scientists, midwives, nurse anesthesiologists, nurses, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians, phlebotomists, doctors, physician assistants, podiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, physical therapists (physiotherapists), radiographers, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists, speech pathologists, surgeons, surgical assistants, or surgical technicians.

[0053] Next, it is determined whether a functional alignment beam calibration system 139 for creating medical images exists (step 102). If the alignment beam calibration system 139 is not yet implemented (step 103), it is created by producing one or more alignment beam calibration images 134 specific to one or more alignment beam generation components 130 (step 104). The alignment beam calibration system 139 is a configuration of components that allows an operator to compare an alignment instance image 137 with the alignment beam calibration image 134.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 3 To generate calibration, a portable radiation source 143 from radiation source system 149 is aligned with portable detector system 147 (step 201). Portable radiation source 143 includes devices for generating X-rays, acquiring X-ray images of the interior of an object by a person or operator, which can also be used for common X-ray applications, including sterilization, fluorescence, medical, and diagnostic purposes. Typically, it will allow a person to take images or videos using many degrees of freedom from the portable detector. In some embodiments, examples of portable radiation source 143 are thought to be, for example, single-pulse or continuous emission sources, etc.

[0055] Portable radiation source 143 is typically part of radiation source system 149. Radiation source system 149 includes components and controllers of an X-ray system that allow the portable radiation source 143 to be used effectively in practice. In some embodiments, examples of radiation source system 149 are thought to include: a computer, X-ray software, a portable vehicle, casters, or an articulated arm.

[0056] The portable detector system 147 for receiving X-rays includes a component (not attached to the radiation source system 149 but freely movable) that converts X-ray photons received on its surface into lower-energy photons, and then into electrical signals that are acquired and processed to reproduce an image of features within the patient.

[0057] Next, to create the calibration, a specific arrangement of the alignment beam generating component 130 is configured (step 202). The alignment beam generating component 130 includes one or more components embedded in or added to the radiation system to generate an aligned radiation beam 141. In some embodiments, the alignment beam generating component 130 may preferably include a positioning plate 158, a collimator 167, a positioning aperture 155, and / or a beam variation component. These components can generate an aligned radiation beam.

[0058] In some embodiments, collimator 167 includes means for adjusting the beam size to a desired size for imaging a desired area. Collimator 167 may preferably include collimator shutter blades 144. These serve as part of collimator 167, which allows the radiated beam to be narrowed, can be used to create an alignment beam aperture, and / or narrows the beam for other imaging purposes.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more positioning plates 158 include one or more configurable plates between the portable radiation source 143 and the portable detector system 147. Positioning plates 158 block most of the radiation except for positioning apertures that confine the beam to form an alignment beam. In some embodiments, positioning apertures 155 are created. Positioning apertures 155 include apertures through which residual radiation flows out after the radiation has passed through the alignment beam generating member 130.

[0060] Additionally, the beam-generating component 130 has several alternative embodiments, referred to herein as an embodiment of "collimator hole in shutter blade", an embodiment of "incompletely closed collimator", an embodiment of "positioning orifice plate", and an embodiment of "low-dose system".

[0061] The "collimator aperture in shutter blades" embodiment includes an embodiment in which the collimator has an aperture in the shutter blades that serve as the source of the aligned radiation beam 141. The "partially closed collimator" embodiment includes an embodiment in which the collimator does not have an aperture in the shutter blades, but the aligned radiation beam 141 is generated by the collimator shutter blades 144 being partially closed.

[0062] The “positioning aperture plate” embodiment includes one or more configurable plates for limiting most or all of the outgoing radiation from the radiation source, except for that which passes through the alignment beam aperture, thereby generating a radiation alignment beam 141. The “low-dose system” includes embodiments of the alignment beam 141 created by a portable radiation system capable of emitting a low-dose alignment beam.

[0063] Next, the radiation source system 149 is positioned within known acceptable spatial parameters of the portable detector system 147 for calibration (step 203). Then, the operator triggers the release of the alignment radiation beam 141 emitted from the portable radiation source (step 204). The alignment radiation beam 141 includes radiation through one or more positioning apertures 155 used for aligning the portable radiation source 143 and the portable detector system 147.

[0064] Next, the alignment beam strikes the portable detector system 147 (step 205). Then, the portable detector system 147 uses the detector image generation system 135 to generate an alignment beam calibration image 134 (step 206). The detector image generation system 135 includes a system, preferably within the portable detector, that converts the radiation beam from the portable radiation source 143 into an image that can be analyzed by a computer (or, in some embodiments, video with video frames as an image). The detector image generation system 135 creates the alignment beam calibration image 134 and transmits it to the computer 171 via the communication unit 127. In other subsequent steps, the apparatus also creates an alignment beam instance image 137 and a patient radiograph.

[0065] The alignment beam calibration image 134 includes a selection of images specific to the type of alignment beam generation component 130, wherein the image (in some embodiments it may be a frame from a video) is used to determine the alignment of the source and detector so that if there is no alignment, the operator can reposition it.

[0066] The communication unit 127 includes means for transmitting data from the detector to a computer. In some embodiments, examples of the communication unit 127 are thought to include: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. TM Serial cables, HDMI cables, or network devices, etc.

[0067] In some embodiments, calibration can be completed (step 207) when the portable detector system 147 sends an alignment beam calibration image 134 to be associated with other alignment information data 140 functionally connected to a computer. The alignment information data 140 includes data from an instance of the alignment beam calibration system 139, such as the alignment beam calibration image 134, an alignment beam instance image 137, or other data processed by the image processing system 151. In some embodiments, the person creating the calibration may be someone manufacturing the system in a factory, where the calibration data is subsequently stored in memory on the system for consumer use.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 1 Once the alignment beam calibration system 139 has been implemented (step 105), the patient 175 is positioned on a table or other patient support and between the portable radiation source 143 and the portable detector system 147 (step 106). Then, as described in more detail below in steps 301-308, the operator uses the portable detector system 147 to align and trigger the portable radiation source 143 to capture an instance image 137 of the alignment beam (step 107).

[0069] Now for reference Figure 4 Then, the operator configures the specific arrangement of the alignment beam generating component 130 (step 302). Next, the operator triggers the release of the alignment radiation beam 141 emitted from the portable radiation source 143 (step 303). Then, the alignment radiation beam 141 passes through the alignment beam generating component 130 (step 304). Then, the alignment radiation beam 141 passes through the patient 175 (step 305). Next, the alignment beam strikes the portable detector system 147 (step 306).

[0070] Then, the portable detector system 147 uses the detector image generation system 135 to generate an alignment beam instance image 137 (step 307). Next, the portable detector system 147 sends an alignment beam calibration image 134 to be associated with other alignment information data 140 functionally connected to the computer (step 308). Now refer to Figure 2 Subsequently, the computer uses the image processing system 151 and the example image to calculate whether the detector is within the predetermined tolerance (step 108).

[0071] After comparing the two images, if the detector is not within the predetermined tolerance (step 109), then the radiation source exposure interlock 132 is activated by the safety system 164 to prevent radiation emission (step 110).

[0072] Now for reference Figure 17 and 21Safety system 164 includes a system primarily involving the use of calibration images / sample images to implement safety functions, and also preferably includes a radiation source exposure interlock 132 and a safety module 163. Radiation source exposure interlock 132 includes programming and / or physical means capable of immediately shutting off and / or preventing the initiation of X-rays from the radiation source. In some embodiments, this can occur by suppressing existing signals. Preferably, the interlock provides supplemental suppression of one or more imaging signals. Thus, when a predetermined tolerance threshold is reached, imaging is activated by releasing the interlock's suppression, and imaging begins. During imaging, if measurements, such as those from video frames, indicate alignment deviation, the interlock will be reactivated, thereby preventing imaging. Safety module 163 includes modules primarily for implementing safety protocols (e.g., shutdown or interlock), and also preferably includes a boundary detection module 152.

[0073] The boundary detection module 152 includes a module that determines whether the position of a pixel from an instance image indicates that the alignment beam is approaching the outside of the detector. For example, the image may have a boundary width of one inch (although this may be within a predefined range), where if the alignment beam strikes within this area, it will indicate misalignment and employ interlocking.

[0074] Now for reference Figure 2 After performing the safety feature, the operator then implements alignment feedback system 142 (step 111) to align the detector and source. An example embodiment of the method used includes: first, selecting to capture one image at a time and repositioning the detector or source (step 112), as follows: Now refer to Figure 5 The operator captures an instance image (step 401). Next, the image is processed within the image processing system 151 (step 402). Next, the operator evaluates the information on the alignment display system 148 in order to reposition the source or detector (step 403).

[0075] Now for reference Figure 2 Secondly, select to use real-time source positioning (step 113), as follows: Now refer to Figure 6 The operator captures an instance image (step 501). Next, the image is processed within an image processing system 151, which includes a source localization sensing component 131 (step 502). Next, the operator evaluates the information on the alignment display system 148 in order to relocate the source or detector (step 503).

[0076] Now for reference Figure 2 Third, select to use a real-time detector for localization (step 114), as follows: Now refer to Figure 7The operator captures an instance image (step 601). Next, the image is processed within the image processing system 151 (step 602). Next, the image is processed within the image processing system 151, which includes the detector positioning sensing component 128 (step 603). Next, the operator evaluates the information on the alignment display system 148 to reposition the source or detector (step 604). Some embodiments of the alignment feedback system 142 may include automatic alignment. This is an embodiment where, if the radiation source system has a motorized articulated component, it can coordinate alignment data used for automatic alignment.

[0077] To implement these methods, some embodiments include the following components. Reference is now made to... Figure 17 and 18 The image processing system 151 includes one or more modules on a computer that receive data from the alignment beam calibration system 139 and then relay position information relative to the radiation source. The image processing system 151 preferably includes an alignment module 160, a safety system 164, an alignment feedback system 142, a source positioning sensor 131, a detector positioning sensor 128, alignment information data 140, and finally, an alignment display system 148.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 19 The calibration image / example image comparison module 126 includes a module that coordinates other modules to compare the calibration image with the example image to determine whether they are aligned within a predetermined tolerance. In some embodiments, this module includes a region specifying certain aligned pixels within the calibration image, wherein the presence of overlap between these pixels and the aligned image produces data characteristics that can be used to determine the alignment. The calibration image / example image comparison module 126 preferably includes a centering module 159, a skew detection module 153, a depth and / or distance detection module 129, and a final rotation module 161.

[0079] The centering module 159 includes a module that determines whether the position of a pixel from the example image indicates that the alignment radiation beam is off-center relative to the calibration image or within a predetermined tolerance. In some embodiments, this may be one of the parameters that would cause the interlock to disengage, serving as a signal that the example image can be precisely positioned. The skew detection module 153 includes a module that determines whether the position of a pixel from the example image indicates that the alignment radiation beam is skewed relative to the calibration image or within a predetermined tolerance.

[0080] Rotation module 161 includes a module that can determine whether the position of a pixel from the example image indicates that the aligned radiation beam is at an acceptable rotation within a predetermined tolerance. Depth and / or distance detection module 129 includes a module that can determine whether the position of a pixel from the example image indicates that the aligned radiation beam is at a depth or distance within a predetermined tolerance.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 17 The alignment feedback system 142 includes one or more methods used by an operator to iteratively determine the position of a detector relative to a source in order to obtain a radiographic image from a patient. The alignment feedback system 142 is used to: (1) communicate with one or more of a calibration image / example image comparison module, a source positioning sensor 131, a detector positioning sensor 128, alignment information data 140, and an alignment display system 148 to align the detector with the source and (2) provide data to the operator to align the detector or the source. The alignment feedback system 142 has alternative embodiments, referred to herein as an "automatic alignment" embodiment.

[0082] The source positioning sensing component 131 includes one or more sensors, individually or in combination, for detecting changes in position as the portable radiation source 143 moves. In some embodiments, examples of the source positioning sensing component 131 are thought to include multi-axis displacement sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In some embodiments, it is thought that if the source positioning sensing component 131 is not present, then an image processing system 151 can be used in the absence of the source positioning sensing component 131.

[0083] The detector positioning sensing element 128 includes one or more sensors, individually or in combination, for detecting changes in position as the detector moves. In some embodiments, examples of the detector positioning sensing element 128 are thought to include: a multi-axis displacement sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS). In some embodiments, it is thought that if the detector positioning sensing element 128 is not present, then the image processing system 151 can be used without the detector positioning sensing element 128.

[0084] Alignment information data 140 includes data containing an instance of the alignment beam calibration system 139. This may include data such as alignment beam calibration image 134, alignment beam instance image 137, or other data processed by image processing system 151. One objective of alignment information data 140 is to provide feedback on the alignment of the radiation source and detector.

[0085] At least refer to now Figure 20 The alignment display system 148 includes hardware and software components that provide operators with feedback on the system's positioning, enabling them to reposition and / or take X-rays. The alignment display system 148 preferably includes an alignment display screen 146.

[0086] Alignment display screen 146 includes a screen displaying one or more interfaces for determining positioning. In some embodiments, examples of alignment display screen 146 are believed to include: large image projectors, electroluminescent displays, electronic paper displays, electronic ink displays, gyricon, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), twisted nematic field-effect displays, backlit displays, LEDs, blue phase mode LCDs, IPS panels, plasma displays, plasma display panels, alternating illumination of surface displays, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), active organic light-emitting diode displays, organic light-emitting transistors, surface conduction electron emission displays, field emission displays, laser video displays, laser televisions, quantum dot lasers, quantum dots, liquid crystal lasers, liquid crystals, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) displays, interferometric modulator-display-odds (IMOD) displays, time-multiplexed optical shutters (TMOS), digital micro-shutter displays (DMS), quantum dot displays, ferro-liquid crystal displays, thick-film dielectric electroluminescence technology, retractable pixel displays, or laser phosphor displays. The alignment display screen 146 preferably includes an alignment accept indicator 136 and an alignment interface module 138.

[0087] The alignment interface module 138 includes one or more interfaces for displaying positioning information of the alignment feedback system 142. The radiation source exposure interlock 132 includes programming and / or physical devices capable of immediately shutting off and / or preventing the initiation of X-rays from the radiation source.

[0088] Now for reference Figure 2 After repositioning, when the detector and source are aligned within a predetermined tolerance (step 115), a radiation image of one or more images or videos is captured (step 117). Preferably, if the video image is detected as misaligned, an interlock will be activated during imaging until repositioning occurs. In some embodiments, before capturing the radiation image, there may be a setting to determine the radiation dose using APR before imaging (step 116). This can occur at various points in the procedure, either before or after calibration.

[0089] APR includes an interactive system that allows operators to configure the radiation dose to be used to capture images / videos of the patient. The term "software" includes the p and the collection of related data. A database comprises an organized collection of data with a software system designed to allow for the definition, creation, querying, updating, and management of the database.

[0090] An exemplary method for determining radiation dose may be as follows: Next, refer now to Figure 8The operator determines the patient's weight (step 701). The operator interacts with the APR and selects the corresponding icon associated with the patient's weight (step 702). Next, the operator interacts with the APR and selects the corresponding icon associated with the patient's anatomical region (step 703). Next, the APR interacts with the components on the radiation source system 149 and adjusts the patient's imaging radiation dose level (step 704).

[0091] Hardware architecture

[0092] Typically, the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware. For example, they can be implemented in an operating system kernel, in a separate user process, in a library package bound to a network application, on a specially built machine, on an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or on a network interface card.

[0093] The software / hardware hybrid implementations of at least some embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented on programmable network-resident machines (which should be understood to include intermittently connected network-aware machines) selectively activated or reconfigured by computer programs stored in storage. Such network devices may have multiple network interfaces that can be configured or designed to utilize different types of network communication protocols. This document may describe general architectures for some of these machines to illustrate one or more exemplary means that can implement a given functional unit. According to specific embodiments, at least some of the features or functions of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented on one or more general-purpose computers associated with one or more networks, such as end-user computer systems, client computers, network servers or other server systems, mobile computing devices (e.g., tablet computing devices, mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, or other suitable computing devices), consumer electronic devices, music players, or any other suitable electronic devices, routers, switches, or other suitable devices, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, at least some of the features or functions of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in one or more virtualized computing environments (e.g., web computing clouds, virtual machines hosted on one or more physical computers, or other suitable virtual environments).

[0094] Now for reference Figure 22The diagram illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computing device 10 suitable for implementing at least a portion of the features or functions disclosed herein. The computing device 10 may be, for example, any of the computers listed in the preceding paragraph, or any other electronic device capable of executing software- or hardware-based instructions according to one or more programs stored in memory. The computing device 10 may be adapted to communicate with multiple other computing devices (such as clients or servers) via a communication network (such as a wide area network, metropolitan area network, local area network, wireless network, the Internet, or any other network) using known protocols (whether wired or wireless) for such communication.

[0095] In one embodiment, computing device 10 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) 12, one or more interfaces 15, and one or more buses 14 (such as peripheral component interconnect (PCI) buses). When operating under the control of appropriate software or firmware, CPU 12 can be responsible for implementing specific functions associated with the functionality of a particular configuration of the computing device or machine. For example, in at least one embodiment, computing device 10 may be configured or designed to function as a server system using CPU 12, local memory 11 and / or remote memory 16, and interfaces 15. In at least one embodiment, CPU 12 may be made to perform one or more different types of functions and / or operations under the control of software modules or components, such as operating systems and any suitable application software, drivers, etc.

[0096] CPU 12 may include one or more processors 13, such as processors from one of the Intel, ARM, Qualcomm, and AMD family of microprocessors. In some embodiments, processor 13 may include specially designed hardware for controlling the operation of computing device 10, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. In certain embodiments, local memory 11 (e.g., non-volatile random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM), such as including level one or more cache memories) may also be formed as part of CPU 12. However, there are many ways in which memory can be coupled to system 10. Memory 11 can be used for various purposes, such as caching and / or storing data, programming instructions, etc. It should be further understood that CPU 12 may be one of various system-on-chip (SoC) type hardware, which may include additional hardware such as memory or graphics processing chips, such as the Qualcomm SNAPDRAGON, which is becoming increasingly common in the art. TM Or Samsung EXYNOS TM CPUs, for example, are used in mobile devices or integrated devices.

[0097] As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to those integrated circuits referred to in the art as processors, mobile processors, or microprocessors, but broadly refers to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, application-specific integrated circuits, and any other programmable circuits.

[0098] In one embodiment, interface 15 is provided as a network interface card (NIC). Typically, a NIC controls the sending and receiving of data packets over a computer network; other types of interface 15 may support, for example, other peripheral devices used with computing device 10. Available interfaces include Ethernet interfaces, Frame Relay interfaces, cable interfaces, DSL interfaces, Token Ring interfaces, and graphics interfaces, etc. Furthermore, different types of interfaces may be provided, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, Ethernet, FireWire, etc. TM THUNDERBOLT TM PCI, Parallel, Radio Frequency (RF), BlueTooth TM Interfaces include near-field communication (e.g., using near-field magnetism), 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Frame Relay, TCP / IP, ISDN, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial ATA (SATA) or external SATA (eSATA), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Analog or Digital Audio Interface, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), High-Speed ​​Serial Interface (HSSI), Point-of-Sale (POS) Interface, Fiber Optic Data Distribution Interface (FDDI), etc. Typically, such interfaces 15 may include physical ports suitable for communicating with appropriate media. In some cases, they may also include a separate processor (such as a dedicated audio or video processor, like the high-fidelity A / V hardware interface common in the art), and in some cases, volatile and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM).

[0099] although Figure 22 The system illustrated shows a specific architecture for a computing device 10 used to implement one or more of the inventions described herein, but it is by no means the only device architecture capable of implementing at least some of the features and techniques described herein. For example, an architecture with one or any number of processors 13 can be used, and such processors 13 can be present in a single device or distributed across any number of devices. In one embodiment, a single processor 13 handles communication as well as routing calculations, while in other embodiments, a separate dedicated communication processor may be provided. In various embodiments, different types of features or functions can be implemented in the system according to the invention, which includes client devices (such as tablet devices or smartphones running client software) and server systems (such as server systems described in more detail below).

[0100] Regardless of the network device configuration, the system of the present invention may use one or more memories or memory modules (e.g., remote memory block 16 and local memory 11) configured to store data, program instructions for general network operation, or other information related to the functionality of the embodiments described herein (or any combination thereof). For example, program instructions may control or include the execution of an operating system and / or one or more applications. Memory 16 or memories 11, 16 may also be configured to store data structures, configuration data, encrypted data, historical system operation information, or any other specific or general non-program information described herein.

[0101] Because such information and program instructions can be used to implement one or more systems or methods described herein, at least some network device embodiments may include non-transitory machine-readable storage media, which may be configured or designed to store program instructions, status information, etc., for performing the various operations described herein. Examples of such non-transitory machine-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM), flash memory (as is common in mobile devices and integrated systems), solid-state drives (SSDs) and “hybrid SSD” storage drives that can combine physical components of solid-state and hard disk drives in a single hardware device (which is becoming increasingly common in the art for personal computers), memristor memory, random access memory (RAM), etc. It should be understood that such storage devices can be monolithic and non-removable (e.g., RAM hardware modules that can be soldered onto a motherboard or otherwise integrated into an electronic device), or they can be removable, such as hot-swappable flash memory modules (e.g., "thumb drives" or other removable media designed for fast swapping of physical storage devices), "hot-swappable" hard disk drives or solid-state drives, removable optical storage disks, or other such removable media, and such integrated and removable storage media can be used interchangeably. Examples of program instructions include object code that can be generated by a compiler, machine code that can be generated by an assembler or linker, and, for example, Java... TM Bytecode generated by a compiler and executable using a Java Virtual Machine or equivalent, or a file containing higher-level code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter (e.g., a script written in Python, Perl, Ruby, Groovy, or any other scripting language).

[0102] In some embodiments, the system according to the invention can be implemented on a stand-alone computing system. Reference now is made to... Figure 23 This diagram illustrates a typical exemplary architecture depicting one or more embodiments or components thereof on a standalone computing system. The computing device 20 includes a processor 21 capable of running software, such as a client application 24, that performs one or more functions or applications implementing embodiments of the present invention. The processor 21 can execute computing instructions under the control of an operating system 22, such as Microsoft Windows. TM Operating system, Apple's Mac OS / X or iOS operating system, some type of Linux operating system, Google's Android TM Operating system version, etc. In many cases, one or more shared services 23 can operate within system 20 and can be used to provide public services to client application 24. Service 23 can be, for example, Windows. TM The system may be a service, a user-space public service in a Linux environment, or any other type of public service architecture used with the operating system 21. Input device 28 may be of any type suitable for receiving user input, including, for example, a keyboard, touchscreen, microphone (e.g., for voice input), mouse, touchpad, trackball, or any combination thereof. Output device 27 may be of any type suitable for providing output to one or more users remotely or locally relative to system 20, and may include, for example, one or more screens, speakers, printers, or any combination thereof for visual output. Memory 25 may be random access memory having any structure and architecture known in the art, for use by processor 21, for example, to run software. Storage device 26 may be for digital (e.g., referenced above) Figure 25 The description refers to any magnetic, optical, mechanical, memristor, or electronic storage device that stores data. Examples of storage devices 26 include flash memory, magnetic hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, and / or the like.

[0103] In some embodiments, the system of the present invention can be implemented on a distributed computing network, such as having any number of clients and / or servers. Reference now is made to... Figure 24 The diagram illustrates an exemplary architecture 30 depicting at least a portion of a system according to embodiments of the present invention on a distributed computing network. According to embodiments, any number of clients 33 can be provided. Each client 33 can run software for implementing the client portion of the present invention; the client may include, for example, at least... Figure 11The system 20 shown is illustrated. Additionally, any number of servers 32 can be provided to handle requests received from one or more clients 33. Clients 33 and servers 32 can communicate with each other via one or more electronic networks 31, which in various embodiments can be any one of the Internet, a wide area network, a mobile phone network (such as a CDMA or GSM cellular network), a wireless network (such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, etc.), or a local area network (or virtually any network topology known in the art; the present invention does not prefer any particular network topology over any other). Network 31 can be implemented using any known network protocol, including, for example, wired and / or wireless protocols.

[0104] Additionally, in some embodiments, server 32 may invoke external service 37 as needed to obtain additional information or refer to additional data regarding a particular invocation. Communication with external service 37 may, for example, be conducted via one or more networks 31. In various embodiments, external service 37 may include network services or functions related to or installed on the hardware device itself. For example, in an embodiment where client application 24 is implemented on a smartphone or other electronic device, client application 24 may obtain information from external service 37 stored in server system 32 in the cloud or deployed on one or more at a specific enterprise or user site.

[0105] In some embodiments of the invention, client 33 or server 32 (or both) may utilize one or more specialized services or devices that may be deployed locally or remotely across one or more networks 31. For example, one or more databases 34 may be used or referenced by one or more embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that database 34 can be arranged in a wide variety of architectures and use a wide variety of data access and manipulation means. For example, in various embodiments, one or more databases 34 may include relational database systems using Structured Query Language (SQL), while other databases may include alternative data storage technologies, such as those referred to in the art as “NoSQL” (e.g., Hadoop Cassandra, Google BigTable, etc.). In some embodiments, variant database architectures may be used according to the invention, such as columnar databases, in-memory databases, clustered databases, distributed databases, or even flat file data stores. Those skilled in the art will understand that any combination of known or future database technologies may be appropriately used, unless a particular database technology or specific arrangement of components is specified herein for a particular embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term “database” as used herein can refer to a physical database machine, a cluster of machines acting as a single database system, or a logical database within an entire database management system. Unless a specific meaning is given for the particular use of the term “database”, it should be interpreted as referring to any of those meanings, all of which are understood to be the clear meaning of the term “database” for those skilled in the art.

[0106] Similarly, most embodiments of the present invention may use one or more security systems 36 and configuration systems 35. Security and configuration management are common information technology (IT) and networking functions, and some number of each are typically associated with any IT or networking system. Those skilled in the art will understand that any configuration or security subsystem now or in the future known in the art can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention without limitation, unless the description of any particular embodiment specifically requires a particular security 36 or configuration system 35 or method.

[0107] Figure 25An exemplary overview of a computer system 40 that can be used in any of its various locations throughout the system is shown. Any computer capable of executing code to process data is exemplary. Various modifications and changes can be made to the computer system 40 without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the systems and methods disclosed herein. A CPU 41 is connected to a bus 42, which is also connected to a memory 43, non-volatile memory 44, a display 47, an I / O unit 48, and a network interface card (NIC) 53. The I / O unit 48 may typically be connected to a keyboard 49, an indicating device 50, a hard disk 52, and a real-time clock 51. The NIC 53 is connected to a network 54, which may be the Internet or a local network, which may or may not be connected to the Internet. Also shown as part of system 40 is a power supply unit 45, which in this example is connected to an AC power supply 46. Batteries that may be present, as well as many other well-known devices and modifications that are not applied to the specific novel functions of the current systems and methods disclosed herein, are not shown. It should be understood that some or all of the components shown may be combined, for example, in various integrated applications (e.g., Qualcomm or Samsung SOC-based devices), or wherever it is appropriate to combine multiple features or functions into a single hardware device (e.g., in mobile devices such as smartphones, video game consoles, in-vehicle computer systems such as navigation or multimedia systems in cars, or other integrated hardware devices).

[0108] In various embodiments, the functionality of the system or method for implementing the present invention can be distributed across any number of client and / or server components. For example, various software modules can be implemented to perform various functions related to the present invention, and such modules can be implemented differently to run on server and / or client components.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will recognize the scope of possible modifications to the various embodiments described above. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for controlling radiation emission during a fluoroscopic video imaging procedure, the system comprising: a radiation source system comprising a portable fluoroscopic radiation source; a portable detector system comprising a plurality of pixels, the portable detector system encoding an output signal based on an amount or intensity of radiation, the portable detector system operable to generate an alignment beam instance image; an alignment beam calibration system, wherein the alignment beam calibration system is created by making one or more alignment beam calibration images specific to one or more alignment beam generating components; and an image processing system comprising at least an alignment module and a safety system, wherein the alignment module is configured to: receive the alignment beam instance image from the portable detector system; designate an alignment pixel region within the alignment beam calibration image, wherein the presence of an overlap of these pixels with the alignment beam instance image produces a determined data characteristic for enabling alignment; and detect the presence of an overlap of the alignment pixel region within the alignment beam instance image and the alignment beam calibration image to enable a determination of alignment of the portable detector system and the radiation source; and the safety system is configured to: prevent the radiation source from emitting radiation when, during the fluoroscopic video imaging procedure, it is determined that the portable detector system is misaligned with the radiation source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment beam calibration image comprises an image specific to a first arrangement of the alignment beam generating components, and wherein the alignment beam calibration image is used to determine alignment of the radiation source and the portable detector system.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one arrangement of alignment beam generating components comprises one or more components positioned between the radiation source and a patient.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment beam comprises radiation that passes through one or more positioning holes used to align the radiation source and the portable detector system.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein, the one or more positioning holes contain a remaining outflow from the radiation source that allows one or more alignment radiation beams to pass through the one or more positioning holes.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, the one or more positioning holes are formed by a collimator positioned between the radiation source and the portable detector system.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein, the one or more positioning holes are formed by one or more configurable plates between the radiation source and the portable detector system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, the safety system is configured to use the alignment data to enable a plurality of safety functions.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, a first safety function of the plurality of safety functions comprises using a radiation source exposure interlock to immediately shut off radiation from the radiation source.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, a second safety function of the plurality of safety functions comprises using a boundary detection module, wherein the boundary detection module is configured to determine whether a location of a pixel from the instance image relative to the calibration image indicates that one or more alignment radiation beams are outside of the portable detector system.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment module of the image processing system further comprises a calibration image / instance image comparison module, wherein the calibration image / instance image comparison module comprises a centering module, a skew detection module, a depth and / or distance detection module, and a rotation module.

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